Registration still open for preconferences dedicated to public library professionals at ALA Annual

CHICAGO - On Friday, June 24, at the 2011 ALA Annual Conference, the Public Library Association (PLA) will present three unique preconferences dedicated to public library professionals. Registration is available in advance or onsite at ALA Annual. The programs include:

Top 10 Benefits of Tough Times, Friday, June 24, 8:30 a.m. - noon

It’s time to stop wringing our hands. Sure, times are tough. It’s going to take a while to adjust to budgets, staff sizes and everything else in this “new normal.” Find out how to keep your organization well designed and growing, learning, stretching and succeeding, even as your budget continues to shrink. Cost:$149 (PLA Member), $199 ALA Member (ALA Member), $249 (Nonmember)

Turning the Page 2.0, Friday June 24, 8:30 a.m. - noon, FREE EVENT

This half-day kickoff introduces librarians and supporters to the basic components of Turning the Page 2.0, a six-week online advocacy training program. Participants will leave ready to undertake a six-week course of synchronous and asynchronous online work aimed at completing an individual advocacy work plan. Here is what one participant had to say after the last kick-off: “Wonderful facilitators - great clear instruction."

Interactive Spaces for Families to Play, Learn, and Discover, Friday June 24, 1:30 – 5 p.m.

Three libraries present information about newly developed children’s spaces that allow for interactive family learning—Rancho Cucamonga (Calif.) Library, St. Mary’s County (Md.) Public Library, Fort Vancouver (Wash.) Regional Library. Cost:$149 (PLA Member), $199 ALA Member (ALA Member), $249 (Nonmember)

For complete details, speakers and registration info, visit http://www.pla.org. Register today or onsite and join PLA for conference programming dedicated to public library staff.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at (800) 545-2433, ext. 5PLA, or visit www.pla.org.

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.