A program that reaches out to kids and adults alike kicked off in Harrisonburg Friday.

The book for this year's the Big Read is Mark Twain's "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." WHSV's Bob Corso read a passage from the book on Court Square.

So far, managers at the Massanutten Regional Library say they have distributed 1,500 copies of Twain's novel to schools in the City of Harrisonburg and Rockingham and Page counties.

"Classic literature appeals to all ages, whether you're eight or 108. And, that's the beauty of 'Tom Sawyer,' is that we know people of all ages will be joining us in The Big Read," says Mary Golden-Hughes, public relations manager for the library.

All branches of the Massanutten Regional Library have copies available for anyone interested. The Big Read is a nationwide event.

The library will also give out 100 copies of the book in Dayton Saturday at the Autumn Celebration.