Excited about reading Harper Lee’s next blockbuster novel, “Go Set a Watchman”? There’s no better place to be when the book launches Tuesday, July 14, than in Lee’s hometown of Monroeville, where residents are planning a big celebration and welcome for her legions of fans.

Set 20 years after “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Go Set a Watchman” centers on the same characters beloved by millions of readers around the world. Just as important, “Watchman” is set in the same fictional town of Maycomb, widely believed to be based on Monroeville. Fans are already bound for Monroeville where some simply want to buy Lee’s long-awaited book in her hometown.

Ready to oblige, Ol’ Curiosities & Book Shoppe will host a book release party starting at midnight July 14. Thousands of copies of “Watchman” have been pre-sold, according to Sandy Smith, executive director of the chamber of commerce.

True to downhome Maycomb style, the classic 1903 Monroe County Courthouse — the model for the courtroom featured in the Academy Award-winning 1962 movie adaptation of “Mockingbird” — and the town square will be the center of activities surrounding the book release.

Old Monroeville Courthouse (Photo by Andrea Wright)

In the oval courtroom, now part of the Monroe County Museum, some 250 fans of “Mockingbird” will be able to join a marathon reading of “Watchman,” said museum director Stephanie Rogers.

According to the state tourism department, vintage cars and trucks will be parked around the courthouse and in front of the old bank on the southwest corner of the square where attorney A.C. Lee, the author’s father and the real life Atticus Finch, practiced law.

Historians, including Dr. Wayne Flynt, a friend of Harper Lee, will sit in rocking chairs to tell stories on the porch of the Monroe County Library. The library was the La Salle Hotel in 1961 when Gregory Peck and his wife stayed on a visit to the town in preparation for his role as Atticus in the movie.

The storytelling will include the talents of the Mockingbird Players, who have been staging a live version of “To Kill a Mockingbird” for years around the courthouse and square.

If you want to get a good look at the picturesque town that inspired Lee, her friend Truman Capote (widely believed to be the model for Dill in “Mockingbird”) and other writers, there is a guided walking tour to show you the sights.

“When we plan a function, we go big,” said Annie Hill, who handles public relations for the museum.

Monroeville always throws its arms open to visitors, but never in a bigger way than when Scout Finch returns home.

TENTATIVE SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

• 12 a.m.–2 a.m. – Book Release Party at Ol’ Curiosities & Book Shoppe.
• 5:45 a.m. – Doors open at Old Courthouse for marathon reading of Watchman for 200 ticketholders.
• 6 a.m. – General admission to courtroom on first-come basis.
• 6:15 a.m. – Marathon reading begins.
• 8 a.m. – Ol’ Curiosities re-opens and book pick-up resumes. Kathy McCoy will be present for a book signing that morning.
• 9 a.m. – First walking tour departs Monroe County Public Library.
• 9:30 am — Storytelling on the porch with Harper Lee expert and friend Dr. Wayne Flynt.
• 10 a.m. – Storytelling at library with Mockingbird Players.
• 10:30 a.m. – Storytelling at library with Mockingbird Players.
• 11 a.m. – Storytelling at library with Mockingbird Players.
• 10 a.m. – noon – Summer Reading Program at Monroe County Public Library, Graduation and Pizza Party.  Librarian Bunny Nobles will also discuss Harper Lee and her connection to Monroeville.
• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Open House featuring popcorn, teacakes and lemonade.
• 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – “Hardee’s Dairy Dream” by Becky Hardee Brunson, book signing at Finishing Touches.
• 11:30 a.m. – Historic downtown marker dedication by City of Monroeville and Monroeville/Monroe County Chamber of Commerce.
• 2 p.m. – Estimated start time of afternoon marathon read at museum.
• 2 p.m. – Second walking tour departs library.
• 2 p.m. – Storytelling at the library with Southern Literature expert Jerry Pickett.
• 2:30 p.m. – Storytelling at the library with Melinda Byrd Murphy, coordinator for the Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Writer.
• 3 p.m. – Storytelling at the library with George Jones, childhood friend of Lee.
• 4 p.m. – Courthouse lawn mint julep party.

WHERE TO EAT

The Prop and Gavel restaurant (42 East Claiborne Street) occupies the space of the former five and dime of Lee’s youth – and where Jem bought Scout a sparkly bracelet in “Mockingbird.” (251.575.7767)

Taste a different connection to the book — try Radley’s Fountain Grille (1559 South Alabama Avenue) for barbecue lunch. (252.743.2345)

WHERE TO STAY

Although there are other hotels in Monroeville, there’s still space available at the Mockingbird Inn & Suites, which boasts affordable prices and a great location for all the festivities – 4389 South Alabama Avenue. For more information or reservations, visit www.mockingbirdinn.com.