Baldacci will celebrate reading at Auburn library

AUBURN — Gov. John Baldacci will visit the Auburn Public Library next week during an afternoon reception called “Celebrate Reading!” The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. Monday, April 7.

Baldacci’s visit coincides with National Library Week and will also kick off a slate of events planned around the community-wide reading program.

In keeping with “Two Books/Two Cities” featured book, “Empire Falls,” much of which takes place in a diner, the library reception will feature a favorite local diner dessert — gingerbread cake with whipped cream. The event will also feature numerous raffle items and items up for bid in APL’s “”Bid Now, Build Later”” silent auction, proceeds of which will benefit the Auburn Public Library Building Campaign.

The “Two Books/Two Cities” program is sponsored by the Lewiston and Auburn public libraries and other area organizations to encourage community-wide reading and discussion of a single book. April’s featured title by Richard Russo, “Empire Falls,” is a Pulitzer-Prize winning novel set in a mill town of western Maine.

For more information about the reception, the silent auction or other@Normal: “Two Books/Two Cities: One Celebration of Reading!” events and activities, call the Auburn Public Library at 782-3191 or visit www.auburn.lib.me.us.