You are cordially invited to a Gala Vancouver Book Launch of Sticks and Wheels: A Guide to Accessible Travel on the Lower Sunshine Coast. The launch will take place on June 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the Alma Van Dusen Room (downstairs and fully accessible), Vancouver Public Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

What:   The Vancouver launch of Ellen Frank's exciting new book on traveling the Sunshine coast and dealing with mobility barriers. This new book by veteran travel agent and activist Ellen Frank, who travels using a motorized scooter or walker, will guide the mobility challenged traveler to the best and most accessible restaurants, B&Bs and recreational facilities on the Sunshine Coast. This book is a valuable resource for anyone considering travel on the Coast using mobility aids, and provides a lively, well written commentary on matters ranging from "pretend accessible"  bathrooms to the uneasy experience of transferring from a scooter to a water taxi. Well written and deeply researched, Sticks and Wheels is a treasure trove of accessibility data for one of the province's prime tourist destinations.

Where:   Vancouver Public Library Main Branch, 350 W. Georgia. Alma Van Dusen Room, library basement. This event is wheel chair accessible. When:   7:00 PM, June 13, 2006

Why: Whether you currently face mobility difficulties or belong now to the "temporarily able-bodied" population, you will want to own this book. Sticks and Wheels  highlights the importance of access for all and illustrateswhere to find it on the Sunshine Coast.

Who: Ellen Frank is a Gibsons writer, activist, mother, grandmother and retired travel agent. Her work has appeared in the Coast Reporter, Shared Voices and on the Writers Helper web site. She has lived with Multiple Sclerosis since 1988 and knows well how hard it is to get around with limited mobility. Ellen hopes that Sticks and Wheels will make it easier for everyone to get out and get here to the stunning Sunshine Coast.  Ellen Frank is available for press interviews or talks to private groups by contacting Marketing Coordinator Carol Upton.

Visit the Sticks and Wheels website at www.sticksandwheels.net to buy your copy if you can't make it to the launch. Bookstores, service groups and organizations can arrange bulk purchases of Sticks and Wheels by contacting Carol Upton .