The Morrill Memorial Library is pleased to partner with Ashland Public Library and other Massachusetts public libraries to present a discussion with Shannon Reed, author of Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One Page Before Lights Out on Thursday, June 13 at 7:00pm on Zoom.

This one is for readers everywhere! Join us as we chat with author Shannon Reed about her book Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One Page Before Lights Out. Why do we read? What compels us? What holds our attention? How many of us remember reading by flashlight after we were supposed to be asleep in bed? Shannon has the scoop and will answer all of our questions!

About the book: Shannon's book makes the case that we should read for pleasure above all else. In this whip-smart, laugh-out-loud funny collection, she shares surprising stories from her life as a reader and the poignant ways in which books have impacted her students. Shannon takes us on a rollicking tour through the comforting world of literature.

About the author: Shannon Reed is a writer and professor living in a small town just outside Pittsburgh. She grew up in Johnstown, PA, and lived in Brooklyn for 14 years, where she taught high school English and Theatre. In 2012, she began studying with the Writing Program at the University of Pittsburgh, where she completed an MFA in Creative Writing (Fiction) in 2015. She joined the faculty shortly thereafter, and is now the Director of Undergraduate Studies for the Writing Program, as well as a Teaching Associate Professor specializing in fiction and humor writing courses. Shannon’s first book, Why Did I Get a B?: And Other Mysteries We're Discussing in the Faculty Lounge, was a semi-finalist for the Thurber Prize in American Humor. Her second, Why We Read: On Bookworms, Libraries, and Just One More Page Before Lights Out, was published in February 2024; it is a Next Big Idea Club Must-Read Pick.

Register directly on Zoom HERE.

Registrants will receive a link to access the Zoom webinar via email from Ashland Public Library, the hosting institution. This program is generously supported by the Friends of the Ashland Public Library. Note: This program will be recorded. All registrants will receive the recording via email within 48 hours of the program.