Woodbury Reads!

CENTRAL VALLEY-The fourth annual town-wide reading program, Woodbury Reads!, is taking place over the next two months throughout the Town of Woodbury. This year's book, "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time," is the first novel by Mark Haddon. It's written from the point of view of Christopher, an autistic 15-year-old, who finds his neighbor's dog, Wellington, lying dead on a lawn. Christopher sets out to track down the killer and to write a mystery novel about it. The British Book Awards named "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" the children's book of the year. Beyond its story, the book also is a look at how individuals fit into a community. All residents are encouraged to read the book, talk about it and attend the programs held at the Library. The first 25 people to sign up will receive a free copy of the book, compliments of the Friends of the Library. Multiple copies of the book also will be available to borrow at both branches of the Library and through the Library System. On Friday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m., Prof. Chris Godwin, the chair of the English Department at SUNY Orange, will lead a book discussion. Then on Sunday, March 20, starting at 2:30 p.m., the library will hold a panel discussion, "Whose Community? Autism in our town," to help bring insights from the book back to the community. Registration is required and can be done at either branch of the library. To register by phone or for more information, call 928-2114. Woodbury Reads! is a community-wide reading program based on the "One City, One Book" programs started in Seattle and Chicago. The concept began with the question, "What if everyone read the same book at the same time?" The program is an opportunity to build community ties and encourage individuals to share ideas and experiences. In a time when many residents don't have an opportunity to interact in a relaxed setting, the Library can encourage neighbors to do so by focusing on good books and reading, In Woodbury the first program was held in 2002 in response to the community's reaction to the terrorists attack on Sept. 11, 2001. The Woodbury Public Library and the Friends of the Library sponsored the program.