Books and bibliophiles is topic of presentation

NEW PALTZ — A lively narrative of adventures among kindred spirits by award-winning author Nicholas A. Basbanes will take place at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Lecture Center 102 on the State University of New York at New Paltz campus.

Well known for writing about books and bibliophiles, Basbanes will hold a book signing, followed by a presentation titled “Among the Gently Mad.” The event is free and open to the public.

Immediately following the presentation, there will be a reception for members of the Friends of the Library in the Sojourner Truth Library. Those who are not yet members of the Friends of the Library, but who wish attend this reception, may purchase a membership ($30) at the door.

A native of Lowell, Mass., Basbanes graduated from Bates College in 1965 with a degree in English, received a master of arts degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1968 in journalism, and served as a naval officer aboard the aircraft carrier Oriskany in the Tonkin Gulf in 1969 and 1970.

Basbanes’s first book, A Gentle Madness: Bibliophiles, Bibliomanes, and the Eternal Passion for Books is now in its eighth edition, with more than 80,000 copies in print.

In addition to his books, Basbanes has written for numerous newspapers, magazines and journals, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Smithsonian, Civilization, and has lectured widely on book-related subjects.

“In this digital age, it is crucial to remember that there is a wealth of information available in books, manuscripts and other printed materials,” said Chui-Chun Lee, director of Sojourner Truth Library. “I’m delighted that The Friends of the Library have arranged for Mr. Basbanes to come to New Paltz to speak to us about books, book culture and the importance of the printed word.”

This talk is organized by the Friends of the Sojourner Truth Library, with generous funding support from the New Paltz Foundation, the Writing Board, the Honors Center, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Sojourner Truth Library.

If you are in need of an interpreter for the hearing impaired, or for more information, contact Chui-chun Lee at leec@newpaltz.edu or (845) 257-3719 by Monday, Nov. 3.

The Friends of the Sojourner Truth Library is an association of faculty, students, parents, alumni, and community and business members dedicated to promoting and enhancing the university library as a shared resource. Its mission is to participate in the stewardship of the library by contributing financial and organizational support of literacy, education, scholarship, and general library use. Sojourner Truth Library is open Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.; on Friday from 8:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; on Saturday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and on Sunday from 1-11:30 p.m.

The Sojourner Truth Library is the largest public academic library in the region and supports the teaching, research and public service mission of SUNY New Paltz. Friends members are entitled to annual Sojourner Truth Library borrowing privileges, receive the Library newsletter, and are invited to special Library exhibits and lectures. For additional information about the Friends of the Sojourner Truth Library, please call the SUNY New Paltz Foundation at (845) 257-3719.

Note to editors: Reporters are invited to attend the presentation (5 p.m., Lecture Center 102) and to come to the reception (Sojourner Truth Library, 6:30-8 p.m.). During the reception, members of the press will be allotted time to speak to, and photograph, Basbanes.

A photo of Basbanes may be downloaded from his Website at www.nicholasbasbanes.com