Seaside —Friends of the Seaside Library present “The History of Camp Rilea” with local author Andrea Larson Perez at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5. Perez will tell the fascinating story of the important role Camp Rilea has played to all who have passed through its gates. Afterward, there will be book sales and signings. The event is free and will take place in the Community Room.

Originally named Camp Clatsop, the camp was founded in 1927 and soon became the Oregon National Guard’s preferred training site. Located in Warrenton, the camp covers 1,800 acres and includes three miles of beachfront.

Since the early days, the Armed Forces Training Center has been a premier regional location offering maneuver areas, facilities and ranges assisting a myriad of military units, law enforcement agencies and public safety organizations. From the time of Brig. Gen. Thomas Rilea in 1931 to the present day, the camp has provided training and support for the armed forces.

Perez is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida. She relocated to the lower Columbia region in 1994. She has a degree in public relations from California State University and is married to Col. Dean Perez, the current post commander at Camp Rilea. This is her first book.

The Seaside Public Library is located at 1131 Broadway. For more information call 503-738-6742 or visit www.seasidelibrary.org