By Bonnie Adams, Government Editor
Westborough – Technology has made the consumption of information much more convenient, but many avid readers would say that convenient is not necessarily better. Despite the prevalence of digital media, many prefer the social aspect of discussing what they’ve read with friends. For some time, Westborough Public Library Director Maureen Ambrosino and Westborough High School librarian Anita Cellucci have hoped to host a town-wide reading project that does just that. Starting Tuesday, Nov. 29, their wish will come true as they kick off, “Westborough Reads Together.”
The project's premise is to have high school students and interested members of the public read the same book, “Please Ignore Vera Dietz,” a novel by acclaimed young adult author, A.S. King. Over the course of the next few months, there will be a series of events designed around the book, including discussion groups, a film festival, a flash mob, a poetry slam and a “Where in Westborough is Vera Dietz?” scavenger hunt.
Joining the two libraries in this collaboration is the town's Youth and Family Services and Westborough TV. The program is also made possible through the support of the Friends of the Westborough Public Library, the Westborough Civic Club, Farrell Family Foundation, the Community Advocate and Tatnuck Bookseller.
The book's plot centers on Vera, an 18 year old who harbors mixed feelings after the boy she has secretly been in love for years passes away under mysterious circumstances.
By reading this book, the librarians said they hope to “provide a forum on social issues for Westborough youth and their families by bringing them together through a reading experience.”
“We are always looking for ways to bring the community together. Books and reading are great tools to use to have conversations about the issues we all face, and this book is our top choice to accomplish that goal,” Ambrosino said.
“Books foster community! A shared reading experience within the community is an excellent way to value and discuss ideas that may differ from our own, as well as foster ties between generations,” Celluci added. “We all carry our own stories. “Vera” is a thought provoking human story full of suspense and humor – a story that we can all relate to in some way.”
The kickoff will take place Nov. 29 at the screening of the film “Race to Nowhere,” which will be held at the Mill Pond School auditorium and is sponsored by the Westborough Public Schools. The Westborough Civic Club will be giving away a free copy of the book that night to the first 100 people.
A dessert social/fund-raiser will begin at 6:30 p.m. with desserts provided by Stop & Shop and the film will start at 7 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $10 ahead of time at http://rtnwestboroughps.eventbrite.com/ or for $15 at the door.
Publisher of the Community Advocate David Bagdon said the newspaper's media sponsorship of the event was a perfect fit.
“There's a real synergy between the groups working on this project. From the libraries, to the community groups and from Tatnuck Bookseller to the Community Advocate, we’re all passionate about the written word and the way it can help bring people together. We commend Maureen and Anita for spearheading this valuable program.”
The program will conclude Tuesday, April 10 with a special visit from King, who will appear at both Westborough High School and Tatnuck Bookseller.
For more information, go to http://www.westboroughlib.org/wrt.
Maureen Ambrosino
