NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                       DATE: 2/02/07 CONTACT: LESLIE SCHALER, COMMUNICATION ASST., (413) 545-0162   UMASS AMHERST LIBRARIES PRESENTS "SPIES AND LIES: MAPS FROM THE WORLD WAR II ERA"   Amherst, MA – The UMass Amherst Libraries presents an map exhibit, “Spies and Lies: Maps from the World War II Era,” on the Lower Level of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library from February 2, 2007 to March 31, 2007.  World War II era maps were created in a time of intrigue, espionage and subterfuge, when military commands were engaged in protecting their own terrain and resources, and at the same time gathering as much information as possible about their opponents' territories.  The Allied and Axis maps in this exhibit show the results of pre-war information gathering, aerial surveillance over occupied country, an examination of a potential invasion beach head, clandestine routes through the Sahara, an atlas with secrets, and the site of the only proven case of biological warfare in 20th century Europe.  On the lighter side, one case features a forged "antique" map purchased by an Amherst resident in post-war Paris. “Spies and Lies” was curated by Map Collection Supervisor Sandy Lillydahl.  For more information, call 545-2397 or email slillydahl@library.umass.edu.  More World War II era maps can be found in the Map Collection on Floor 2, Du Bois Library.  The Map Collection hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The exhibit follows the Library hours. For more information about hours call 545-0414 or visit: www.library.umass.edu/hours.html.  The W.E.B. Du Bois Library is open to the public and handicap accessible.