Winnie-the-Pooh celebrates his 100th anniversary this year, with Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture hosting a public reading Oct. 14 in Marysville. Illustration by E.H. Shepard.

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - A century after Winnie-the-Pooh first appeared in print, Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture will celebrate the children's book with a public reading Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Burrows Center for the Arts in Marysville.

The free event marks the 100th anniversary of the publication of A.A. Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh," which first appeared Oct. 14, 1926. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. at the arts center, located at Seventh and E streets.

Organizers plan a marathon reading of the book, with community members taking turns reading passages aloud. Participants may volunteer to read a few pages or attend simply to listen.

Milne, a British playwright and author, wrote the stories for his young son, Christopher Robin. The book introduced readers to Winnie-the-Pooh, also known as Edward Bear, and his adventures with Christopher Robin and other characters in the Hundred Acre Wood.

The stories have remained part of children's literature for generations, introducing readers to characters whose adventures center on friendship, imagination and everyday experiences.

Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture hopes the anniversary celebration will bring together readers of different ages, including those who grew up with the stories and children discovering them for the first time.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a favorite stuffed animal to accompany them during the reading. Organizers welcome teddy bears, rabbits and other stuffed toys.

The gathering will offer families, grandparents, children and other book enthusiasts an opportunity to share the stories through a community reading rather than a traditional performance.

Refreshments will be available, including honey, a favorite food of the book's main character.

Admission is free, and participants do not need to read aloud to attend.

For more information, contact Yuba Sutter Arts & Culture at 530-742-2787 or [email protected].