FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 7, 2003
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119

CELEBRATION OF NEW BOOKS, NOV. 10-12, AT DRAKE UNIVERSITY

The third annual Celebration of New Books for Children and Youth is Nov. 10 - 12 at Drake University's Cowles Library, 28th Street and University Avenue. The event is sponsored by Drake University's School of Education, Des Moines Public Schools and Heartland Area Education Agency.

More than 800 book titles from 2003 will be on display for preview by teachers, librarians, parents, students and others at the Cowles Library. The display hours are 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12.

In addition, children's book illustrator Karen Ritz will speak at the Cowles Library's Reading Room at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11. Ritz has illustrated more than 30 books for children, such as "Ian's Walk," "A Picture Book of Anne Frank" and "Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express." A book signing will follow her presentation.

The preview and presentation are free, and no pre-registration is required.