ELLSWORTH – The opening day of Ellsworth Reads will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 28, at the Ellsworth Public Library.

Because of local interest in lighthouses, “Lighthouse in My Life” by Philmore Wass has been selected for area residents to read. People are encouraged to read the book, join the discussion and come to all or some of the planned events.

Opening night of the monthlong program will include Wass discussing his book through speech and slides. Copies of the book will be available for purchase and signing. George Gaines Swanson will sing songs of the sea, and the Friends of the Ellsworth Public Library will offer refreshments.

Other events in the program:

. An art and photography contest for children, sponsored by the YMCA.

. A children’s summer reading program, titled “Tales and Gales.”

. A lighthouse art exhibit at University College in Ellsworth, titled “Capturing Lighthouses in Watercolor.”

. Several discussion groups.

. Visits to a working lighthouse.

. Special programs for children.

. A video about lighthouse life, titled “Jennie’s Island Life.”

. Visits from Ken Black, curator of the Shore Village Museum in Rockland, and Tim Harrison, president of the American Lighthouse Foundation and author of several books.

The finale of the program will be Wednesday, July 31, at the library including a Sounds of the Sea concert at Ellsworth City Hall by the Ellsworth Community Band.