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Midwinter Meeting - American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the voice of America’s libraries. Generally held in January, the ALA Midwinter Meeting draws more than 10,000 leaders in the library and information industry for some 2,000 meetings and events. About 450 exhibits feature the latest in books, videos, computers and other materials and resources available to millions of library users.

The ALA Annual Conference, usually held in late June, is longer and larger, but the Midwinter Meeting has its own special features, such as announcement of the "Academy Awards" of children's literature. The Newbery Medal goes to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children, and the Caldecott Medal is awarded annually to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The Coretta Scott King Awards are presented to authors and illustrators of African descent whose books promote an understanding and appreciation of African-American culture. Other awards and lists recognize the best in literature and audiovisual materials for children, teens and adults.

Other Midwinter Meeting activities:

• The President's Program features a prominent speaker addressing a topic of current interest and significance. Past speakers have included history writer David McCullough ("John Adams") and author Malcolm Gladwell ("The Tipping Point," "Blink").
   
• The Arthur Curley Memorial Lecture has featured such noted speakers as Lewis Lapham and Richard Rodriguez, as well as music by the Mendelssohn String Quartet and ragtime pianist and composer Reginald Robinson.
  

• Candidates for ALA offices present their views during a Candidate's Forum open to ALA members.

• The ALA Council, which has almost 200 members and is the governing body of the association, and Executive Board hold business meetings.
  

• The ALA Office for Human Resource Development and Recruitment provides a placement service, including interviewing facilities, for job-seekers and employers.
  
  
• The ALA Store offers a variety of publications, gifts, and promotional items for sale including celebrity "READ" posters, T-shirts, videos, books, bookmarks and reading lists.

Upcoming Midwinter Meetings:

January 19-24, 2007 - Seattle

January 11-16, 2008 - Philadelphia

January 23-28, 2009 - Denver

January 15-20, 2010 - Boston

Jan. 28–Feb. 2, 2011 - Chicago

Jan. 20–Jan. 25, 2012 - San Antonio, Texas

January 25-30, 2013 - Seattle

January 24-29, 2014 - Philadelphia

For exhibit information or conference registration, visit the Midwinter Meeting Web site at www.ala.org/midwinter. For press registration, call 800-545-2433, ext. 4393.

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