SUMMER READING CLUBS BRING AUTHORS WITH LOCAL TIES TO THE LIBRARY

Norfolk, VA (August 2, 2004) - To continue the momentum of its summer reading clubs, Norfolk Public Library will bring two authors with local ties to Kirn Memorial Library. Award-winning author Jonathon Scott Fuqua will present a youth program on Sunday, August 15 at 2:00 p.m. Author Dean Burgess will present an adult program on Wednesday, August 25 at 7:00 p.m.

Jonathon Scott Fuqua is the author of two award-winning young adult novels, The Reappearance of Sam Webber and Darby. His new novel, The Willoughby Spit Wonder, takes place in Norfolk, Virginia. Fuqua is also the author of a "groundbreaking" graphic novel, In the Shadow of Edgar Allan Poe, which was nominated by YALSA as a Popular Paperback for Young Adults. For young children he has penned Catie & Josephine, an innovative graphic/chapter book. Fuqua grew up in Norfolk and attended the College of William & Mary. He currently lives in Baltimore with his wife and two children.

The adult summer reading club, Reading It's a Classic, will host the program by local author Dean Burgess. Adults attending his program will learn to read and write historical fiction. Burgess is the author of "An Unclean Act." Following the program, the author will sign copies of his book.

Norfolk Public Library's summer reading clubs kicked off on June 28 in all twelve Norfolk Public Library locations and the Bookmobile. Hundreds of children receive weekly incentives, entries into drawings for weekly prizes, and fill out paper sandals to have their reading accomplishments acknowledged on the "wall of readers." Musicians, magicians, and other performers continue to entertain club participants in several special programs. This is the first year for the adult summer reading club. Adult participants receive a chance to win a prize with every 3 books read and will receive a small gift if they complete the club. Both summer reading clubs end on August 28.

For a complete list of all summer reading club activities, pick up a Norfolk Public Library calendar of events or visit the library's web site, www.npl.lib.va.us. Kirn Memorial Library is located at 301 E. City Hall Avenue in Norfolk. Park in the MacArthur Center South garage, bring your ticket into the library for validation, and receive 3 free hours of parking. For more information on the Fuqua program or the Burgess program, call the library at 664-READ.