Book discussions, a robust roundtable, and the annual writing contest provide plenty of
opportunities to get involved with Centre County Reads 2023 featuring this year’s selection,
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt.

Van Pelt will visit the Centre Region virtually on Tuesday, March 14. Always a CCR highlight, the
author event begins at 7:00 p.m. in Schlow Library’s Zoom Room. Moderator for the
conversation will be Akash Belsare, Assistant Professor of English, University of Illinois,
Springfield. Registration for this free event is now open, and advanced sign-up is required.

Other Centre County Reads 2023 virtual activities and events include:
● “Giving Voice to Animals,” a virtual roundtable panel discussion co-hosted by Penn
State’s Center for American Literary Studies at 4 p.m., February 15;
● Six book discussions--at various locations throughout Centre County--beginning January
25 through March 20;
● One octopus-themed storytime appropriate for children at Holt Memorial Library; and
the
● “Who Knows” writing contest with a $300 grand prize and additional honors for Best
Short Fiction, Best Poetry, Best Non-Fiction and Best Entry for a Writer Under 18.

A complete schedule with more details and timelines can be found at centrecountyreads.org.

After her husband's passing, and the mysterious disappearance of her only son, Tova works the night shift cleaning at the local aquarium. She becomes acquainted with each of the various marine species, though forms a special friendship with Marcellus, a giant Pacific octopus. Marcellus must help Tova learn what happened the night Tova's son disappeared before it's too late.  Prepare to fall in love with Van Pelt's Remarkably Bright Creatures, a heartwarming story of family, loss, and community.

Centre County Reads started in 2003 with the book To Kill a Mockingbird. The project encourages county residents of all ages to explore the human condition and community issues by reading and discussing the same book. Previous selections include A Walk in the Woods, The Book Thief, Vulture: The Private Life of an Unloved Bird by Penn State alumna Katie Fallon, and last year’s choice, Braiding Sweetgrass.

Coordinators for Centre County Reads include the Penn State Center for American Literary Studies; Centre County Library & Historical Museum; Pennsylvania Center for the Book; and Schlow Centre Region Library.