PLA 2003 Spring Symposium Events

Opening General Session and Dessert Reception - Thursday

Begin your Spring Symposium experience at the Opening General Session on Thursday night from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Keynote speaker will be Mem Fox, author of children's books Possum Magic, Time for Bed, and others. Her passionate message linking the joyful experience of families reading together to children's future success as readers is powerful and her books support her ideas. She has also written a book for adults: Reading Magic, and Radical Reflections: Passionate Opinions on Teaching, Learning, and Living. Before her writing career, Ms. Fox was a Professor of Literacy Studies at Flinders University, South Australia.

Also at the session, find out where PLA is headed with a quick review of the new strategic plan and in particular, about one goal priority - the PLA emergent literacy project, which establishes public libraries as a partner in the educational continuum and will allow all libraries to be more productive and influential in our communities.

Following the Opening Session, enjoy refreshments and mingle with colleagues at the Spring Symposium Dessert Reception. The Opening Session and Dessert are open to all librarians. Registration to the Spring Symposium is not required and there is no charge for this event.

Author Luncheon - Friday

$40 per person

Join us on Friday from noon to 1:30 p.m. for this exciting event. Acclaimed author Chris Bohjalian will serve as the author luncheon speaker. Bohjalian is the author of eight novels, including "The Buffalo Soldier," "Tran-Sister Radio," "The Law of Similars," and "Midwives," which was named an Oprah Book Club® Selection and a "Publishers Weekly" Best Book of 1997. His writing has appeared in many publications, including "Reader's Digest," "The Boston Sunday Globe Magazine," and "Burlington Free Press," for which he has written a column since 1992. Bohjalian is also the recipient of the New England Book Award as well as a New England Booksellers Association Discovery title.

Please note: according to PLA policy, all meal events require preregistration. In accordance with this policy, no requests for refunds for the dinner or lunch will be accepted after February 10, 2003 (date of postmark). Refunds will be processed after March 10, 2003.