MADISON – For 2018, the featured book for “Madison County Reads” is a horror classic that epitomizes the melancholy of gothic terror, “Frankenstein.”

Madison County Reads is a community-wide reading initiative held every March. Themed sessions and activities complement the program. Huntsville-Madison County Public Library has sponsored Madison County Reads for 12 years to bring the community together and spark conversations.

By true coincidence, Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” was published the same year that the library system was formed in 1818. “Mary Shelley’s novel was the perfect choice for 2018, as we are both celebrating 200 years,” Madison County Reads Chairperson Suzanne Flynn said.

“More than just a musty old classic, this novel features a monster that speaks to the shared humanity in all of us,” Flynn said.

The program encourages all Madison County residents to read the same book. The library aims to foster community engagement by inviting people of diverse ages, backgrounds and viewpoints for discussion.

As the kickoff event for Madison County Reads, Madison Public Library will screen the movie, “Frankenstein,” starring Boris Karloff on March 3 at 1 p.m. in the auditorium.

The classic novel is centered on Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque but child-like creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. “To start you off, the library has a selection of non-fiction books relating to Mary Shelley and her famous monster,” director of public relations Melanie Thornton said.

In conjunction with Madison County Reads, the library has sponsored a contest for horror short stories. Categories were open to both teenagers and adults. The library staff will present first-, second- and third-place prizes to the winning writers on March 23.

The library system also provides outreach services, a BookMobile and BookBike, online services, training, an extensive digital collection, public-use computers, free Wi-fi, meeting spaces and much more. The library system’s 13 branches serve all of Madison County.

For more information, call 256-532-2362 or visit hmcpl.org/madisoncountyreads.