(360) 943-5001 - Fax (360) 586-6838 - 415 Tumwater Blvd. SW - Tumwater, WA 98501
Reference & Information line: 704-INFO (360-704-4636) in Olympia area or toll-free 1-800-562-6022.
TRL Web site: http://www.trlib.org

Media Contact: Susan Hanson, Communications Manager, 360-704-4507, e-mail: shanson@trlib.org or Leanne Ingle, Communications Specialist, 360-70-4508, email: lingle@trlib.org. Outside Olympia calling area, dial: (877) 284-6237.

Timberland Regional Library is launching Timberland Reads Together, a community-wide celebration of reading, at all 27 libraries in the five-county district. Timberland invites adults and teens to read and discuss the same book—"The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd. It’s a coming of age story set in the 1960’s South, and features 14 year-old Lily Owens who is beset by family problems and civil rights upheaval, but through her struggles also finds the true meaning of friendship.

People are encouraged to read the book this summer in advance of discussions and events planned for the fall. Timberland Reads Together includes over 80 events designed to enrich the discussion of the book. The events to be held in September and October at all Timberland libraries and other locations include book discussion groups, improvisational theater, speakers addressing themes of the book, bee keeping demonstrations and honey tastings.

Timberland Director Jodi Reng states: "This remarkable book was chosen because it deals so powerfully and effectively with concerns facing so many communities. It explores important issues including the nature of family, self-reliance, our instinct as humans to fight against injustice and the ability of love to transform our lives. We, at Timberland Regional Library, believe that these universal themes will resonate strongly in our communities."

Talking about good books with friends, family and neighbors adds richness and depth to the experience of reading. Timberland Reads Together helps create those uncommon opportunities to participate in community conversations about ideas and feelings across generations, ethnic and social groups.

One-book programs have been extremely popular throughout the U.S. and were originated right here in Washington State by Nancy Pearl, the retired director of the Washington Center for the Book.

How you can get involved:

Timberland Regional Library serves the information, reading and lifelong learning needs of the Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Pacific, and Thurston county public at 27 community libraries and 4 school-based cooperative library centers. The library system is funded by local property taxes. For information on any subject, the public can telephone Timberland’s Central Reference Service librarians at 704-INFO (704-4636) in the Olympia area or 1-800-562-6022, toll-free, from all other areas. Or they can "Ask a Librarian" online at www.trlib.org. Anyone needing special accommodations to participate in a library’s program may contact the library 4 days in advance.

Revised 07/15/05