Libraries = Strong Communities tour to end with rally celebration at ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

CHICAGO – American Library Association (ALA) President Loida Garcia-Febo and other library advocates from across the country will celebrate the triumphant finish of Libraries = Strong Communities, a national advocacy presidential effort aimed at highlighting the value of academic, public, and school libraries. The tour will culminate with a rally and celebration from 11 a.m. – noon on Saturday, June 22, at the ALA Park on the exhibits floor of the 2019 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

Libraries= Strong Communities launched in New Orleans during the 2018 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition in support of ALA’s Strategic Directions, which include Advocacy, Information Policy, Professional & Leadership Development, and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion.

Garcia-Febo traveled more than 200,000 miles and visited a variety of libraries in eight countries. She met with local advocates, library leaders and city government officials to discuss how libraries strengthen communities through education and lifelong learning.  More than 200 media organizations provided coverage of Libraries =Strong Communities and reached more than 56 million potential advocates in communities across the country.

“The tour was a tremendous effort that was made possible by library professionals and advocates from across the globe,” said Garcia –Febo. “I am humbled that I had the opportunity to join our country’s advocates on the front lines as they fight for resources and promote successes. I am extremely grateful for the hard work and support of local advocates and ALA staff members as we worked together to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of libraries and library professionals. Because of all of you – Libraries =Strong Communities.”  

The rally will honor participating tour sites such as Pikes Peak (Colorado) Public Library District; Cambridge (Massachusetts) Public Library; Seattle Public Library; North Miami Public Library; Los Angeles Public Library; MIT and Harvard Libraries; Cranston High School East Media Center; and several international libraries.

For additional event information please visit the ALA Annual Conference website at https://2019.alaannual.org/special-activities-and-events.

To learn more about the Libraries = Strong Communities national tour please visit http://www.ilovelibraries.org/librariestransform/libraries-strong-communities .