(Posted February 25, 2002)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. -- Avid readers in Huntingdon and surrounding communities are invited to be part of the process to choose this year's book for the Juniata College summer reading project. Interested residents should come to a meeting at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 22 in the Muddy Run Cafe (the student cafeteria) in Ellis College Center on the Juniata campus.

The summer reading program, now in its third year, is aimed at new students and their families, but members of the community have become more involved each year. "Many communities have started a book discussion program and we would like to expand Juniata's original idea of a student program to include avid readers in our area," says Sarah May Clarkson, director of academic services and coordinator of the reading project.

Clarkson says the meeting will begin the process of book selection. Last year, the book "The Color of Water," by James McBride, was chosen. Clarkson says all suggestions are welcome, although the final selection should be available in a reasonably priced paperback edition and should address a topic that invites lively discussion.

A public book discussion will be held after Juniata's 2002-2003 academic year starts in the fall.

Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.