April 1, 2008

The Library of Michigan today announced that the 2008 Michigan Notable Books author tour, featuring nearly 60 free presentations and book signings by 15 of this year's Notable Books authors at libraries statewide, will kick off April 10.

"We're thrilled to offer tour stops in more than 50 communities, from one end of the state to the other, so people throughout Michigan may enjoy hearing from these remarkable authors who have shared their captivating stories of life in Michigan," said State Librarian Nancy Robertson. "The 2008 Michigan Notable Books reach children and adults with selections including picture books, novels, memoir, poetry, historical accounts and cultural observations. This tour is a chance to celebrate both these authors and the Michigan spirit they capture with their books."

From April 10 to June 17, the Michigan Notable Books tour will stop at libraries in Alden, Alpena, Ann Arbor, Auburn Hills, Bad Axe, Bay City, Cadillac, Cass City, Charlevoix, Clare, Davisburg, Detroit (4 visits), East Lansing, Empire, Engadine, Escanaba, Gaylord, Grand Rapids (2 visits), Grayling, Hartland, Hastings, Houghton Lake, Iron Mountain, Jackson, Kalkaska, Lake Odessa, Lansing (3 visits), Lapeer, Livonia, Manistee, Marquette, Marshall, Mattawan, Menominee, Midland, Morenci, Mount Pleasant, Northville, Owosso, Remus, Royal Oak, Saginaw, Sand Lake, Sault Ste. Marie, Southfield, Spring Lake, St. Ignace, Temperance, Three Rivers, Traverse City and Waterford.

For the full schedule of author visits, including locations and dates, see http://www.michigan.gov/documents/hal/2008_MNB_author_tour_229707_7.doc.

The Michigan Notable Books list is the Library of Michigan's annual selection of books that reflect the state's rich cultural heritage by highlighting Michigan people, places and events. Each year's list features 20 books published the previous calendar year that are about or set in Michigan or the Great Lakes region or are written by a native or resident of Michigan. Selections include nonfiction and fiction and typically have a wide appeal to the audience, covering a range of topics and issues close to the hearts of Michigan residents.  For more information about the Michigan Notable Books, please visit www.michigan.gov/notablebooks.

On Saturday, April 26, the Library of Michigan Foundation will celebrate the Michigan Notable Books program with the annual "Night for Notables" tribute.  The evening will feature keynote speaker Eric Villegas, chef and author of 2008 Michigan Notable Book "Fork in the Road." Guests will enjoy a sampling of Villegas' cuisine, Michigan wines and book signings by many of the 2008 Michigan Notable Books authors.  Known for his namesake restaurant and his love of local food, Villegas has shared his culinary passion and zest for life in his award-winning PBS show "Fork in the Road with Eric Villegas" since 2001, where he tirelessly seeks out the artisan growers, farmers, ranchers and fishmongers that produce top-quality foods throughout Michigan. 

Taking place from 7 to 9:30 p.m., "Night for Notables" takes places at the Library of Michigan and is open to all, with tickets priced at $35 per person.  A portion of the evening's proceeds will be used to support the Library of Michigan's special collections and programs. To reserve a spot and get more details, call (517) 373-4692.  The Library of Michigan is located at 702 W. Kalamazoo St. in downtown Lansing.

The programming and author tour centered around the 2008 Michigan Notable Books list are sponsored by the Library of Michigan, the Library of Michigan Foundation, the Michigan Humanities Council, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Cooley Law School, ProQuest, Meijer, Borders, Auto Owners Insurance, LaSalle Bank/Bank of America, Michigan Center for the Book, Schuler Books & Music, Daniel and Victoria Arbour, and Paul and Marge Byington.  Media partners for this project are WKAR, Queue Advertising, Gennara Photography and the Lansing State Journal.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, the Michigan Film Office and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).