The Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation is presenting a One Book / One Community reading event with the American classic novel “To Kill A Mockingbird,” written by Harper Lee.

Beginning on Thursday, Aug. 1, free copies of this novel will be available to anyone who wishes to read (or reread) it in the Berryville, Eureka Springs, Green Forest, Huntsville, Kingston and St. Paul libraries. Reading guides also will be distributed. Community book discussions are set during September and early October in each of the libraries with the discussions led by retired English Literature scholars. All dates and times are listed in the reading guide.

One Book | One Community is open to everyone, with the librarians especially encouraging teens to participate in reading the novel and attending one of the book discussions.

The One Book concept, created in 1996 in Seattle, was designed to engage people through literature.

“This program unites our region through a shared love of reading and fostering discussion around a single title,” said library foundation president, Jean Elderwind. “The library foundation thanks Anstaff Bank, Arvest, Bank of 1889, CS Bank and Equity Bank for sponsoring this event. We couldn’t present this program without them.”

The Carroll and Madison Public Library Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, was established in 2002 to help ensure the long-term financial stability of the Carroll and Madison Library System, its administrative office and the six libraries within its two-county service area.

Elderwind encourages all to pick up their copy of “To Kill a Mockingbird” and the accompanying reading guide at their local library. Any questions about the program or book discussions can be directed to their local librarians.