ALA Annual Conference registration tops 5,000

Contact: Larra Clark


ALA Media Relations


312-280-5043

For Immediate Release


March 8, 2006

ALA Annual Conference registration tops 5,000

Almost 500 volunteers signed up for service projects in New Orleans

(CHICAGO) The American Library Association (ALA) today announced that pre-registration for the ALA Annual Conference in New Orleans (June 22-28) has topped 5,000. This count is up over pre-registration numbers for the 2004 ALA Annual Conference in Orlando and down slightly from the record-breaking ALA Annual Conference in Chicago last year.

"We are well on pace for this year's registration," said ALA Conference Services Director Deidre Irwin Ross, CMP. "I believe there is growing excitement about the city, the conference and opportunities to help assist local libraries and institution while we're in New Orleans."

Almost 500 attendees also have volunteered for community service projects planned for Friday, June 23, and Tuesday, June 27. Conference goers will be able to choose from activities to help the New Orleans Public Library, Orleans Parish School District, Habitat for Humanity or other community rebuilding efforts.

Advance registration for the ALA Annual Conference is available through May 19. For additional information, please visit
www.ala.org/annual. To volunteer, register at
www.ala.org/ala/eventsandconferencesb/annual/2006a/registration.htm under the "Special Registration Section." The registration fee is $10 and includes transportation to and from the community project, lunch, and a 'Libraries Build Communities' T-shirt.