(CHICAGO) More than 10,000 librarians, publishers and guests from around the world will converge on the Hynes Convention Center in Boston January 14-19 for the American Library Association (ALA) Midwinter Meeting. Conference highlights include the announcement of the most prestigious children's book awards, best-selling author readings, discussions on reader privacy and access to government information, and full-day programs on recruitment to the profession and how to speak up and speak out for library growth and funding.
Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor and library advocate Kerry Healey will kick off the ALA Advocacy Institute with ALA President Carol Brey-Casiano at 9:30 a.m. Friday, January 14. Healey is a member of the Beverly, Mass., Friends of the Library and helped raise more than $1 million to rebuild the community's library. The institute will focus on the importance of building coalitions of library workers, trustees and Friends. Attendees will leave with a draft of an advocacy action plan for their library communities. Brey-Casiano and Healey also will be joined by Sally Reed, executive director of Friends of Libraries USA (FOLUSA).
"Libraries are an investment in lifelong learning. Free access to the books, ideas, and information in America's libraries is imperative for all who desire a better quality of life," Brey-Casiano said. "It is inconceivable that cities and counties coast-to-coast are reducing or eliminating library service to millions of Americans. Library supporters cannot afford to be quiet on the value and role of libraries in our democracy."
Advocacy also is the theme for Brey-Casiano's President's Program on Sunday, January 16, which will feature best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell ("The Tipping Point") as its keynote speaker.
The Newbery and Caldecott medals for the best writing and illustration of children's books published in 2004 will be announced at a press conference on January 17 at 8:15 a.m.
Other award winners to be announced include:
An all-day forum to share information and ideas on how to recruit and welcome the next generation to the profession will take place Friday, January 14. More than 48 percent of librarians will reach retirement age in the next 10 years.
Starting at 4 p.m. Friday, best-selling authors Chris Bohjalian, author of nine novels, including New York Times bestseller "Midwives;" Nathaniel Philbrick, who takes fans for a ride on the "Sea of Glory: America's Voyage of Discovery - The U.S. Exploring Expedition, 1838-1942;" and Tom Perrotta, author of several works of fiction, including "Election," which was made into the acclaimed 1999 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, will read. The Mendelssohn String Quartet will play at 3 p.m. Saturday, January 15, as part of the Arthur Curley Memorial Lecture series, which commemorates ALA past president Arthur Curley's lifelong dedication to the principles of intellectual freedom, public access to information and public advocacy for libraries.
More than 425 exhibits will feature the latest and best in services and technology for today's library users. The exhibit hall will be open Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. A technology showcase will take place Monday from 10 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. More information about the ALA Midwinter Meeting can be found online at www.ala.org under Events and Conferences.
For advance media registration, please contact Macey L. Morales at 312-280-4393 before January 7, 2004. Registered media may pickup their credentials in the event Press Office, Hynes Convention Center, Level 1, Hallway A, G120. Media also may register on site, but due to high media volume, advance registration is strongly recommended.
Press Office hours are as follows: Friday, January 14, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday to Monday, January 15 - 17, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and 8 a.m. to noon on Tuesday, January 18.
For additional information please contact Larra Clark, Media Relations Manager, 312-280-5043, or Macey L. Morales, PR Coordinator, 312-280-4393.