Philadelphia Midwinter 2014 Preview

ALACognotes

2014 MIDWINTER MEETING

December 2013

Author and Literacy Champion David Baldacci Joins Auditorium Speaker Series

David Baldacci is passionate about literacy and reading, believing that “the ability to read is the foundation for everyday life.” One of the world's bestselling authors, he has more than 110 million copies of his novels in print in over 45 languages and more than 80 countries. He and his wife Michelle also created a foundation to combat illiteracy in the U.S. - they believe that “virtually none of the major issues we face as a nation today can be successfully overcome until we eradicate illiteracy.” ALA Midwinter Meeting attendees will have the opportunity to hear him speak about the range of his work when he joins us as an Auditorium Speaker on Sunday, January 26, 10:00-11:00 a.m.

Baldacci left a well-established law practice in Washington, D.C. for his writing career. His first novel, Absolute Power, was made into a movie starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman. His King & Maxwell series was made into a TV series and premiered on the TNT Network in June 2013. His most recent book for young readers, Day of Doom

A view at dusk of The Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, leading to Center City Philadelphia. Click on the photo for more information about Philadelphia and its many attractions. (Photo ©Anthony Sinagoga, by PCVB)

» see page 5

Harry Potter Alliance's Andrew Slack on President's Program

High-demand speaker and energetic activist Andrew Slack offers attendees an outstanding opportunity to learn more about his work and how he sees it relating to libraries and their role in the community. Co-founder and executive director of the Harry Potter Alliance, Slack is currently developing the Imagine Better Network — “an unprecedented movement that goes beyond Harry Potter to all fandoms so that fantasy is no longer an escape from our world, but an invitation to change it for the better.” Slack will be welcomed by Barbara K. Stripling at the ALA President's Program on Sunday, January 26, 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Under Slack's Leadership, the Harry Potter Alliance has created

ALA President's Program Sunday, January 26 3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Andrew Slack

» see page 4

Exhibits to Feature Stages, Authors and Great Products

With hundreds of exhibiting organizations and multiple pavilions and stages featuring the hottest authors, the ALA Exhibits is an integral part of the learning and professional development that takes place at the Midwinter Meeting. The Exhibit Hall opens immediately following the Author Forum on Friday, January 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring a brief welcome by ALA and local dignitaries. The Exhibits Opening includes food, drink, and entertainment throughout the exhibit hall, giving exhibitors and attendees their first chance to network as the exhibits kick off.

» see page 6 for exhibitor list and floor plan