LIVERMORE FALLS – Bagels & Books, a book discussion group at Livermore Falls High School, will host a special summer session sponsored by a grant from the Central Maine Credit Union in Lewiston.

The group will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, in the school library, on the second floor of the building, to discuss the book “The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon” by Stephen King, SAD 36 library media specialist Cathi Howell said in a written statement.

It is a story about a girl who becomes lost while hiking the Appalachian Trail and relies on her love of the Red Sox to keep her spirits alive, Howell stated.

Guest speaker Wayne Newton will discuss his experiences hiking the Appalachian Trail as well, Howell said.

In addition to the opportunity to gather during the summer and discuss books, the participants will be treated to themed refreshments and door prizes including a signed photograph of Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Mike Timlin, compliments of the Boston Red Sox community relations.

Bagels & Books typically meets six or seven times during the school year and is offered by the library media center at the high school.

The program is designed to promote community literacy by drawing together students, staff members and community members to talk about books in a casual and supportive atmosphere, Howell said.

Each participant in Bagels & Books is given his or her own copy of the featured book, free of charge, to read and then keep to build personal collections or to pass on to a friend or family member to continue the sharing of great books and to promote the growth of literacy.

The group ordinarily meets prior to the start of the school day to discuss books and enjoy breakfast treats together. Thanks to the grant, the library media center is able to extend the Bagels & Books program into the summer and will be offering its first summer session beginning Wednesday.

For questions or more information about the program, Howell may be contacted at 897-3428, ext. 211, or [email protected].