Friday, September 27, 2002

Atlantic County Is Ready To Read

"Atlantic County Reads . . ." will kick off a month-long series of free community events with a lecture by Dr. Claudia Durst Johnson, author and renowned expert on "To Kill a Mockingbird," on Tuesday, October 1 at 7 PM at the Atlantic City High School auditorium, 1400 N. Albany Avenue.

Dr. Johnson has authored seven books and numerous articles on American literature and history, several of which have included the topic of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Written by Harper Lee, "To Kill a Mockingbird" won the Pulitzer Prize in 1961 and has sold more than 30 million copies since its publication. The novel is set in Alabama shortly before World War II and raises a number of provocative and substantive issues about race and justice.

The book was selected by the "Atlantic County Reads . . ." committee in its inaugural effort to stimulate and enhance the community's appreciation of literature by reading and discussing the same book during a given time period. Events are planned throughout the month of October and include book discussion groups, a panel lecture, film screenings, dramatic readings and celebrity readers.

Those who are interested in participating in this community activity are encouraged to read the book or watch the movie so that they may discuss it with others. "To Kill a Mockingbird" is available at area libraries and book stores in paperback, large print and Spanish, as well as on video, CD and cassette.

For more information and a complete calendar of events visit the Web site: www.atlantic.edu/library/atlanticcountyreads.html.

County News