The Hobbit, a modern tale of good versus evil - with dwarves and dragons thrown in for good measure - will be this year's Get Fired up For Reading offering at the Oak Park Public Library.

Sign up for this winter's reading program at any location, through Feb. 2, and you can get for free a copy of J.R.R. Tolkein's famous prelude to the Lord of the Rings, while supplies last.

Adults, teens and tweens are encouraged to participate in this enthralling read.

The Hobbit is the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life until the day when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.

On Feb. 2, the reading program will conclude with the library's "Middle Earth Mania" from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Veterans Room at the Main Library, 834 Lake St. Tolkein trivia, Hobbit-worthy food and more will be offered. Costumes encouraged.