WINTHROP — The Charles M. Bailey Public Library is hosting a centennial edition of its annual Community Read to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the downtown building.

To commemorate the centennial, the library has partnered with the Winthrop Public Schools and selected the intergenerational novel “A Handful of Stars” by Cynthia Lord.

“We wanted a book that would appeal to ages 0-100,” said library Director Richard Fortin.

Winthrop educator and author Margy Burns Knight helped select the book, and is helping to organize the events.

“The book centers on the small-town daughter of migrant workers, and explores themes of friendship and community — but most importantly, it appeals to all generations,” according to Burns Knight, who won the National Education Association’s Human and Civil Rights Award for her body of work in 1997. “It’s a perfect book to celebrate 100 years at Bailey.”

Burns Knight is currently the service learning coordinator for the Winthrop school system.

The library will host five Community Read events throughout the month of June:

Tuesday, June 7, 6:30 p.m. — Deb Barnett will host an informative cooking program with blueberry enchiladas. Barnett is the community education assistant through the Eat Well Nutrition Education Program for Kennebec County.

Tuesday, June 14, 6:30 p.m. — Marilyn Meyerhans will host a program titled “Migrant Workers in Maine: A Brief History.” Meyerhans is the owner of Lakeside Orchards and Farm Market in Manchester.

Wednesday, June 15, 6 p.m. — Adult Services Librarian Shane Billings will host an all-ages community discussion on the book.

Saturday, June 18, 1 p.m. — Retired Winthrop educator Steve Knight will host a youth event painting bee houses.

Tuesday, June 21, 6:30 p.m. — The monthlong celebration culminates with a visit from Cynthia Lord, who won the prestigious Newbery Honor Medal in 2007. Lord grew up in New Hampshire before settling in coastal Maine.

The library first opened its doors on Bowdoin Street on Dec. 2, 1916. Charles M. Bailey, who owned one of the largest oilcloth manufacturers in America at the time, donated the rock-faced, chiseled pink granite building. Previously, the library operated as the Winthrop Public Library, which opened in 1889 in the historic downtown Packard Block building.

All events will be held at the Bowdoin Street building and are free of charge.

FMI: 207-377-8673, www.baileylibrary.org.