Read Me Treasure Valley this year will have a Boise sesquicentennial focus. Instead of featuring one book, the program will encourage people to read a range of materials relating to the past 150 years.

The program, which starts Friday and goes through March, will feature activities such as author appearances, film screenings and book discussions in libraries and other area venues.

Boise Mayor David Bieter, Idaho Statesman columnist Dan Popkey and Associate State Librarian Marj Hooper will speak at the program's kickoff, starting at 10 a.m., Friday at the Oregon Trail Reserve, 4500 E Lake Forest Dr., Boise.

Boise Public Library, Boise State University’s Story Initiative, The Cabin and the Idaho Statesman are partnering to present Read Me Treasure Valley. It is supported by grants from the Idaho Humanities Council and the Boise City Arts and History Department.