Register now for 2009 PLA Spring Symposium

Contact: Louisa Worthington


Public Library Association


312-280-4028


lworthington@ala.org

For Immediate Release


September 2, 2008

Registration for the 2009 PLA Spring Symposium is now open. This popular education event will be held April 2-4, 2009, in Nashville, Tenn., at the Renaissance Nashville Hotel and Nashville Convention Center.

The early bird registration rate for PLA members is $250 if you register by October 31, 2008. If you register after the early bird deadline, registration for PLA members is $275, so register early and save $25! Renaissance hotel rates are $199. Register online at
www.pla.org.

The Spring Symposium will feature six intensive day-and-a-half-long workshops focusing on subjects pertinent to public libraries and public librarians, as well as an Opening General Session with keynote speaker musician Tom Chapin, an Author Luncheon and area library tours.

In addition,
Turning the Page
: Building Your Library Community will be offered as a bonus workshop exclusively to PLA members. Developed by PLA with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Turning the Page is an advocacy training program designed to equip librarians and library supporters with the skills, confidence and resources they need to create community partnerships, build alliances with local and regional decision makers and ultimately increase funding for their libraries. This training is primarily available to library systems participating in the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Opportunity Online hardware grants program, but is being offered free of charge to 200 PLA members at the 2009 Spring Symposium.

PLA is a division of the American Library Association. PLA's core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library ser vices. For more information, visit
www.pla.org.