For immediate release | June 9, 2020

ALA President-Elect Julius C. Jefferson, Jr. invites members to attend free Virtual Inauguration

CHICAGO – You’re invited to the virtual event of the season! On Friday, June 26, 2020, at 4 p.m. CT, incoming American Library Association (ALA) President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., section head of the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., will host a special edition of ALA Connect Live. All are welcome to attend this first-ever ALA Virtual Inauguration and must register by June 20, 2020 at https://bit.ly/ALAConnectEvent .

Find a comfy chair, get your chicken and waffles, grab your favorite cocktail and Zoom background, and get ready for an exciting Inaugural followed by a dance party with DJ Kryptonite Rocks!

This premiere ALA Virtual celebration will honor newly elected ALA leadership, including Jefferson, ALA president-elect, newly elected ALA Executive Board members and incoming division presidents. Also attending guests will have an opportunity to engage with Jefferson, by submitting questions in advance of the event.

“It is an immense honor to serve as 2020–2021 president of the American Library Association,” said Jefferson. “It is my vision that together we will transform ALA into a modern library association, ensuring that libraries remain at the center of public engagement and enrich the lives of the communities we serve.”

An active member of ALA for more than 15 years, Jefferson currently serves on and has been a member of ALA Council since 2011. In addition to his service to ALA, Jefferson is also a past president of the Freedom to Read Foundation and past president of the DC Library Association and has served on the board of Black Caucus American Library Association (BCALA).

Patty Wong, city librarian at Santa Monica (Calif.) Public Library, will begin her term as ALA president-elect. She will assume the ALA presidency in June 2021 at the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago.

ALA Virtual - Community Through Connection, is an online event that offers educational programming, special author events, and social networking from June 24-26, 2020. The event will feature a portfolio of more than 50 educational sessions, including COVID-19 related information pertinent to libraries; live chat opportunities with authors and speakers; an exhibitor showcase with more than 500 participating exhibitors; and presentations in an on-demand format from book publishers on forthcoming book titles. This is a unique opportunity for members and library supporters to stay connected as we move forward to empower our profession and support our communities.

For additional event information please visit the 2020 ALA Virtual Event website, ALA Instagram, ALA Twitter, ALA Facebook, or follow hashtag, #alavirtual20.

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.

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Contact:

Sheryl Reyes

Director

Governance Office

sreyes@ala.org

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