Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, in partnership with the West Branch Public Library, invites children and their families to celebrate National Park Week on Monday, April 23. National Park Week (April 21-29, 2012) is the annual week for celebration and recognition of your National Parks. The theme of the year’s National Park Week is “Picture Yourself in A National Park”.

The April 23 program is free and begins at the West Branch Public Library with ranger-led children’s activities at 6:30 p.m., followed by a presentation at 7:00 p.m. by Mike Graf, educator and author of children’s books such as the “Adventures with the Parkers” series. Elementary and middle school age children who enjoy outdoor adventure fiction can hear Mr.

Graf combine storytelling, drama, and slides about adventures, wildlife, and history in our national parks. For children interested in writing their own stories, Mike Graf shares helpful tips and techniques that he uses in his own adventure novels.

An author of over 70 published books, Mike Graf visits 50 schools each year all over the country. “I love to write realistic fiction books for children on the outdoors.  I have published books out on caving, dinosaur digs, whale rescues, ghost towns, animal encounters, and much more,” said Mr.

Graf, adding, “My national park adventure series is something I am very proud of.”

The West Branch Public Library is at 300 North Downey Street in West Branch, Iowa, exit 254 off I-80. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, also in West Branch, are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information go online at www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.