The One Book, One Community program officially kicked off its six-week program Monday with community leaders and free books.

More than 150 people attended the “Get Fired Up” event at the Union, where spicy foods, free books and excitement loomed in the air.

Kristan Tetens, a university spokesperson who helped develop the program, said the 100 free books provided by Barnes & Noble Booksellers , 333 E. Grand River Ave., were gone in four minutes.

“It’s the energetic start we wanted,” she said.

During the celebration, officials discussed the importance of bringing the East Lansing and MSU communities together with the reading of Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451.”

MSU President M. Peter McPherson said to the crowd, “It’s important to read this book because it is going to help people discuss the issues.”

McPherson said he hasn’t read the book, but hopes to borrow Provost Lou Anna Simon’s copy.

“I personally love to read,” he said.

“My book pile keeps growing. I think it’s at seven or eight books right now.”

Simon said the book was a good pick to promote the exchange of ideas.

“I think the book was an interesting choice,” she said.

“It was written 50 years ago but still raises issues at the heart of our academy.”

East Lansing Mayor Mark Meadows said it’s good to read a book about the suppression of knowledge and to look at the list of books banned in the past, which includes “Winnie the Pooh.”

The program will continue through Nov. 5 and will include reading groups, panel discussions, special dinners in the residence halls and a showing of François Truffaut’s film version of “Fahrenheit 451.” A speaker series will feature Garyn Roberts, Bradbury’s authorized biographer, and Ken Wachsberger, editor of a four-volume set on banned books.

The book will also be used in selected courses at MSU and East Lansing High School.

Douglas Noverr, professor and chairperson of the American Thought and Language department, said he is going to be involved in many upcoming activities.

“There are not too many opportunities to bring the intellectual side of the university together with the city,” Noverr said.

“It is just as much important as bringing people together for sports.”

Human biology sophomore Khalid Ibrahim said he came to get involved because he wants more opportunities to discuss books.

“I was attracted to this because I did a similar activity in high school and got a deeper view on all the aspects of the book I read,” Ibrahim said.