ALA Press Release

CHICAGO – According to author and consultant Peter Block, libraries play a central role in bringing people together and empowering their communities towards positive change. From 3:30 – 5:30 p.m., on Sunday, Jan. 27, Block will participate in an interactive discussion on the true value of America’s libraries during the American Library Association’s Midwinter Meeting, held Jan. 25 – 29, in Seattle.

As an expert in community engagement and reconciliation, Block will discuss how libraries create communities that work. By bringing people together through book programs, story times, classes and more, libraries offer a unique opportunity for people of all ages and cultures to come together and shift the narrative from all that is wrong to all that is possible.

Block is the author of several best-selling books including “Flawless Consulting: A Guide to Getting Your Expertise Used,” “Stewardship: Choosing Service Over Self-Interest” and “The Empowered Manager: Positive Political Skills at Work.” His most recent title is “The Abundant Community: Awakening the Power of Families and Neighborhoods,” co-authored by John McKnight.

The American Library Association is the oldest and largest library association in the world, with 58,000 members. Its mission is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information.

For more information on the ALA Midwinter Meeting, please visit www.ala.org/midwinter. For advance press registration or to schedule an interview, contact Macey Morales at (312) 280-4393, mmorales@ala.org, or Jennifer Petersen at (312) 280-5043, jpetersen@ala.org.