Carla Killough McClafferty guest speaker at AASL Awards Luncheon

Contact: Stephanie Book


AASL Manager, Communication


(312) 280-4389


sbook@ala.org

NEWS


For Immediate Release


February 9, 2009

CHICAGO – Carla Killough McClafferty, author of “Forgiving God,” the story of her journey through grief after the death of her youngest son, Corey, is the guest speaker at the The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) Awards Luncheon at the ALA 2010 Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.




Although McClafferty always loved to read, she had never written until the tragic loss of her son. As she began to write about the experience, this became the subject of her first book, “Forgiving God.” Later, McClafferty turned her attention to writing nonfiction books for young readers and continued as a freelance author and speaker. She is also currently a Regional Advisor for the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).




“We are so excited to have Carla Killough McClafferty speak at the AASL Awards Luncheon,” said Awards Committee Chair Diane Hughes. “With her appreciation of school libraries and experience working with those who work with young readers, it’s sure to be a great presentation.”




AASL will celebrate members’ accomplishments and enjoy lunch at the presentation of the 2010 AASL Awards, including the prestigious National School Library Media Program of the Year Award. Immediately following theAwards Luncheon is the AASL President’s Reception, which provides the opportunity to meet and greet the AASL President, Board Members and other member leaders.




“I truly look forward to celebrating the accomplishments of my colleagues at the AASL Awards event,” said AASL President Cassandra Barnett. “Followed by the AASL President’s Reception, this combination will be a wonderful opportunity to socialize with school librarians and members I don’t have the chance to regularly work alongside.”




The luncheon will be from noon to 2 p.m. on Monday, June 28, 2010. For ticket information visit
www.ala.org/annual.




The American Association of School Librarians,
www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.