BELGRADE — The town will kick off its a community read Thursday, April 22, with “The Overstory” – a Pulitzer Prize winning novel by Richard Powers.

The read is meant to promote the interconnectedness between humans and the natural environment in a fun and informative way, and the read includes a variety of programs throughout the spring and summer using the themes of the book to raise awareness of the importance and beauty of our natural environment, with a focus on trees.

The novel follows nine characters whose close relationships with trees, lasting sometimes for generations, lead them to a deep appreciation of the world’s threatened forests.

All programs are free and open to the public, and reading the book isn’t necessary to participate.

Those who would like to read “The Overstory” can register at the library, 124 Depot Road, to borrow a copy, or they can buy a copy at Oliver & Friends Bookshop, 87 Main St.

The schedule so far is as follows:

• Thursday, April 22, Earth Day: Community launch with hike on Mount Phillip, Route 225 in Rome, noon, sponsored by 7 Lakes Alliance.

• Wednesday, April 30, Arbor Day: Nature art project sponsored by Belgrade Public Library, details to be announced.

• Saturday, May 22: Tree planting, location to be announced, sponsored by 7 Lakes Alliance.

• Thursday, June 24: Chewonki, Owls of Maine, 3 p.m. at the Gazebo on the Village Green, sponsored by Belgrade Public Library.

• Saturday, June 26: Tree and Tour of new trail, 10 a.m., the Mountain trail head, Mountain Drive, Rome, sponsored by 7 Lakes Alliance.

• Tuesday, July 13: Book discussion, 10:30 a.m., “The Overstory,” Belgrade Public Library and/or Zoom.

• Wednesday, July 28: Mr. Drew and His Animals Too, with the theme “Animals and Trees,” 3 p.m. Belgrade Public Library.

• Wednesday, Aug. 4: Book discussion 6:30 p.m. “The Overstory,” Belgrade Public Library and/or Zoom.

For more information, visit townofbelgrade.com/library

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