September 5, 1997

Contact:
Craig D'Ooge, Library of Congress (202) 707-9189

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Georgia Center for the Book Approved

The Library of Congress has approved a proposal from the DeKalb County Public Library for the creation of a Georgia Center for the Book to be affiliated with the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. "This is a wonderful development," said John Y. Cole, Director of the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress. "We look forward to working with the Georgia Center for the Book in promoting books, reading, and libraries in new and imaginative ways."

The Georgia Center for the Book, located at the DeKalb County Public Library, will be a focal point for the celebration of Georgia's literary heritage; promote collaboration among the state's publishers, writers, booksellers, and librarians; and "highlight the value of the book as a central element in our culture." According to Darro C. Willey, Director of the DeKalb Public Library, the new center's statewide advisory board will reflect Georgia's varied "community of the book," including "representatives of several academic institutions and local writers organizations."

For information about the Georgia Center for the Book, contact Anne Johnson, Executive Director, Georgia Center for the Book, DeKalb Public Library, 215 Sycamore Street, Decatur, GA 30030; telephone (404) 370-8450 or fax (404) 370-8469.

The Center for the Book in the Library of Congress was established in 1977 to stimulate public interest in books, reading, and libraries. Its projects, supported mostly by private funds, reach into every region of the country through a network of more than 30 affiliated state centers and 50 national, educational, and civic organizations. For information, visit the center's Web site at: http://www.loc.gov/loc/cfbook/.

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PR 97-143
9/5/97
ISSN 0731-3527