Selected by voters in Northeast Ohio last spring, Fahrenheit 451 is a classic work of social criticism that demonstrates the danger of oppressive government and censorship. The novel uses the popular genre of science fiction to deliver its powerful message on the suppression of creative thought in society. Written in 1953, the author imagined a future where the written word is forbidden and fire fighters are charged with finding and burning down hidden libraries.

A kickoff event featuring a live audio conference with Ray Bradbury will be simultaneously held Thursday, Feb. 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Cleveland Public Library, Main Auditorium, Louis Stokes Wing, 325 Superior Ave., Cleveland and at the Akron-Summit County Public Library's Tallmadge Branch, 90 Community Rd., off state Route 261, Tallmadge. Ray Horner, radio host of WAKR's Morning Show, will conduct the live teleconference with Mr. Bradbury. A brief reader's theater program will follow.

Well-known author Harlan Ellison will wrap up the program the week of April 7 with appearances in Cleveland and Akron.

A calendar of local events as well as resources to enrich participation are available on the official Web site.

Funding in part is made possible by the George Gund Foundation, The Cleveland Foundation and The State Library of Ohio.