The Springvale Public Library, in cooperation with Goodall Memorial Library of Sanford and Parsons Memorial Library of Alfred, has been selected by the Maine Humanities Council to offer “Let’s Talk About It”, a free reading and discussion group with copies of books available through the library. This program is provided by the Maine Humanities Council’s Harriet P. Henry Center for the Book in cooperation with the Maine State Library.

The series, Making Sense of the Civil War, begins Feb. 6 at the Springvale Public Library and continues for five sessions, through June 4 on the first Monday evening of each month. The three libraries will take turns hosting the programs in the three locations.

Books to be read and discussed in this series include “March,’’ by Geraldine Brooks; selections from the anthology, America’s War: Talking About the Civil War and Emancipation on their 150th Anniversaries, and Crossroads of Freedom: Antietam by James M. McPherson.

The discussions will be facilitated by Candace Kanes, a historian at the Maine Historical Society, who is provided by the Maine Humanities Council.

“Exploring ideas and issues through literature has always been exciting, and fun,” said Lizz Sinclair, director of “Let’s Talk About It.”  “We find that there is great interest among adults in getting together to discuss what they’ve read with others. Having a discussion leader like Candace Kanes who is both excited about the readings and skilled in facilitating, can help to deepen this experience. ”

Books for the program are available for loan at the library. Call the library at 324-4624 to register and come in to pick up the first book of the series. Springvale Public Library is open Monday-Wednesday 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m., Thursday 9:3a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 

For more information about “Let’s Talk About It” and the work of the Maine Humanities Council see www.mainehumanities.org.