Author Sherman Alexie to keynote PLA President’s Program and Awards Presentation at ALA Annual

CHICAGO – From 1 - 2:30 p.m., June 24, the Public Library Association (PLA) and PLA president Marcia Warner will host the PLA President’s Program and Awards Presentation with keynote speaker Sherman Alexie at the ALA 2012 Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.

Sherman Alexie, a Spokane/Coeur d'Alene Indian, is known not only for writing compelling, audacious stories, poetry and movies depicting contemporary life among Native Americans, but also for entertaining audiences with his funny and irreverent style. He has won everything from a National Book Award to the opening spot at a comedy festival.

He is the author of 22 books, including "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian," winner of the 2007 National Book Award for Young People's Literature; "War Dances," winner of the 2010 PEN Faulkner Award; and "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven," a PEN Hemingway Special Citation winner. His upcoming publication, "Blasphemy" (Oct. 2012), is an anthology of new as well as previously published favorite stories. PLA thanks Grove/Atlantic Inc. for its generous support of this event.

Preceding Sherman Alexie’s presentation at the program will be the recognition and celebration of 12 PLA award winners. Additionally, following the program, join PLA President Marcia Warner, along with PLA board members, partners and the 2012 award winners at a music-filled, light hors d'oeuvres reception, 3-4:30 p.m. at the Hilton Anaheim, Lanai Deck.

Find out about the many other ALA Annual Conference & Exhibits highlights as they’re added. And for general information about the conference June 21-26, 2012 in Anaheim, Calif., visit us at www.alaannual.org. Save money with Early Bird Registration, open until midnight, Sunday, May 13, 2012.

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.