For Immediate Release: April 1, 2009

Travel Series Returns to Oakland Public Library

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( Oakland, CA)—The Main Library's popular Spring Travel Series returns this month with weekly programs featuring travel experts waxing over wide ranging topics, such as travel health, walking tours, road tripping through Baja California, and the arts in Cuba. All of the talks will take place in the West Auditorium of the Main Library, 125 14th Street.

The series launches Wednesday, April 15, at 6 p.m., with Travel Health Resources Online. Oakland Public Librarians Barbara Bibel and Dorothy Lazard will provide an online tour of reliable travel health resources (immunizations, travel advisories, etc.), and present practical tips on how to stay healthy on the road.

On Wednesday, April 22, at 6 p.m., Tom Downs, an award-winning travel writer and author of Walking San Francisco, presents Walking Tours: Exploring Cities on Foot. In his talk, Mr. Downs will extol the value of experiencing a city the pedestrian way. Along the way, he will share the history, architecture, and stories that make San Francisco one of the country's great walking cities.

On Wednesday, April 29, at 6 p.m., intrepid world traveler and local author Trevor Cralle presents Baja Road Trip. Mr. Cralle will give a slide show and talk on the basics of camping in ruggedly beautiful Baja California. Among the topics: securing automobile insurance, packing, points of interest, whale watching and other activities.

The series concludes on Thursday, May 7, at 6 p.m., with The Art and Culture of Cuba. Painter, musician, and art instructor Sue Matthews presents a talk and slide show on the diverse culture and rich history of Cuba. As a frequent traveler to Cuba, Ms. Matthews will also share practical tips on how to go, some of her favorite activities, the arts scene, and more.

Books will be available for sale and signing at some of the events.

For information, please call (510) 238-3136 or visit the Oakland Public Library’s Website at www.oaklandlibrary.org. Please refrain from wearing scented products to library events. To request sign interpretation, or other accommodation, call the number above at least five working days prior to the event. The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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