Western Libraries to give away maps at event next week

Western Libraries is consolidating its map collection and will be giving away surplus maps on April 17 and 18.

These maps were received through depository or similar agreements and therefore Western cannot sell them, but they are free for the taking.

They already have been offered to other libraries.

The maps are mostly of the eastern United States or other countries. They include topographic, nautical and aeronautical maps, among many others.

The giveaway will be held from noon to 4 p.m. April 17 and 18 at the Commissary Building (781 25th St., Bellingham). Members of the public who expect to spend more than 15 minutes looking at the maps will need to purchase a parking permit at Parking Services in the Campus Services Facility at 2001 Bill McDonald Parkway.

For more information, contact Rob Lopresti at (360) 650-3272 or mapcollection@wwu.edu.

The map collection is located in Wilson Library Room 170 and is open to the public from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. It contains more than 100,000 maps with an emphasis on the Pacific Northwest.

The giveaway event is free and open to the public.