BANGOR – Bangor Public Library has chosen Stephen King’s “On Writing” for its fourth annual Bangor Reads program book. The month-long celebration of the written word in January has a single book as its central theme.

“What I like about ‘On Writing’ is that King talks about both his own life and his writing,” said Barbara McDade, library director, who was part of the committee that chose the book. “I hope people will read the book and talk about it.” McDade is so enthusiastic about the book that when “On Writing” was first released, she gave it as a holiday gift to friends.

Gibran Graham, corporate and educational sales representative at Borders in Bangor, said the Bangor Reads program “has definitely brought readers into the store to purchase titles.”

“Sales reflect that,” he said. “‘On Writing’ is a great title and a good seller at Borders.” The book is available in hardcover, quality paperback, mass market and audio CD, he said.

In past years, Bangor Reads participants have read “The Life of Pi” by Yann Martel, “The Maine Woods” by Henry David Thoreau and “Killer Angels” by Michael Shaara.

“January is a bleak month,” said Marc Berlin, owner of BookMarc’s bookstore in Bangor. “So there’s a lot of interest [in the Bangor Reads] program. It engenders quite a lot of conversation. Everyone has a different take on the book.” He said Bangor Reads sparks inquiries about, and sales of, the title chosen each year.

As part of the Bangor Reads program, book artists Jan Owen, Walter Tisdale and Nancy Leavitt will show their works in the exhibit, “Books by Hand,” in the library’s Lecture Hall.

Bangor Reads will offer book-related activities for the whole family. The schedule is:

. Book discussion, noon Thursday, Jan. 6, Lecture Hall. Discussion of “On Writing” with Dianna Christakos.

. “Stephen King’s Bangor,” a presentation by Ryan King of the Bangor Museum and Center for History, and Stu Tinker of Betts Bookstore, 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8.

. “Write a Book,” 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, Story Room. Jan Lima of the Bangor Public Library will introduce the fun of authorship to 4- and 5-year-olds.

. “Make a Book,” 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 11, Story Room. Artists Jan Owen and Walter Tisdale will show 4- and 5-year-olds how to make an accordion-fold book and a pop-up book.

. “Making a Book,” 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 11, Lecture Hall. Jan Owen and other artists will show adults how to make a simple pamphlet and an accordion-fold book.

. Discussion of “On Writing,” 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 13, Lecture Hall. Kathleen Ellis, lecturer of English at the University of Maine will be discussion leader.

. “Stephen King as a Writer,” Burton Hatlen, professor of English at University of Maine, 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, Lecture Hall.

. “Making a Book,” 10 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 18, Story Room. Artist Nancy Leavitt will show 4- and 5-year-olds how to make tassel books.

. Video interview with Stephen King, noon and 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 20, Lecture Hall. Showings of Maine author Sandy Phippen’s video interview with Stephen King.

. “Journey as a Writer,” 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 22, Lecture Hall. Romance writer Janet Chapman of Hermon will talk about her writing.

. “Make a Book,” 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, Story Room. Artist Jan Owen will show schoolchildren how to make a “secret” book.

. “On Writing” discussion, 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, Lecture Hall. Margery Irvine, lecturer of English at the University of Maine, will lead the discussion.

. Artists’ presentation, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, Lecture Hall. Artists Jan Owen, Walter Tisdale and Nancy Leavitt will discuss the art of the book.

. “Creative Writing and Writing in Maine,” with Maine author Sandy Phippen, 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, Lecture Hall.

To learn about the Bangor Reads program and its activities, call the library at 947-8336.