By Alisa Schneider

REXBURG — In the early 2000’s, the National Endowment of the Arts did a study and found that those who read for leisure were more likely to engage in their communities. The NEA wanted to promote more community engagement through arts, so they developed a program called “The Big Read.” The program gave libraries thousands of dollars to provide funds for books and other library events. Our own local library received some of that money, and it was a great success during the years that the program operated.

“The Big Read” ended in 2009, and Madison Library wanted to continue the tradition of bringing the community together through reading. So, librarian Cathy Stanton created “On The Same Page” in 2010. It has offered events and activities for the last 13 years for everyone in the community.

This year, the featured book is The Phantom of the Opera. Anyone interested can stop by the library to pick up either the novel alone, or a book kit, which includes the novel, a reading guide, masks to decorate, and other goodies. The library asks that only one book kit is taken per household.

On Thursday, February 3rd, at 7 p.m., the library is hosting a sing along to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom movie. Come gather in the Community Room with others from Rexburg and surrounding area as you sing your favorite songs from the musical. Don’t worry if you’re not an opera star, just come and have fun belting out the classic songs.

Show off your creative skills in the following event in this program. On February 11 at 2 p.m., all can come and make Phantom-themed crafts. There will be crafts for all age groups, so everyone can create something amazing.

The library is having a special guest on February 15 at 7 p.m. Brigham Young University-Idaho English professor Dr. Jacqueline Harris will give a presentation sharing insights from longtime Phantom researcher, Raj Shah, a Cambridge-trained scholar. Come and learn about the gothic literature qualities and themes found in the original Le Fantome de L-Opera.

For those looking to discuss the novel with others outside their usual reading group, join in at the library on February 16th for an informal book discussion.

The final event in this reading program will be hosted at the Romance Theatre on Friday, February 24 at 7 p.m. Come and view the original 1925 silent film version of Phantom of the Opera while Jim Clark plays the original score on his Wurlitzer organ. This is one experience you’re not going to want to miss.

Whether you only read the novel at home or you participate in every single activity offered this month, come and participate in the “On The Same Page” program and join in our community’s shared experience of reading The Phantom of the Opera.