Library kicks off annual Mansfield Reads!

By Amanda Rogers

Mansfield Record

The Mansfield Public Library kicked off its 22nd annual Mansfield Reads! on Thursday night, celebrating this year’s chosen book, New York Times best-seller “When the Stars Go Dark” by Paula McLain.

The free program asks the community to read the same book at the same time, then brings the author in to discuss.

“We talked to the publishers for a list of authors that were available and, as a staff, we started reading them,” said Yolanda Botello, director of library services. “We did ask other people to read. Of the books we read, this one was amazing.”

The novel follows detective Anna Hart who is investigating the disappearance of a girl that is similar to the murder of one of her childhood friends. McLain has also written New York Times bestsellers “The Paris Wife,” “Circling the Sun” and “Love and Ruin.”

“It is so well-written,” Botello said. “It’s like a literary mystery that is beautifully written.”

At Thursday’s free kickoff at Market Street’s Tap House, people could purchase the book from the Friends of the Mansfield Public Library and start digging into the story. Live music, food, raffles and prizes were also featured.

Mansfield Reads! will culminate with “An Evening with Paula McLain” at 7 p.m. April 10 at the Mansfield Public Library, 104 S. Wisteria St. Tickets are free, but reservations are required. To reserve a spot, click here.

At the evening with the author, people can get their books signed and meet the writer. The Friends of the Mansfield Public Library will have “When the Stars Go Dark” for sale at the library for $15 through April 10.

Botello isn’t surprised at the success of the annual event, which drew approximately 100 to the kickoff and regularly is standing-room-only for the author event.

“We realized in meeting people that there’s plenty of book clubs, there’s three that meet at the library,” she said. “People are readers.”