Milton Reads Releases ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ Schedule

Milton Reads 2012, a town-wide reading program, will begin on September 15 and carry through November 15. The one book; one town celebration will center on Harper Kee’s classic To Kill a Mockingbird.

“The goal of Milton Reads is to engage together as a community in a single cultural activity, reading the same book,” said Annie Davis in a release from Milton Reads.

The Milton Reads Committee will hold a variety of discussion groups, film screenings and children’s activities. Events will be held at the Milton Public Library, the Forbes House Museum and Cunningham Park.

Below is the schedule of events:

September 

09.15.12 - Milton Reads 2012! Program Kickoff / Milton Public Library, 2-4 P.M. 

Welcome to the first Milton Reads! One Book One Town kick-off event -- a town-wide program in which we all read the same book together. Activities for children. Sign-up for a book group, even if you’ve never done it before. To Kill a Mockingbird will be available for purchase ($5). Let's start the conversation about Boo, Scout, Jem, Dill, and Atticus! We look forward to seeing you! Refreshments courtesy of the Friends of the Library. 

09.27.12 - TKM Drop-In Book Discussion Group / Milton Public Library 

Come join your neighbors and friends in discussing the characters, themes, plot and setting of this beloved novel. Share your thoughts and listen to the insights of others about what the book means and lessons that can be learned from it. You do not need to have finished the book to participate! Members of the TKM committee will be on hand to help guide the discussions. 

October 

10.06.12 - Southern Tea / Forbes House Museum, 2:00 - 4:00 P.M. Fee. Reservations req’d. 

The Forbes House Museum, with sponsors Milton Garden Club and Amateur Gardeners of Milton, presents an afternoon program related to To Kill a Mockingbird. 

10.07.12 - ¡Celebrate Milton! Noon - 4:00 P.M. 

See us at Milton High School with the Friends of the Milton Library! 

10.11.12 - Hey Boo Film Showing / Milton Public Library, 6:00 P.M. 

This 2010 documentary celebrates the 50th anniversary of the novel. Mark Feeney in The Boston Globe calls it a "reverently chipper" film. Oprah Winfrey, Wally Lamb, Lee Smith, and Scott Turow are among the media and literary commentators on the book. Although the author didn't grant an interview, her friends and 90-year-old sister did. The film also features interviews with people who made the famous movie of the novel. 

10.14.12 - To Kill a Mockingbird Film Showing / Milton Public Library, 1:30 P.M. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this landmark Academy Award-winning film starring Gregory Peck and "2 superb discoveries" (NYTimes). The film ranks 25th on the American Film Institute's top 100 Films of all time. While an excellent adaptation of the book, the film is a unique and independent work of art featuring wonderful acting, an evocative score, and a sensational screenplay. Refreshments courtesy Milton Historical Society. 

10.16.12 - TKM Drop-In Book Discussion Group / Fuller Village, 2:00 P.M. 

Come join your neighbors and friends in discussing the characters, themes, plot and setting of this award winning novel. Share your thoughts and listen to the insights of others on what the book means and lessons that can be learned from it. You do not need to have finished the book to participate! Members of the TKM committee will be on hand to help guide the discussions. 

10.26.12 - To Kill a Mockingbird Film Showing / Fuller Village, 7:00 P.M. 

This year marks the 50th anniversary of this landmark Academy Award winning film starring Gregory Peck and "2 superb discoveries" (NYTimes). The film ranks 25th on the American Film Institute's top 100 Films of all time. While an excellent adaptation of the book, the film is a unique and independent work of art featuring wonderful acting, an evocative score, and a sensational screenplay. 

10.27.12 – Hallowe’en Fest / Cunningham Park, 4-6 P.M. 

A town-wide Hallowe’en and autumn fest for children ages 4 – 12 and their families with costume contests, classic 1930s activities and a lantern walk through Cunningham Park. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Prizes will be awarded for best character from a book , originality, humor, best overall, and more. Bring a 2-liter soda bottle for your lantern. (Lantern-making directions online) 

10.28.12 – Dramatic Read from the Play / Milton Public Library, 2 P.M. 

The Milton Players and The MHS Drama Club partner to present a dramatic reading from the stage adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird. 

November 11.15.12 – Final Event: Symposium & Concert, Location TBA, 7 P.M. 

Please join us for the closing event of Milton Reads! 2012. It will feature a talk and dialogue with U.S Attorney Carmen Ortiz, concert, and a reception to mingle and share thoughts, experiences, and ideas for next year.

Copies of the books are available at the Friends of the Library bookshop for $5.

For more information about activities, visit miltonreads2012.wordpress.com.