LEWISTON – A copy of the book, “Voyages: A Franco-American Reader,” was presented to French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Nov. 6 at a ceremony at the French Embassy in Washington.

The book was co-edited by Barry Rodrigue, professor of arts and humanities at USM’s Lewiston-Auburn College, and was presented by Severin Beliveau, honorary French consul for the state. Members of Maine’s congressional delegation were also in attendance.

The 600-page book includes more than 70 contributions: historical essays, short stories, photos, poems and recipes. Some of the book’s contributors include local Lewiston artist Mercedes Gastonguay, “Papa Martel” author Gerard Robichaud and photographer Jere DeWaters. It is a joint venture between the University of Southern Maine’s Franco-American Collection and Tilbury House Publishers.

USM’s Franco-American Collection is the largest repository of Franco-American archival material in the state, with material on history, politics, religion, education, industry, business, theater and music.

The collection preserves a large collection of documents, news clippings, photographs and artifacts about Franco-American history and culture.

In addition, the collection houses the Madeleine Giguere Reading Room, which includes a large selection of books concerning the French presence in North America.

The collection is open to the public Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Call 753-6545 or visit usm.maine.edu/lac/franco for more information.