ALA honors Mayor Daley, Chicago Public Library at Celebrating the Freedom to Read Freely reception

Contact: Lainie Castle


312-280-5050

For Immediate Release


March 17, 2003

ALA honors Mayor Daley, Chicago Public Library at "Celebrating the Freedom to Read Freely" reception

The American Library Association (ALA) is pleased to announce it will hold its first benefit reception, "Celebrating the Freedom to Read Freely," April 4, 2003, at The Arts Club of Chicago from 6- 7:30 p.m. ALA President Maurice J. Freedman will host the event, which will honor Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Public Library for outstanding promotion of reading and libraries.

Chicago-area authors, including Sara Paretsky, will perform readings during the reception, and door prizes will be presented to attendees. The event is black tie, optional, and will be underwritten by Brodart Company and Dun & Bradstreet. Tickets are $100 per person, and all proceeds will benefit ALA's work promoting the freedom to read.

"During a time when many libraries in America are facing budget cuts, it's great to know that we can point with pride to Chicago - where new libraries and renovated branches are opening throughout the city," Freedman said. "We're excited about the opportunity to come together to honor Mayor Daley, the Chicago Public Library and Chicago as 'the city that reads together' in a way that will help ALA further its efforts to promote free people reading freely through America's libraries."

Intellectual freedom is one of the ALA's five key action areas. By 2005, the organization has committed itself to being recognized as the leading voice for First Amendment rights. The freedom to read is a core value of the library profession and a basic right in a democratic society. The 127-year-old association actively defends the right of library users to read what they will, seek information on any topic, and speak out freely.

"With the faltering economy and changing world events, our freedom to read freely and widely has never been more important," Freedman added.

To request an invitation or to make a reservation via credit card, please contact Karina Vazquez in the Development Office at 312-280-3259 or via email at
kvazquez@ala.org.