RED BANK — Two River Theater Company will host “One Book, One Community,” a program with the goal to unite the greater Red Bank area through community discussion, literacy education and local arts events all centered around one book, “Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White.
The program will run from Nov. 7 to Dec. 23 and will involve community events that en- courage the reading and discussion of the book “Charlotte’s Web.”
“One Book, One Community” will begin with a kickoff event on Sunday Nov. 7, from 10 a.m. to noon at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave. There will be games, arts and crafts, snacks, and a reading of excerpts from “Charlotte’s Web” by Red Bank Mayor Pasquale Menna.
Following the launch, events will occur throughout the area, including book groups, readings, discussion groups, movie screenings, arts and crafts, discounts at area retailers, a pet food drive and a live production of “Charlotte’s Web” at Two River Theater.
The theater company will be partnering with area organizations, including the Monmouth County Arts Council, the Monmouth County 4H, the branches and members of the Monmouth County Library, Red Bank Public Library, Middletown Township Public Library, and local businesses.
The following events are free and open to the public otherwise unless stated:
• Sunday, Nov. 7, 10 a.m. to noon — “One Book, One Community” kick-off at Two River Theater Company, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. Red Bank Mayor Pat Menna will read “Charlotte’sWeb” followed by a morning of games, crafts, activities, and snacks, for the whole family;
• Nov. 7-Jan. 2 — Pet food drive where Two River Theater Company and Monmouth County 4H will be holding a pet food drive throughout the “One Book, One Community” initiative to benefit the Monmouth County SPCA shelter;
• Nov. 7-Dec. 23 — Great deals with purchases of the book “Charlotte’s Web” at River Road Books, 759 River Road, Fair Haven, Funk and Standard, 40 Broad St., Red Bank. Win tickets to “Charlotte’s Web” at Two River Theater. Attend any of the following events and enter to win a family four-pack of tickets:
• Thursday, Nov. 11, 2 p.m. — Family film, ages 5 and up, “Charlotte’s Web” at Middletown Township Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, Middletown;
• Friday, Nov. 12, 4-7 p.m. — Paint your own Wilbur pig bank at A Time to Kiln, 50 Broad St., Red Bank. For this night only studio fee will be waived and a special discount will be given on all piggy banks;
• Saturday, Nov. 13, 1 p.m. — Bilingual story-time reading of “Charlotte’s Web” in English and Spanish for families and children of all ages at the Red Bank Public Library, 84 W. Front St.;
• Saturday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m. — “Charlotte’s Web” Movie (2006) & Trivia Spin-Off at Monmouth County Library Eastern Branch, 1001 Highway 35, Shrewsbury. Trivia contest with questions based on the movie;
• Monday, Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m. — “Charlotte’sWeb” book discussion and movie viewing at Red Bank Public Library, 84 W. Front St.;
• Wednesday, Dec. 1, 4-4:45 p.m. — Special school-age program, grades kindergarten and up at West Long Branch Library, 95 Poplar Ave.;
• Thursday, Dec. 2, 4-4:45 p.m. — “Charlotte’sWeb” Family Party at Ocean Township Branch Library, 701 Deal Road;
• Tuesday, Dec. 7, 3:15-4 p.m. — Pigs & Spiders & Rats, Oh My! at Fair Haven Library, 748 River Road. Fair Haven residents only; reservations required;
• Dec. 7-Jan. 2 — “Charlotte’s Web” live on stage at Two River Theater, 21 Bridge Ave., Red Bank. See this wonderful story brought to life with adults, kids and puppets too. Tickets: children $24; adults $43-$48;
• Thursday, Dec. 9, 3:45-4:15 p.m. — “Charlotte’s Web” story time and craft at Middletown Township Public Library, 55 New Monmouth Road, for children ages 4 and 5;
• Thursday, Dec. 23, 2:30-4:30 p.m. — Family film, “Charlotte’s Web” (1973 animation) at Oceanport Branch Library, Monmouth Boulevard and Myrtle Avenue.
For more information or to participate in “One Book, One Community,” contact Deeksha Gaur, at 732.345.1400, ext. 1830, or via email at [email protected].