David Shannon to open the 2016 ALSC National Institute

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA) announced that award-winning author David Shannon will present the Opening General Session at the ALSC National Institute in Charlotte, North Carolina. This event will take place at the Charlotte Marriott City Center on Thursday, September 15, 2016 and is sponsored by Scholastic, Inc.

David Shannon is the internationally acclaimed creator of more than thirty picture books, including No, David!, a Caldecott Honor Book and his second New York Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year. In addition to three more David picture books, Shannon’s bestsellers include Too Many Toys; How Georgie Radbourn Saved Baseball; A Bad Case of Stripes; Duck on a Bike; Alice the Fairy; Good Boy, Fergus!; Jangles: A Big Fish Story; and Bugs in My Hair. A native of Spokane, Washington, Shannon and his family live in Southern California.

Other confirmed special events include a Breakfast for Bill program on Friday, September 16 with Phil and Erin Stead, Laura Dronzek and Kevin Henkes. On Saturday, September 17, Jacqueline Woodson will present the Closing General Session. Attendees will benefit from an on-site bookstore where they can buy books to have signed by their favorite speakers.

The Opening General Session is free for all individuals registered for the 2016 ALSC National Institute. All special events are included in the cost of registration. Registration fees include Thursday dinner, Friday breakfast, and Saturday breakfast.

“Having David as our opening speaker will be a terrific way to kick off an awesome two-and-a-half days,” said 2016 ALSC National Institute Planning Task Force chair Emily Nanney. “David is not only an incredibly talented artist, he’s also an engaging speaker who will bring a lot of joy to attendees. We couldn’t be more excited to have him.”

For more information and registration details for the 2016 ALSC National Institute please visit www.ala.org/alsc/institute.

ALSC, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), is the world’s largest organization dedicated to the support and enhancement of library service to children. With a network of more than 4,000 children’s and youth librarians, literature experts, publishers and educational faculty, ALSC is committed to creating a better future for children through libraries. To learn more about ALSC, visit ALSC’s website: www.ala.org/alsc.