Three Li-rich K giants: IRAS 12327-6523, 13539-4153, and 17596-3952

We report on spectroscopic analyses of three K giants previously suggested to be Li-rich: IRAS 12327 - 6523, 13539 - 4153, and 17596 - 3952. High-resolution optical spectra and the LTE model atmospheres are used to derive the stellar parameters (T-eff, logg, [Fe/H]), elemental abundances, and the isotopic ratio C-12/C-13. IRAS 13539 - 4153 shows an extremely high Li abundance of log epsilon(Li) approximate to 4.2, a value 10 times greater than the present Li abundance in the local interstellar medium. This is the third highest Li abundance yet reported for a K giant. IRAS 12327 - 6523 shows a Li abundance of log epsilon( Li) approximate to 1.4. IRAS 17596 - 3952 is a rapidly rotating (V sin i approximate to 35 km s(-1)) K giant with log epsilon( Li) approximate to 2.2. Infrared photometry shows the presence of an IR excess, suggesting mass loss. A comparison is made between these three stars and previously recognized Li-rich giants.