Temecula reading program challenges community to pick up 'Fahrenheit 451'

By:NICOLE SACK - Staff Writer | Wednesday, January 3, 2007 9:40 PM PST ∞

TEMECULA -- In hushed tones, Grace Mellman sat at a table in the Temecula Public Library on Wednesday discussing the burning of books.

Mellman, the president of the Friends of the Temecula Library, knows even in a day of instant computer access to a World Wide Web of information, there is something still dangerous about ink on paper.

Mellman doesn't want to set fire to books. No, quite the opposite. She wants the entire Temecula community to ignite its interest in reading. Think of it as a book club of 94,000 people.

The book selected for the citywide read is one that is generally viewed as controversial: Ray Bradbury's "Fahrenheit 451." The book, first published in 1953, is often classified as science fiction, but is first and foremost a warning against the danger of censorship and government control.

"We need to celebrate our unfettered, uncensored right to read. And that is what this book and this program will do for us," Mellman said.

On Jan. 14, the Friends of the Temecula Library will begin a nine-week reading program that will offer discussion groups, films and random community involvement. There will be a showing of the "Fahrenheit 451" movie on Feb. 18 at the library. The program will run through March 18 when there will be a "final say" forum to discuss the book.

"Wouldn't it be interesting to engage in a discussion about a book with a person in the grocery line, with other parents at a Little League game or at the dinner table with your family?" Mellman said.

The dedication of the Temecula Public Library in December was also a driving force behind the citywide reading program, said Rebecca Weersing, chairwoman of Temecula Reads program.

"In a community that has just opened a new library, what is better to think about than what our lives would be like if we couldn't have books?" asked Weersing. "This book was selected to allow us to appreciate our ability to read anything we choose."

There is no need to sign up for the Temecula Reads program. There are no rules -- just become aware of the book.

"I think it would just be great for all the residents of Temecula reading and talking about a wonderful piece of literature and have the excitement build where people get together and share their thoughts on this wonderful book by Ray Bradbury," Mellman said.

Weersing said the Temecula Reads program is targeting high school students and adults, but was quick to point out that while the book is usually more appropriate for older children -- no one is to be excluded. The citywide reading initiative complements Temecula's high school reading curriculum, which will require the book to be read this spring.

She said all residents of Temecula are encouraged to participate in Temecula Reads. The program was created by the Library of Congress to restore reading to the center of the American culture.

A schedule of discussion times and guests will become available at www.friendsofthetemeculalibrary.com. or by calling the Friends hot line at (951) 302-1257.

-- Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.

Temecula Reads

What: Citywide reading program

When: Starts Jan. 14 with a kickoff event at 2 p.m. in the Community Room of the Temecula Public Library, 30600 Pauba Road. Runs through March 18 when a "Final Say" forum is conducted at the library.

Info: The featured book is 'Fahrenheit 451' by Ray Bradbury. Complete schedule of forums will be available at www.friendsofthetemeculalibrary.com, or by calling (951) 302-1257.

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