OLOS announces preconferences

Contact: Satia Orange


312-2804295

For Immediate Release


May 2002

OLOS announces preconferences

The American Library Association (ALA) Office for Literacy and Outreach Services (OLOS), announces two preconferences at the ALA Annual Conference in Atlanta.

"Different Voices, Common Quest: Adult Literacy & Outreach in Libraries!" addresses the realities of outreach to traditionally underserved populations in library communities and discusses thought-provoking techniques on building community assets for stronger alliances and library services to individuals and families. This outcome-focused 1-1/2 day work session is designed for library staff seeking effective service delivery strategies that promise to expand and enrich outreach services in libraries.

The preconference will feature speakers with extensive experience in the following service delivery areas: Adult Literacy; Academic Libraries; Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, & Transgendered People; Immigrant Populations; Mobile Libraries; People with Disabilities; People who are Incarcerated; Poor & Homeless People; School Libraries; Seniors & Homebound People; and Small & Rural Libraries.

Featured speakers include: Robert Wedgeworth, president, Laubach Literacy; John P. Kretzmann, co-director, Asset-Based Community Development Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Ill.; Emily Sheketoff, executive director, Washington Office, ALA; and Sandra Rios Balderrama, director, Office for Diversity, ALA. The preconference is sponsored by the OLOS Advisory Committee.

The preconference is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday, June 14, 7:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Registration is $225 (includes meals) and
the registration deadline is May 10.

"Connecting with Kids using African-American Literature" highlights the use of Coretta Scott King Award books, authors and illustrators in developing successful programs and activities. Participate in interactive sessions to see the possibilities for enhancing your presentation of children's literature using award-winning titles as a guide. Learn from practitioners with demonstrated expertise in sharing literature in creative learning environments. Leave with a wealth of information and programming ideas to use in your own library or classroom.

Participants will have the opportunity to meet new African-American authors and illustrators at a reception to be held on Thursday, June 13, from 6-8 p.m.

The preconference is scheduled for Thursday, June 13, 1-4 p.m., and Friday, June 14, 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at the Marriott Marquis Hotel. Registration is $175 (includes continental breakfast, lunch and snacks) and the registration deadline is May 10. The preconference is sponsored by the Coretta Scott King Task Force, of the ALA Social Responsibilities Round Table.

For more information about the preconferences contact
OLOS at 800-545-2433 ext. 4294 or
olos@ala.org.