CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Just like the "Harry Potter" series before it, Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series has achieved something amazing. No, not massive amounts of fans and popularity, though there is that, but it has also gotten thousands of teens and tweens reading.

To celebrate that, Charleston Town Center Mall is hosting a month of "Twilight"-themed events. Though the film will be celebrated, too, the main focus is the book series. The promotion is subtitled "Read ... it changes everything!"

Things kick off with a "Twilight" Salute on July 11. This includes the opening of the Twilight Lounge in Center Court and a special meet-and-greet with actor Peter Facinelli -- aka Dr. Carlisle Cullen.

The meet-and-greet begins at noon in Center Court. Facinelli will sign autographs and be available for photos. There will be two separate lines -- one to have a photo taken and one to get an autograph. The photo op runs $40, and autographs cost $25. A portion of the proceeds goes to Facinelli's favorite charity, Omnipeace, whose mission is to end extreme poverty by 2025. After you go through one line, you can get in the other, but you will pay both fees.

For the autograph signing, there will be photos available for purchase (while supplies last), or you can bring your favorite "Twilight" item for him to sign.

The Twilight Lounge will be open during mall hours from July 11-25. You can hang out and play the "Twilight" board game, piece together a "Twilight" puzzle, try your hand at trivia games and word searches or read the books or magazines featuring the film's cast. Posters and cutouts of the cast will decorate the lounge, so bring your camera and get your picture taken with Edward or Bella.

In addition, the lounge will be the drop spot for a Salvation Army book drive and "Twilight" art and writing contests. You also can sign up to win "Twilight" and other entertainment prizes (drawn weekly) or pledge your allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob on posters that will be sent to the stars.

On July 18, attend a Fanpire Party at the lounge. Activities include look-alike and trivia contests. Winners will be VIPs at a second meet-and-greet featuring actor Mike Welsh, who plays Forks High student Mike Newton. There will also be refreshments like fruit punch, candied apples and cake.

The fun concludes in the lounge on July 25 with a "Twilight" fan fest that features the Welsh meet-and-greet from noon to 2 p.m. followed by a fashion show with Charleston Town Center's Teen Board.

More details on events will be posted at www.charlestontowncenter.com, or you can stop by Guest Services for information. Read up on "Twilight" with FlipSide writer Sarah Abbott's reviews of the books and film in the Pulse section of wvflipside.com.

Reach Amy Robinson at 304-348-4881 or flips...@wvgazette.com.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Just like the "Harry Potter" series before it, Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series has achieved something amazing. No, not massive amounts of fans and popularity, though there is that, but it has also gotten thousands of teens and tweens reading.

To celebrate that, Charleston Town Center Mall is hosting a month of "Twilight"-themed events. Though the film will be celebrated, too, the main focus is the book series. The promotion is subtitled "Read ... it changes everything!"

Things kick off with a "Twilight" Salute on July 11. This includes the opening of the Twilight Lounge in Center Court and a special meet-and-greet with actor Peter Facinelli -- aka Dr. Carlisle Cullen.

The meet-and-greet begins at noon in Center Court. Facinelli will sign autographs and be available for photos. There will be two separate lines -- one to have a photo taken and one to get an autograph. The photo op runs $40, and autographs cost $25. A portion of the proceeds goes to Facinelli's favorite charity, Omnipeace, whose mission is to end extreme poverty by 2025. After you go through one line, you can get in the other, but you will pay both fees.

For the autograph signing, there will be photos available for purchase (while supplies last), or you can bring your favorite "Twilight" item for him to sign.

The Twilight Lounge will be open during mall hours from July 11-25. You can hang out and play the "Twilight" board game, piece together a "Twilight" puzzle, try your hand at trivia games and word searches or read the books or magazines featuring the film's cast. Posters and cutouts of the cast will decorate the lounge, so bring your camera and get your picture taken with Edward or Bella.

In addition, the lounge will be the drop spot for a Salvation Army book drive and "Twilight" art and writing contests. You also can sign up to win "Twilight" and other entertainment prizes (drawn weekly) or pledge your allegiance to Team Edward or Team Jacob on posters that will be sent to the stars.

On July 18, attend a Fanpire Party at the lounge. Activities include look-alike and trivia contests. Winners will be VIPs at a second meet-and-greet featuring actor Mike Welsh, who plays Forks High student Mike Newton. There will also be refreshments like fruit punch, candied apples and cake.

The fun concludes in the lounge on July 25 with a "Twilight" fan fest that features the Welsh meet-and-greet from noon to 2 p.m. followed by a fashion show with Charleston Town Center's Teen Board.

More details on events will be posted at www.charlestontowncenter.com, or you can stop by Guest Services for information. Read up on "Twilight" with FlipSide writer Sarah Abbott's reviews of the books and film in the Pulse section of wvflipside.com.

Reach Amy Robinson at 304-348-4881 or flips...@wvgazette.com.