OUR PUBLIC LIFE: Librarians to Meet in DC, Remind Lawmakers of Importance of Libraries
By Craig Hammond
Bluefield News Network Columnist
The American Library Association (ALA), the oldest and largest library association in the world, will hold its annual conference in Washington D.C., June 21 - 27, 2007.
This year's list of speakers include Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (named one of Time magazine's “Heroes for the Planet”), Former U.S. Senator and Presidential Candidate Bill Bradley, Singer and Actress Julie Andrews, Author Irshad Manji (dubbed by the New York Times as “Osama Bin Laden’s worst nightmare.”), Author Judy Blume (her books have sold over 75 million copies in 20 different languages), documentary film maker Ken Burns, and Garrison Keillor highlighting the closing session.
In addition to the speakers there will be numerous programs, sessions, and events like Library Day on the Hill. On Tuesday, June 26, busloads of more than 700 librarians and library supporters from across the country will travel to Capitol Hill to call attention to the value of today's libraries, as well as the issues the library community is facing.
Threats to funding, library closures and reduced hours are just a few of the battles at hand in public, school, academic and special libraries around the country. But there's plenty of good news to be shared at the conference.
The ALA says in a report entitled The State of American Libraries that "public, school, and university libraries are flourishing, both in traditional ways and in the still-exploding universe of the Internet."
The reports adds: "Library use is up nationwide among all types of library users, continuing a decade-long trend. Almost 1.8 billion visitors checked out more than 2 billion items last year at everything from one-room rural outposts to spectacular facilities such as Seattle’s new Central Library."
In the age of cell phones, instant messaging, and mp3 players, this news comes as a pleasant surprise. People are still going and using public libraries -- thanks to organizations like the American Library Association.
The Public Library Association, the fastest growing division of the ALA, will hold its annual conference next spring in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Try to imagine a world without public libraries. It's a scary thought. The mission of the ALA is to promote the highest quality library and information services and public access to information. They fulfill their mission and fulfill it well. The Chicago-based association, founded in 1876, provides an invaluable service to our country and truly enhances our public life. Support your public library today.
