We are excited to offer our second annual One Book, One Community celebration. This year we are celebrating the works of John Steinbeck. Several opportunities are planned for you to experience the works of this significant American author.

The Kingston Friends of the Library have graciously purchased several copies of “Cannery Row” and placed them around our community in coffeehouses and other gathering spots. Please pick up and read one of these copies, then either return it where you found it, or take it back to the library. We will also have multiple copies of the title here in various formats.

Young people are invited to submit an essay: What are some of the obligations and responsibilities of friendship, and what are the rewards? Two categories of prizes will be awarded by age category. Essays should be turned in to the Kingston library by Oct. 9.

Our Kingston Library book group will be meeting at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 7, in the Indianola Room of the Community Center, downstairs from the library. We will be discussing “Cannery Row.”

The classics book group will meet on 6:30 p.m. Oct. 19. For informationon the title to be discussed, call the library.

Craig Smith, owner of the Firehouse Theater, has agreed to show two full-length films based on Steinbeck’s novels. At noon on Oct. 10, “The Red Pony” will play at the Firehouse. “Of Mice and Men,” with John Malkovich and Gary Sinise, will play 7 p.m. Oct. 14, at 7 p.m. Please help us thank and support the Firehouse Theater by attending one or both of these film showings.

Have you noticed the similarity of the setting of Monterey, Calif., in “Cannery Row” to that of Kingston? We will echo that theme in an event for teens at 4 p.m. Oct. 26. Bring your beach glass treasures to turn into art or jewelry.

Story times for preschoolers continue in at 10:30 a.m. Wednesdays in October. Join us for stories, crafts, music, and fun on Oct. 7, 14, and 21.

The Kingston Friends of the Library will meet at 10 a.m. Oct. 13. This wonderful group does so many things to support our library, including raising money through quarterly book sales and the ongoing sale in the library.

Finally, Friends of the Library will be sponsoring a travelogue at 7 p.m., Oct. 20, in the Apple Tree Room, featuring images taken by Hal Muhrleins on his trip to Kenya and east Africa.