The Santa Clarita Public Library’s fourth annual One Story One City program returns with free, themed events during the entire month of March. The One Story One City initiative encourages citywide discussions and promotes reading across all ages through one story.

This year’s book selection is best-selling, science fiction novel “Ready Player One,” by Ernest Cline.

“Ready Player One” is set in the year 2045 and follows the adventures of teenager Wade Watts as he escapes his grim reality by plugging into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade becomes enthralled in a cyber search for three keys left behind by late OASIS creator, James Halliday. The keys are rumored to be hidden inside the OASIS, and whoever finds them will inherit Halliday’s very extensive fortune. However, the path to find all three keys won’t be easy and will lead Wade through a puzzling cyber-quest.

Participants can pick up a copy of “Ready Player One” at their local Santa Clarita Public Library branch, or purchase the book through the program partner, Valencia Barnes & Noble, located at 23630 Valencia Boulevard. In conjunction with the book reading, the community is invited to participate in One Story One City book-themed events.

Public book discussions will be held at all library branches in Canyon Country, Newhall and Valencia. The Library will also host craft nights, movie nights, game nights and dance parties, all themed to the 1980s pop culture references featured extensively in the book.

In addition, the following special events will take place:
• Classic Arcade Games – The community is encouraged to stop by during library hours at all three library branch locations on Thursday, Mar.8, to play retro games on a full sized arcade game.
• In the Game: A Virtual Reality Test Drive – Participants are invited to get a taste of the OASIS by trying virtual reality on Friday, Mar. 2, at 4:00 p.m. at the Valencia Library; Tuesday, March 20, at 4:00 p.m. at the Canyon Country Library; and Monday, Mar. 26, at 4:00 p.m. at the Old Town Newhall Library.
• “It’s Like, Totally Rad” Art Gallery and Reception – The community is invited to come see artwork inspired by the book and the 1980s decade. Participants will enjoy appetizers, entertainment and have a chance to meet the artists. The event is on Saturday, Mar. 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the First Floor Gallery at City Hall.
• Three Keys Scavenger Hunt – During the month of March at all Santa Clarita Public Library branches, residents can complete a self-guided scavenger hunt within the library that will quiz their “Ready Player One” knowledge. Participants will be entered into a drawing for “Ready Player One” movie tickets.

Additional chances to win movie tickets to see “Ready Player One,” will also be made available at all One Story One City events. For a full list of events including book discussions and activities, please visit SantaClaritaLibrary.com/OneStoryOneCity.

One Story One City is made possible by the support and partnership of the Friends of Santa Clarita Public Library and Valencia Barnes & Noble.

More information regarding the One Story One City program can be found online at SantaClaritaLibrary.com/OneStoryOneCity.