Adult fiction and children’s book author Kate DiCamillo to present at 2024 LibLearnX

CHICAGO — The American Library Association (ALA) today announced that adult fiction and children’s book author Kate DiCamillo will present at the 2024 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience (LLX) in Baltimore, January 19–22, 2024.

One of America’s most beloved storytellers, DiCamillo will discuss her new book, “Ferris,” at LibLearnX. The playful book explores how the character Ferris Wilkey navigated chaos and unexpected challenges during one pivotal summer. Through humor and a touch of the supernatural, DiCamillo’s story conveys a message of adaptability, familial bonds, and the ability to find light in unexpected places—even amidst the pandemonium of life's twists and turns.

DiCamillo has written many novels over the course of her illustrious career, four of which have been adapted to film: “Because of Winn-Dixie,” “Tiger Rising,” “The Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread,” and “Flora & Ulysses: The Illuminated Adventures.” She has published picture books and several successful series of chapter books, including “Mercy Watson to the Rescue” and “Tales from Deckawoo Lane.” In 2022, “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” was adapted into an opera and performed by the Minnesota Opera.

Among a host of awards and honors, DiCamillo has received two Newbery Medal Awards, the Geisel Award, the Parent’s Choice Award, and has been honored multiple times by the National Book Foundation. She was named the 2014-2015 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature by the Library of Congress.

LibLearnX registration is open and registrants can save with advance rates through January 15.

LibLearnX is a four-day learning conference that invites ALA members and non-members to participate in collaborative and engaging education, networking, and celebrations. Designed as an active-learning experience, LibLearnX offers a diverse selection of more than 100 education programs, created by library professionals for library professionals. The sessions will be available in eight primary content areas: Books and Authors, Collection Services, Community Outreach and Engagement, Health and Wellness, Leadership and Management, Library Programs and Services, Readers' Advisory, and Technology Innovation.

From hands-on workshops to bite-sized presentations, participants will be able to collaborate and engage in education programs offered in four available learning formats. View the LibLearnX Program to find the daily schedule, education programs, with more to be added.

The LibLearnX main stage will host featured speakers and ALA Leadership who will discuss topics that are important to library professionals and the future of libraries.

The LLX Marketplace will host 100 exhibitors offering the newest titles, leading technologies, and core services for libraries. Creative and collaborative activation zones will include Ideas Xchange sessions where attendees will share creative projects and enjoy peer-to-peer conversations. ShopTalk sessions will offer practical knowledge, tips, hot topics, and trends in bite-sized presentations. On the LLX Studio stage, author speakers will inspire and motivate attendees.

LibLearnX attendees can expand their networks in collaborative education programs and varied social activities, including the I Love My Librarian Awards, the ALA Youth Media Awards, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunrise Celebration, and more. The Book and Media Awards and Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction will be streamed virtually.

LibLearnX will once again host participants at the ALA Governance Institute (AGI). The Institute offers the leadership and professional development skills needed for impactful leadership and effective decision making. It will take place Friday, January 19, 2024, from 1:00 p.m.– 5:00 p.m., and is open to the first 200 LibLearnX registrants that sign up. There is no separate registration for the AGI session, sign up is completed at LibLearnX registration. ― This session is now at capacity.

ALA Gives Back is an initiative that will allow attendees to volunteer and make a difference in two local community events and demonstrate the difference that library professionals can make. ― Both community events are now at capacity.

The LLX Digital Experience is a virtual-presentation model that offers access to a curated selection of sessions, including the Opening and Closing sessions, author speakers on the LLX Studio stage, education sessions, the ALA Youth Media Awards, and the Book and Media Awards/Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction. Registrants will have access to on-demand content through March 22, 2024.

Get updates from the 2024 LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience website and follow the hashtag #LibLearnX24 and social media: ALA Twitter, @ALALibrary, ALA Facebook, and Instagram. 

Media interested in registering for the session may contact ALA's Communications, Marketing and Media Relations Office at cmomedia@ala.org.

About the American Library Association

The American Library Association (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ALA has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit ala.org.