‘Woodbury Reads' town-wide reading program features ‘The $64 Tomato'

CENTRAL VALLEY — The Friends of the Woodbury Public Library are hosting the seventh annual “Woodbury Reads” town-wide reading program, featuring the book, “The $64 Tomato” by local author William Alexander. Library patrons who are among the first 20 people to sign up for a program will receive a free copy of the book. “The $64 Tomato” is a personal story of life and gardening in Orange County. Alexander had no idea that his simple dream of having a vegetable garden and small orchard in his backyard would lead him into life-and-death battles with groundhogs, webworms, weeds, and weather. He writes that it came as quite a shock to find out that it cost $64 to grow each one of his Brandywine tomatoes. Alexander will present the opening program for “Woodbury Reads” on Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m. at the Highland Mills Branch of the Library. The program will include a book signing and a “tomato tidbits tasting table” presented by the library’s friends. There will be a book discussion and an opportunity to share gardening stories on Tuesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. The history of “Woodbury Reads” dates back to 2001. Having heard of “One City, One Book” programs in Seattle and Chicago, the Friends of the Woodbury Public Library began to think about the idea of “Woodbury Reads” shortly after the events of Sept. 11, 2001. In an effort to build on the spirit of Woodbury that came out as a response to that tragedy, the Friends of the Library began to plan and in early 2002, the first “Woodbury Reads” program was held. For additional information, contact Martha LaVallee at 928-9967.