The 'One Book' in Shelton is: The Hobbit

The Huntington Branch Library was transformed into Middle Earth during the recent kick-off event for the "One Book - One City" program, which runs through May and aims to increase literacy and community within Shelton.

"We want to get everyone in Shelton to read J.R.R. Tolkein's The Hobbit," said library director Shawn Fields. "It's a classic book and we hope a lot of people will participate."

A free copy of The Hobbit will be available to each household while supplies last. Funding for "One Book -One City" is made possible by a Valley Community Foundation grant to the library system.

The following events and contests will coincide with this year's program:

• Read and Record The Hobbit Contest:

March 28- May 22: Take a picture or record a video of family or friends reading the book together. Post your picture or video clip to the Shelton Library System's Facebook page. Staff will pick the best of the bunch and winners will be awarded at the program's closing ceremony, to be held May 23 at 6 p.m. at the .

• Dinner & a Movie

April 11: From 6 - 8:30 p.m. at the Branch library, for adults only. Eat dinner from Aribella and watch a movie with friends and neighbors. Free to the public.

April 19: From 6 - 7:30 p.m. at , for families. Bring the kids and your favorite snacks for a viewing of an animated version of The Hobbit.

• Dungeons & Dragons in April

April 21: Plumb Memorial Library, 9:30 a.m. to noon or 1 - 3:30 p.m. Children ages seven to 12 are invited to draw a dragon using their own chalk. Any interested adult is also welcome, and all artists are encouraged to wear old clothes/smocks. Registration is required.

• Branch Open House

April 28: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Celebrate our local libraries with free samples from local restaurants and take part in events like "Be a Hobbit," and "Tales of Adventure." For all ages!

• Meet Smaug

May 5: 10:15 a.m. - 11 a.m. at Branch library. Families may come and see the infamous dragon, Smaug, close up and personal! Sponsored by the Valley Community Foundation

• Family Book Discussion

May 5: 11 a.m. - noon at Branch library. Adults will be together for a stimulating and in-depth discussion of The Hobbit, while younger family members will hear the short version and discuss the story and types of characters.

• The End of the Road

May 23: 6 - 7:30 p.m. at Branch library. Celebrate the end of "One Book -One City". Muisc by Tom Hanford, who will be playing Old English folk songs that fit in with The Hobbit. Prize winners announced and awarded!