For immediate release | January 10, 2012

An active exhibit floor at ALA Midwinter Meeting

CHICAGO - For those attending ALA Midwinter Meeting Jan. 20-24 in Dallas, carving out some dedicated time for the Exhibits Hall is highly recommended, with its 430 exhibiting organizations, PopTop stage and “Spotlight on Adult Literature” featuring popular authors, the ALA Store and more. Attendees can explore the breadth and depth of library products, services, books and online services and the tools and technologies available in today’s libraries as an integral part of their Midwinter experience.

Immediately following the ERT/Booklist Author Forum, the Grand Opening Reception of the Exhibits Hall takes place from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 20. The hall is then open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Monday, with the closing events and Wrap Up/Rev Up Celebration from noon - 2 p.m. on Monday.

Highlights in the exhibits include the ongoing opportunity to meet a wide range of authors and illustrators, many of whom will be appearing in exhibits or booths throughout the meeting. In addition, jointly sponsored by ALTAFF and ALA Conference Services, the “Spotlight on Adult Literature” from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday allows attendees to learn more about new authors, as well as new books from seasoned authors of adult literature. Participating publishers will give away free books and some will host author signings. A flyer listing all participating publishers will be handed out at the entrance to the Exhibits Hall on Saturday afternoon. The PopTop Stage will focus on three favorite areas: Mystery, Romance and Storytelling. It will feature readings, discussions and presentations.

The ALA Store, offering products for all promotional and continuing education needs, will be located at booth 1835, with something for every librarian and institution—from new READ® campaign posters and bookmarks to 2012 National Library Week, Teen Tech Week and Choose Privacy Week products to Midwinter t-shirts and new titles from ALA Editions and ALA divisions, such as "No Shelf Required 2: Use and Management of Electronic Books," "Small Public Library Management" and "Copyright Law for Librarians and Educators, Third Edition."

The ALA Membership Pavilion is also a favorite stop in the exhibits where attendees can learn how membership can enhance their career, connect them with colleagues from around the world and help them improve library services to their communities. New Members Round Table representatives will help newer members find ways to get more involved in the association, while ALA staff will help answer questions about membership and ALA. With information and displays from every ALA division, round table and office, the ALA Membership Pavilion is a one-stop place to learn.

In the Small Press/Small Product area, new and independent presses may launch their latest titles, and new vendors often introduce themselves to the library community there. Attendees can also find the Internet Room and the Post Office on the Exhibit Floor.

Monday afternoon is the Wrap Up/Rev Up celebration that closes the exhibits and will get everyone revved up for the Annual Conference in Anaheim. Exhibitors will offer special giveaways and discounts starting at noon. The Exhibits Closing will be followed by live music on the Wrap Up/Rev Up stage and raffle prizes.

If you can’t register for the whole ALA Midwinter Meeting to enjoy the full range of events, exhibits, and sessions, there are two other registration options that allow full access to the exhibits floor during exhibit hours--the Exhibits-Only pass ($25) and the Exhibits Supreme package ($75) which also includes access to the Auditorium Speaker Series with authors Susan Cain and John Green, and the Wrap Up/ Rev Up celebration with pop star Lisa Loeb.

Register here for Exhibits Supreme, Exhibits Only, or the full ALA Midwinter Meeting.

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