United We Read

Since founding the community-wide literacy program United We Read five years ago, Central High School librarian Julia Jorgensen has invited the authors of the books being read to Cape Girardeau. Until this year all either declined or had scheduling problems that prevented them from being here. This year two books were chosen, and both authors will give readings over the two-month course of the program.

One author, Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney Morley Swingle, had a short drive from his Cape Girardeau home to a reception Thursday for his award-winning book, "The Gold of Cape Girardeau." He will lead another discussion of the book Tuesday afternoon. The other writer, Robert Hicks, will come from Franklin, Tenn., to lead discussions of his book, "The Widow of the South," March 3. He will be honored at a reception the night before.

Both books have Civil War themes.

Numerous other readings will be held over the next two months, all but one of them at the Central High School library.

United We Read has been a boon to the community by promoting both reading and discussion. Some people who almost never read books make an exception during United We Read. The involvement of a local author provides even more incentive to participate this year.

For information about readings, call 335-8228.