STETSON – The “Let’s Talk About It” program application has received approval thanks to the Maine Humanities Council.

“Let’s Talk About It,” a free, facilitated book discussion program for adults, has been hosted by local libraries all over the state. This program is undertaken in conjunction with the Maine State Library, with the support of the Maine Community Foundation. Program details are still being confirmed, but the plan is to begin in September and meet at the Stetson Library once a month at 7 p.m. Wednesdays. To sign up, either call the library or come in during the hours the library is open.

The topic approved by the Stetson library board is: “The Mirror of Maine: The Maine Community in Myth and Reality.”

Facilitators and librarians may select five of the following titles: Lura Beam, “A Maine Hamlet”; Joyce Butler, “Wildfire Loose: The Week Maine Burned”; Stephen King, “Salem’s Lot”; Wesley McNair, “Twelve Journeys in Maine”; Ruth Moore, “The Weir”; Richard Russo, “Empire Falls” (recently added to the series).

Since most of these books are based on actual towns, readers can consider what is real and what is myth about Maine towns, their patterns of daily life, and the values held by the residents. King’s story, with evil masked as commonplace, provides a foil for the discussions.

These books explore community life in Maine. What defines community? What values have been associated with community life in Maine, and how many of these values still exist today? What are the confinements or darker realities that exist in Maine communities? “The Mirror of Maine” opens new doors to Maine’s literature and history and culture for Maine readers.

For information, contact Suzanne Trussell, 142 Blaisdell Road, Stetson 04488 or call 296-3293.