PLA announces 2008 Grow Your Own Institutional Scholarship winners

Contact: Louisa Worthington


Public Library Association


(312) 280-5024


lworthington@ala.org

For Immediate Release,


March 4, 2008

PLA announces selection of National Conference closing session keynote speaker

CHICAGO - Acclaimed standup comedian Paula Poundstone will present the keynote address at the Closing Session of the Public Library Association's (PLA) 12th National Conference at 11:45 a.m. on March 29 in Minneapolis.




Paula Poundstone is famous for her razor-sharp wit and spontaneity. Paula has been a fixture on the standup comedy scene for nearly 30 years. Her first book, “There's Nothing In This Book That I Meant To Say,” took her nearly eight years to write, because, “…I was writing it in real time,” Poundstone jokes.




Poundstone is a regular guest panelist on National Public Radio's news quiz show “Wait Wait . . . Don't Tell Me” and she makes frequent appearances on “A Prairie Home Companion.” She recently starred in her own stand-up special on BRAVO, “Paula Poundstone: Look What the Cat Dragged In.” In addition, Poundstone holds the distinction of being the first woman to perform at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and was recently named spokesperson of Friends of Libraries, U.S.A. (FOLUSA).




Due to scheduling conflicts, Kevin Nealon will not appear at the closing session.




Offered biennially, PLA National Conference is the premier event for public libraries, drawing librarians, library support staff, trustees, friends and library vendors from across the country and around the world. The conference includes nearly 200 top-quality continuing education programs, preconferences, talk tables, several social events, networking opportunities and a bustling exhibits hall. PLA 2008, the PLA 12th National Conference, will be held March 25-29 in Minneapolis, Minn. For more information, visit
www.placonference.org.




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 services.