Les Anderson's book to benefit Valley Center library

Two May book signings are set for Les Anderson, professor of communications at Wichita State University, who has published a book that offers a glimpse into small-town life and community.

"Never take a snake for a ride" is a collection of newspaper columns written by Anderson for Valley Center's weekly newspaper, The Ark Valley News. It is being sold as a benefit for the Valley Center Public Library.

Book signings are set for 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, May 15, at the Valley Center Public Library, 321 W. First in Valley Center, and at 4 p.m. the same day (May 15) at Watermark Books, 4701 E. Douglas in Wichita.

Anderson has written his "More or les" columns for The Ark Valley News since 1975, when he and wife, Nancy, started the Valley Center newspaper. They published the newspaper for nearly three decades.

Chris and Lisa Strunk are current owners of The News. Anderson still writes a weekly column for the newspaper and is a professor in Wichita State's Elliott School of Communication.

Proceeds from the book, with a cover design by Wichita cartoonist and musician Richard Crowson, will go to the building fund for a new Valley Center library. The book sells for $15.95, including tax.

The columns are divided into four sections in the book: reptiles, animals and bugs; life, kids and family; small towns; and people who have left us.

Books are available at Watermark and several locations in Valley Center. Books also may be ordered online from Watermark at http://www.watermarkbooks.com.