ALSC preconference discusses challenges of library summer reading programs

Contact: Aimee Strittmatter


ALSC Deputy Director


(312) 280-2163


astrittmatter@ala.org

For Immediate Release,


March 10, 2008

ALSC preconference discusses challenges of library summer reading programs

CHICAGO - The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), will host the preconference “Summer Reading Survivor: Overcoming the Challenges” from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26, and from 8 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. on Friday, June 27, during the American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Anaheim, Calif.




On Thursday evening, Judy Sierra, folklorist and author, will open the preconference and get attendees “Wild about Reading.” A networking reception with desserts and refreshments will follow.




Friday will feature a morning panel discussion focusing on partnerships and collaboration, followed by library educator Stephen Krashen, who will remind participants about the power of reading and why summer reading matters to kids. Poet, author and illustrator Harry Bliss will help attendees “Catch the Reading Bug!” during the luncheon keynote. Afternoon breakout sessions will address online summer reading programs; promoting reading programs; school and community partnerships; and serving children with vision impairments, which will be presented by the 2007 ALSC/BWI Summer Reading Program Grant recipient. Attendees will gather ideas from poster sessions during the afternoon break featuring a variety of summer programs. Ginnie Cooper, chief librarian at the District of Columbia Public Library, will tell why she, as administrator, values summer programs.




The closing keynote will be delivered by Pam Muñoz Ryan, an award-winning author, who will have participants shouting “Hooray! Ole! We love reading!” Attendees will leave the preconference feeling renewed and rejuvenated.




A separate registration and fee from the ALA Annual Conference are required for the preconference (event code SC1): $195, ALSC member; $240, ALA member; $285 nonmember; or $175, student member. Advance registration closes May 16. After this date, registrations will only be available at the onsite rate.




For registration information, visit
www.ala.org/alsc, click on “Events & Conferences,” or contact the ALSC office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext. 2163.