City Lights Bookstore in downtown Sylva will host author and hiker Peter J. Barr for a slideshow and discussion based on his new guidebook, “Hiking North Carolina’s Lookout Towers,” on Friday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.

The book includes directions on how to get to the state’s 26 fire and lookout towers. The author is director of the state chapter of the Forest Fire Lookout Association, a group of enthusiasts who restore and protect lookout towers nationwide. Many of these structures in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and surrounding areas were built in the 1920s and 1930s and are falling into disrepair. Restoration efforts are ongoing, however, and many can be safely climbed by hikers and walkers.

Hikers of all skill levels will find new places to explore and are invited to attend this slideshow and booksigning. For more information, call City Lights at 586-9499.