Teen app developer and author Jay'Aina "Jay Jay" Patton and software engineer and author Antoine Patton, and John and Anni Furniss to present at ALA 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition in San Diego

CHICAGO — Today, the American Library Association (ALA) announced two speaker sessions that will take place at the ALA 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition. The conference will be held at the San Diego Convention Center and surrounding hotels in San Diego, California, June 27-July 2.

Teen app developer and author, Jay'Aina "Jay Jay" Patton and software engineer and author Antoine Patton will discuss their new book, “Dear Dad: Growing Up with a Parent in Prison—and How We Stayed Connected," available September 2024. The powerful coming-of-age graphic novel shows Jay Jay Patton's life growing up with a dad in and out of prison. As far back as nine years old, Jay Jay remembers her dad being in prison. Growing up in Buffalo, New York, with her mom and younger brother, she'd only been to visit him twice. Instead, the two sent each other numerous letters. But Jay Jay's letters would take weeks or months to reach her dad, and some were never delivered. 

Also presenting is woodworker and author, John Furniss and his artist wife, Anni Furniss, who will discuss their new book, “The Blind Woodsman,” available March 2024. It is an inspiring autobiography about a man who finds true joy after struggling with depression, drug addiction, anxiety, financial despair, and a failed suicide attempt at the age of 16. Despite being blind, John, most famously known as "the blind woodsman" is now a highly skilled woodworker creating incredible pieces of art in complete darkness. This is a story that will give hope and inspiration to those dealing with anxiety-driven stresses in their lives.

Registration is open.

The 2024 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition invites library professionals from around the world to engage in a variety of professional development opportunities, including the ALA President’s Program with ALA President Emily Drabinski; ALA division, chair, and round table sessions that will focus on the important topics and challenges that libraries face today; ALA leadership programs, ALA Governance sessions, and more. The event will host 175+ education programs, 700+ speakers/authors, and 650+ exhibitors.

The Library Marketplace will feature exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services and titles; publishers that will host established and new authors on nine live stages; “Meet the Authors” and the “Autographing Area” allowing opportunities for attendees to chat with authors and have books signed; e-zine and makerspaces for creative projects; the Podcast Recording Booth, where authors will record podcasts, free advanced reading copies of books, ALA @ the Beach, and additional fun activities.

The ALA JobLIST Placement and Career Development Center will offer career coaching, Mentoring on the Fly, an Open House and Job Fair, photography services, resume reviews, and career guidance workshops.

San Diego is the 2024 ALA Annual host city and offers beautiful outdoor landscapes and weather, museums, restaurants, the San Diego Central Library, and other fun places to visit.

Visit the preliminary Conference Scheduler, with education and President & Chair programs, Ticketed Events, and exhibitors. Featured Speakers, leadership sessions, and activities will be added soon.

Get updates from the 2024 Annual Conference & Exhibition and follow #ALAAC24 and social media at ALA Twitter/X, ALA Conferences Twitter/X, ALA Facebook, and Instagram. 

Media interested in registering for the session may contact the ALA Communications and Marketing Office at cmomedia@ala.org.

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.