Once again the Ellsworth Area Reads planning committee is preparing for a community reading project. This winter the project will focus on “Go Ask Alice,” a story that chronicles a young girl’s journey on a path of drug abuse.

The book was selected because it focuses on an issue of increasing concern to the Down East community. This shared book project presents a wonderful opportunity to involve readers of all ages in a discussion of why and how Alice, an average, hometown teenager, ends up as a drug addict living on the street, unable to stop a spiral of abuse. How can and should Down East families, clergy, educators and health care professionals respond to Alice’s experience?

The Ellsworth Public Library, Ellsworth Chamber of Commerce, University College at Ellsworth, Downeast Health Services and the Ellsworth Rotary Club have come together to support a series of presentations during the month of March. The programs will use Alice’s story as a starting point to discuss what is happening in our communities.

Representatives from the Hancock County District Attorney’s Office, Open Door Recovery, Dr. Jonathan Fanburg from Maine Coast Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, and Martha Dudman, author of “Augusta, Gone,” will share their professional and personal perspectives. The events will begin with a showing of the film, “Go Ask Alice,” and a facilitated book discussion on March 1. This series of events is free to the public. Look for a calendar of events in local papers, radio and television.

“Go Ask Alice” is a good, “easy read” about a topic near and dear to all of us – our kids. We invite the community to join us in reading the book and participating in the scheduled events.

Ellsworth Area Reads planning committee

Pat Foster, Micki Sumpter, Peggy Staples, Bonnie Sparks and Vyvyenne Ritchie Bonnie Sparks, director University College at Ellsworth