YALSA offers preconferences, special events at ALA Annual

Contact: Stephanie Kuenn


Communications Specialist, YALSA


(312) 280-2128


skuenn@ala.org


For Immediate Release,


February 26, 2008


YALSA offers preconferences, special events at ALA Annual

CHICAGO - The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association (ALA), announced its preliminary plans for the ALA Annual Conference, June 26-July 2, in Anaheim, Calif. Early bird registration, which offers significant savings against advanced and onsite registration, closes March 7.




YALSA's Annual events begin on June 26 with two preconferences: Got Tweens? Serving Younger Teens and Tweens, a full-day preconference including lunch, and Turn Teens on to Reading through Booktalks, a half-day preconference. Details, including pricing and time, can be found at the
YALSA Wiki.




Other events include:



  • YALSA 101, a short session on Friday evening covering the basics of YALSA membership.
  • The Margaret A. Edwards Luncheon, featuring Orson Scott Card, who received the award for the books “Ender's Game” and “Ender's Shadow.”
  • The Young Adult Authors Coffee Klatch, featuring authors who appeared on YALSA's Best Books for Young Adults selection list.
  • The YALSA Authors Meet & Greet, featuring authors and editors of YALSA's books and other publications.
  • The Michael L. Printz Program and Reception, featuring Geraldine McCaughrean, winner of the 2008 Michael L. Printz Award for excellence in young adult literature, as well as the authors of the four Printz Honor Books.

YALSA will also offer programs ranging from advocacy to gaming. Other highlights include programs on the Alex Awards, the winners of YALSA's Excellence in Library Services to Young Adults project and a poster session on teens and technology. Details on all of YALSA's events can be found at the
YALSA Annual Wiki.




For more than 50 years, YALSA has been the world leader in selecting books, videos and audio books for teens. For more information about YALSA or for lists of recommended reading, viewing and listening, go to
www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists, or contact the YALSA office by phone, (800) 545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail:
yalsa@ala.org.