YALSA offers preconferences, special events at ALA Annual
Contact: Stephanie Kuenn
Communications Specialist
(312) 280-2128
NEWS
For Immediate Release
March 3, 2009
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, July 9-15, in Chicago. Early bird registration, which offers significant savings against advanced and onsite registration, closes March 6. Details, including pricing and times, can be found at the YALSA Wiki, http://wikis.ala.org/yalsa and clicking on “Upcoming Conferences.”
YALSA’s Annual events begin on July 9 with two preconferences: Genre Galaxy: Explore the Universe of Teen Reading, a full-day preconference including lunch; and Moving Up the YA Career Ladder, a half-day preconference.
Other events include:
The YALSA Happy Hour and Fashion Show, a ticketed event showcasing well-dressed librarians, with tips on dressing successfully and inexpensively for the library workplace. The event is hosted by Steven Rosengard, a “Project Runway” Season 4 contestant. Each ticket includes a drink coupon.
YALSA 101, a short session on Friday evening covering basics of YALSA membership.
The Margaret A. Edwards Luncheon, featuring Laurie Halse Anderson, who received the award for the books “Catalyst,” “Fever 1793” and “Speak.”
The Morris Award Presentation and Young Adult Authors Coffee Klatch, featuring Elizabeth C. Bunce, author of 2009 Morris Award winner “A Curse Dark as Gold,” as well as authors whose work has appeared on YALSA’s Quick Picks and Popular Paperbacks lists.
The Michael L. Printz Program and Reception, featuring Melina Marchetta, author of the 2009 Michael L. Printz Award winner “Jellicoe Road,” as well as the authors of the four Printz Honor Books.
YALSA will also offer programs ranging from encouraging teen creativity to inexpensive teen programs to highlighting the winners of YALSA’s Odyssey and Alex awards.
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.
