Omar Tyree, author of 15 novels, will launch Cleveland Public Library’s Writers and Readers 2008-2009 Series on Sunday, September 28, 2:00 p.m. FREE and open to the public, the event will take place at the Main Library, Louis Stokes Wing Auditorium, E. 6^th Street and Superior Avenue. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Born in Philadelphia and educated at Howard University, Tyree is one of the most renowned contemporary writers in the African American community. Tyree has sold more than 1.8 million books worldwide. As an author, he is best known for jumpstarting the popularity of the “urban fiction” movement. His most recent book, The Last Street Novel, tells the story of Shareef Crawford, a bestselling author of romance novels. His novels include Flyy Girl, A Do Right Man, Single Mom, For the Love of Money, Sweet St. Louis, The Underground, Just Say No, Diary of a Groupie, Cold-Blooded,  and Boss Lady. His articles and essays have appeared in The Washington Post, Essence, Upscale, the Black Collegian, the Washington Times and Black Issues Book Review.

Entrepreneur, performer, and energetic public speaker, Tyree is the founder of the Urban Literacy Project, which aims to improve literacy among urban and disadvantaged youth. His plans for the near future include a series of magazine features that will focus on community, culture, entertainment, politics, and new-wave intellectualism. He also plans to adapt several of his novels into films and launch a TV talk show highlighting contemporary authors. Call (216) 623-2955 for more information.