Opened by comedian, author, and former Daily Show host Trevor Noah, the conference showcased themes of activism, diversity and inclusivity, and bridgebuilding. Participants celebrated successful programs and initiatives while engaging in important discussions on protecting intellectual freedom, mental and physical well-being, and other critical topics in the profession. Fighting the good fight At the United for … Continue reading 2024 Annual Wrap-Up
Now she reflects on her life with her memoir, Connie (Grand Central Publishing, September), which traces her family’s immigration to the US, the stories she broke, and the legacy she hopes to leave behind. American Libraries talked with Chung after her appearance at the American Library Association’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego … Continue reading Newsmaker: Connie Chung
Clockwise from top: Haley White, reference department manager at Springfield-Greene County (Mo.) Library District, takes a selfie with actor and author Max Greenfield during a book signing for his upcoming children’s title, Good Night Thoughts; Newbery Medal–winning author Jerry Craft captures a photo of the crowd during fellow Newbery winner Kwame Alexander’s talk on June 29; … Continue reading Bookend: Say Cheese!
The Tony Award–winning actor, singer, and storytime series host—perhaps best known for voicing Princess Tiana in Disney’s The Princess and the Frog—has written Tiana’s Perfect Plan (Disney Hyperion, October), a picture book that teaches kids the importance of self-forgiveness. “Things don’t always go the way you want them to go, and yet they still turn … Continue reading Nobody’s Perfect
“They all wore staid suits and wing-tip shoes, they … all had this bravado and ability to walk into a room and command it,” Chung told the crowd at the American Library Association’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego on June 29. “And I thought, I’ll be just like them.” “I convinced myself … Continue reading Making Headlines
“When I didn’t make the Olympic team, I kind of thought my dreams were over,” she told attendees at the American Library Association’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego on June 30. But, ultimately, “it grew me into who I am today,” said Nichols, who went on to become an eight-time NCAA champion … Continue reading The Unstoppable Maggie Nichols
Velshi, who is chief correspondent for MSNBC and host of the TV segment Velshi Across America, shared this message during his June 30 talk at the American Library Association’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition in San Diego. While discussing his book, Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy (St. … Continue reading Channeling Courage
“I’m scared of sharks and straight men,” Greenfield recalled Jordan saying in his signature Tennessee twang. Those conversations inspired Greenfield, best known for his roles in the sitcoms New Girl and The Neighborhood, to write his forthcoming book Good Night Thoughts (G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers, September), which focuses on anxiety and how … Continue reading Putting Anxiety to Sleep
That was just one of the reasons why Henson, an Academy Award–nominated actor, producer, author, and mental-health advocate, chose to write her debut picture book, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) (June, Zonderkidz). She discussed her inspiration behind the book, her mental health initiatives, and the importance of letting others be seen … Continue reading Choosing Empathy
Alexander has written 40 books, including the Newbery Medal–winning title The Crossover and Caldecott-winning The Undefeated. He brought onstage his recent Emmy Award for the Disney+ television adaptation of The Crossover, thanking librarians for his success. “Librarians are some of the most important people in my life, and libraries are woven throughout so many of … Continue reading Libraries Are Love
Annual promises an array of educational programs, speakers and authors, unique exhibitors, awards and celebrations, and networking opportunities. Making a return appearance from LibLearnX in January, a selection of Timely Topics—categories of sessions pertaining to current, critical issues in the profession—will be featured: artificial intelligence (AI), health and wellness, intellectual freedom, justice-involved services, and strategic … Continue reading 2024 Annual Conference Preview
Eggers has received many prestigious awards, among them the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Award for Education, the Dayton Literary Peace Prize, and, most recently, the Newbery Medal for The Eyes and the Impossible (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2023), an honor Eggers will celebrate at ALA’s 2024 Annual Conference in San Diego. American Libraries caught up … Continue reading Newsmaker: Dave Eggers
