Books: Talk of the town

Reading is encouraged

If you hear colleagues talking about Will Tweedy and Love Simpson, don't worry that you missed the latest reality TV show.

It's more likely that they have started reading the novel "Cold Sassy Tree" for the communitywide reading project, Amarillo Reads. The project involves the city of Amarillo, Amarillo Public Libraries, Hastings and partners of Celebrate Education.

The program is open to people of all ages.

"Reading is a pleasure," said Stacy Yates, a spokeswoman for the library. "Reading exercises your mind."

When adults read, they let children know that reading is important, she said.

A kickoff event begins at 11:45 a.m. today at the Amarillo Central Library, 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. The event will include remarks by Mayor Debra McCartt and performances from "Cold Sassy Tree" by the Amarillo Opera.

More events will allow readers to discuss the novel.

A book talk begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hastings, 2020 S. Georgia St.

A lunchtime book club begins at 12:15 p.m. Wednesday at the Amarillo Central Library.

The first meeting will feature Loralee Cooley of Canadian who knew Olive Ann Burns, the late author of "Cold Sassy Tree." Those interested should contact Yates at (806) 378-3051.

Other events include a presentation on "History through Hats" at 2:30 p.m. April 13 at the Amarillo East Library and a discussion of spirituals as historical records at 7 p.m. April 22 at the Amarillo North Library.

The Amarillo Opera will perform "Cold Sassy Tree" at 7:30 p.m. April 26 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts.