Aurora Public Library and Aurora Fox Arts Center are building a partnership to “bridge the love of reading and theater,” encouraging people to read a library book then go watch the theater adaptation of that book. 

“One Book, One Aurora: From Page to Stage” kicked off Thursday, encouraging Aurora residents to check out Mark Haddon’s novel “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,” Aurora Public Library officials announced Thursday.

The Aurora Fox’s stage production of the novel will then run between March 21 and April 13 along with a series of events to “foster community connection” and “promote awareness and support for individuals in the autistic community,” library officials said in a press release.

Haddon’s novel, available for check out on Aurora Public Library’s website, is the story of an autistic boy who finds himself under suspicion for the murder of his neighbor’s dog and sets out on a quest for find the real killer, according to the Fox Arts Center website.

Starting in late February, a series of events will immerse people in the story and the play, starting with an open rehearsal for the public to watch and ending with the final performance and reception in March. 

The events are as follows.

Open rehearsal: Thursday, Feb. 27 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Aurora Fox Arts Center, 9900 E. Colfax Ave.

A behind-the-scenes event where attendees can watch a rehearsal of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.” Attendees will also have a chance to ask the cast and director questions and be entered into a raffle for free tickets to the production.

Book discussion: Saturday, March 1 at 10:30 a.m. at Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Pkwy.

A discussion of the book and a raffle for free tickets to the production.

Meet the cast: Saturday, March 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Tallyn’s Reach Library, 23911 E. Arapahoe Rd.

Production director Richard Cowden and cast members of the production will discuss bringing a book to life on stage. Attendees will be able to meet the people putting on the play and ask questions about the process. Another raffle will take place for free show tickets.

Reception and performance: Sunday, March 23 at 2 p.m. at Aurora Fox Arts Center

A special reception will take place from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. followed by the performance. Afterward, the show’s director and cast members will stay for a discussion on the main stage. Tickets can be purchased at AuroraFoxArtsCenter.org. 

Resource Fair: March 21 to 23 at Aurora Fox Arts Center

Community organizations including Autism Community Store and Phamaly Theater Company will have resources available to community members while the show takes place. They will be at the Fox Theater from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, then from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Aurora Public Library has seven branches throughout the city and one bookmobile. The Aurora Fox Arts Center is celebrating its 40th anniversary season. Both are part of the city’s Library and Cultural Services Department.