Top 10 Posts from Opening Day at Annual

Trevor Noah, Rally for the Right to Read, and other highlights in San Diego

June 29, 2024

The American Library Association (ALA) Executive Board marks ALA's 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition opening in San Diego with a ribbon cutting on June 28. Photo: EPNAC

The American Library Association’s (ALA) Annual Conference and Exhibition kicked off June 28 in San Diego with no shortage of authors, awards, and adventures afield.

Quoting Golden State native Katy Perry, California Library Association President Shawn Thrasher decreed California libraries as “fine, fresh, and fierce” in his welcome message to attendees.

Loving this welcome by California Librarian President Shawn Thrasher #ALAAC24 @ALALibrary #librarytwitter #librarian #librarians pic.twitter.com/MD7n1F9Xyo

— Amanda Hunt she/her  (@thenextgenlib) June 28, 2024

Comedian, author, and former Daily Show host Trevor Noah opened Annual Conference with a discussion of his forthcoming children’s book, Into the Uncut Grass. He had high praise for libraries.

https://twitter.com/Boss_Librarian/status/1806847155413618829

“There’s no algorithm in the library” @Trevornoah #ALAAC24 ❤️

— Arlene Laverde (@THHSLibrary) June 29, 2024

And a certain Newbery Medal winner had high praise for him!

Kicking off #ALAAC24 by listening to the amazing @Trevornoah pic.twitter.com/W3KInLQBjD

— Jerry Craft (@JerryCraft) June 29, 2024

The opening reception in the Library Marketplace gave ALA a reason to break out the oversized novelty scissors.

The Library Marketplace at #ALAAC24 is officially open! pic.twitter.com/s8kI1odqsA

— American Library Association (@ALALibrary) June 29, 2024

Following the exhibit hall, the Association hosted its second-annual Rally for the Right to Read, honoring the resilience of library workers fighting for intellectual freedom.

https://twitter.com/frenchhorn88/status/1806903130543812873

Poet, essayist, cultural critic, and Carnegie Medal winner Hanif Abdurraqib emphasized the importance of access as the rally’s keynote speaker.

The incredible @NifMuhammad speaking at the Rally for the Right to Read! Thank you Hanif for joining us, sharing your story, and reminding us that every reader – young, old, student, parent – deserves access to the world that books can open. #ALAAC24 #UniteAgainstBookBans pic.twitter.com/5Jexb5DsHS

— UniteAgainstBookBans (@UABookBans) June 29, 2024

Of course, it wouldn’t be Opening Day without some exploring. We found you …

… at the San Diego Zoo!

Quick San Diego Zoo trip before #ALAAC officially kicks off. Our shirts say, “Apparently we’re trouble when we’re together. Who knew?” pic.twitter.com/kpnLAik2jr

— Amanda Jones: Defender of Libraries & Wonder (@abmack33) June 28, 2024

… at a rehearsal for the San Diego Symphony!

https://twitter.com/shesthebear/status/1806761900795203601

… and rebuilding worlds!

Librarians learning Life in Reterra by ⁦@eric_lang⁩ and ⁦@Hasbro⁩ at #ALAAC24 pic.twitter.com/V6FxJ4RR54

— The Gaming Librarian 🔙ALA Annual 2024 (@TheLibGamer) June 29, 2024

Get some rest so we can do it again tomorrow. #alaac24

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