Framingham talks over 'Three Cups of Tea' Saturday

After much planning, "Framingham Reads Together" kicks off a month of activities Saturday with a presentation by the co-author of the inspirational memoir "Three Cups of Tea."

Greg Mortenson will discuss his book and sign copies Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10:30 a.m. in Nevins Hall in the Memorial Building at 150 Concord St., Framingham. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. for general seating. There is no reserved seating.

The Framingham Library organized this year's inaugural "Framingham Reads Together" program to promote literacy and improve reading habits by encouraging residents of all ages to read and discuss the same book.

Subtitled "One Man's Mission to Promote Peace...One School at a Time," the best-selling book recounts Mortenson's personal odyssey from mountain climber and humanitarian to advocate for children's literacy.

On Saturday morning Mortenson will discuss his 15-year effort to bring education and understanding to an impoverished region that's become one of the world's geopolitical flashpoints.

After his discussion, Mortenson will sign a limited number of copies of "Three Cups of Tea" starting at 12:30 p.m. in the Deborah Blumer Room. Copies will be available for purchase through Barnes & Nobles Booksellers.

Mortenson's incredible tale began in 1993 after a failed attempt to reach the summit of K2, the world's second-highest peak in Pakistan. While descending, the disoriented Mortenson wandered from his companions into an impoverished village in rural Pakistan. While villagers nursed him back to health, he observed the village's 84 children sitting outside, scratching their lessons in the dirt with sticks.

Co-written with David Oliver Relin, their book recounts how Mortenson spent several years raising funds, eventually building 78 schools throughout the region that have educated thousands of impoverished boys and girls.

The program is open to all adults and young adults interested in learning about Mortenson's successes educating children from Pakistan and Afghanistan.

A suggested $5 donation will be accepted at the door. Organizers ask that people try to car pool because of the large number of people expected.

Funding for the event comes from a Federal Institute of Museums and Library Services grant, which is distributed by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Additional sponsors include Ahearn Insurance, Framingham Cooperative Bank, Friends of the Framingham Library, Goldstar India Restaurant and the Rotary Club of Framingham.

The Framingham Library and partners have organized several FRT activities around "Three Cups of Tea" and other books for young readers set in the region. Other events for "Framingham Reads Together" include:

• Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.: Panel Discussion on "Impact of Location and Landscape on Pakistan's Short (and Turbulent) History" in the library's Costin Room
• Saturday, Feb. 14, 1 p.m.: The library will host Pakistani Culture Day at Amazing Things Arts Center. Open to all ages, it will offer food, music and poetry of Pakistan.
• Sunday, Feb. 15, 2 p.m.: Chuck Kukla, an experienced winter climber for REI, will give an illustrated talk on "Climbing and Hiking in the White Mountains" in the Costin Room.
• Tuesday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.: Discuss "Three Cups of Tea" at the Callahan Senior Center, 535 Union Ave., Framingham. Reserve a place by calling 508-532-5980 and dial O for operator.
• Wednesday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m. and Thursday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. discussion of "Three Cups" at McAuliffe Branch Library, 10 Nicholas Road
• Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.: The library will host "Pakistani Women at the Crossroads of Modernity and Tradition" in the Costin Room.
• Sunday, Feb. 22, 3 p.m.: Bradley Nutting will perform as educator Horace Mann to discuss "Schooling in Framingham in the 18th and 19th century" in the Heineman Ecumenical and Cultural Center at Framingham State College.
• Tuesday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.: The film "Back to School" will be shown in the Costin Room.

For a complete list of activities, call 508-532-5570 or visit www.framinghamlibrary.org/framreads.htm.