This morning, novelist and screenwriter Richard Dooling announced two titles for Omaha Reads 2007. Adults will enjoy Singing and Dancing Daughters of God by local author Timothy Schaffert, and the first ever Omaha Kids Reads selection is Charlotte's Web by E. B. White.

Beginning today and running through Nov. 30, this one-book-one-community project encourages everyone to read and discuss these books with each other.

More than 30 Omaha Reads events including Library Lounge Night, a Readers Theatre at The Rose Theatre, a childrens program at Henry Doorly Zoo and book discussions will be held at Omaha Public Library locations, Omaha-area bookstores and other venues.

Author Timothy Schaffert will go on tour to discuss his book. Free Omaha Reads resource guides and discussion guides will be available at libraries and downloadable from Omaha Public Library's website.

"Both of our Omaha Reads selections this year celebrate families, friendship, heartbreak and hope, all of the elements that make life worth living", said Omaha Public Library Executive Director Rivkah Sass. "To use one of Charlotte's favorite words, we think reading is "terrific" and hope all of Omaha will join in the conversation."

Sponsors of this year's Omaha Reads include the Omaha Public Library Foundation, Millard Foundation, Friends of Omaha Public Library, Borders Books & Music, The Rose Theatre, Millard Lumber, Mike & Sherry Brock, Scheels, (downtown) omaha lit fest and Eclectic Book Club.

For up-to-date information on programs and discussions visit omahareads.org or omahapubliclibrary.org.

Contact:
Linda Trout, 402-444-4838
ltrout@omahapubliclibrary.org
or
Sarah English, 402-444-4844
senglish@omahapubliclibrary.org
or
Rivkah Sass, 402-444-4834
rsass@omahapubliclibrary.org