Dan Ariely, Neil Gaiman, and J.R. Martinez to Speak on Literacy, Libraries, and Learning; E-Publishing and Privacy in the Information Age to Be Examined

AUSTIN, TX, March 21, 2013 (Press-News.org) Libraries remain a vital component of community growth and educational institutions. With almost 5,000 school, public, and college libraries in the state, over 22 million Texans, institutions, and businesses are served by the resources, training opportunities, technologies, and programming libraries bring to all areas of learning and life.

The 100th conference of the Texas Library Association will take place in Fort Worth, April 24-27, 2013 to examine the diverse needs modern libraries must meet. Keynote speakers at the convention will include retired soldier, actor, and author J.R. Martinez; author of Predictably Irrational Dan Ariely; and author of American Gods and Stardust Neil Gaiman.

Other speakers include international best-selling author Isabel Allende, author and actress Nia Vardalos, actor and travel writer Andrew McCarthy, researcher and author Chris Haley (nephew of Alex Haley), novelist and Latino activist Tony Diaz, author Carmen Tafolla, and popular youth authors Jon Scieszka, Jack Gantos, Lois Lowry, and many more.

The gathering in Fort Worth offers library and literacy supporters an opportunity to assess the latest state budget news on libraries. Recovering from an 88% cut to state funding for library programs, Texas library supporters are eager to advocate for a restoration of funds to support community worker training programs, educational resources, and economic development support services provided through libraries of all types.

A new study on the economic impact of libraries prepared by UT Austin's Bureau of Business Research shows the economic benefit from Texas public libraries totaled an astounding $2.407 billion in 2011. The state's return on investment was $4.42 for each dollar spent. This study and other research highlighting the critical role of libraries in supporting education and economic growth will be explored in different breakout sessions throughout the week.

The conference also highlights the latest in publishing, educational software and technology, and learning resources through the largest state library trade show and exhibit hall in the nation. The showcase features almost 400 vendors demonstrating and selling educational technologies. Day passes to the tradeshow are available for purchase onsite.

The public is welcome to attend the conference and trade show, and all tickets may be purchased online at www.txla.org/annual-conference. There are a variety of ticket options available, and all meal functions require preregistration purchase. For more information call (512-328-1518) or email (tla@txla.org).

Schedule Highlights. A full list of the over 300 programs and events, as well as a roster of attending authors (including a schedule of autographing times) is available at: www.txla.org/annual-conference.

April 24
- Books under Fire: Censoring and Banning Latino Books, 1 pm
- One Book, One Conference: A Group Discussion on Playing Dead by Julia Heaberlin, 2 pm

April 25
- General Session I with J.R. Martinez, 8:30 am
- Libraries and Nonprofits Working Together as Community Assets, 10:15 am
- More Bang for Your Book: Mystery/Thriller Author Panel with Deborah Crombie, Stephanie Jaye Evans, Michael Koryta, Lisa Lutz, and Taylor Stevens, 10:15 am
- Opening Author Session and Luncheon with Andrew McCarthy and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, noon
- Is Your Book Reading You? Ebook Data Mining is Here!, 1 pm

April 26
- General Session II with Dan Ariely (The Upside of Irrationality and The Honest Truth about Dishonesty), 8:30 am
- Author Session and Breakfast with Carl Weber (Something on the Side and The Man in 3B), 10:15 am
- Copyright: Don't Panic, 1 pm
- The Changing Color of Leadership or in the Words of Meghan McCain's America, You Sexy Bitch: A Love Letter to Freedom, 1 pm
- Is the End of Reading Here? 1 pm
- Discovering Your Roots with Chris Haley, 2 pm
- Book Buzz - Get the Scoop on Forthcoming Books, 2 pm
- Newbery Then and Now with Jack Gantos, 2 pm
- Tsunami Warnings: Services Needed for Returning Veterans, 2 pm

April 27
- Freedom and Libraries: The Fate of a Library, 8:30 am
- Paranormally Yours: Young Adult Fiction Writers Explore Teen Relationships, 10 am
- Libraries Take Control of Ebook Distribution, 10 am
- Author Session and Luncheon with Isabel Allende (Maya's Notebook, The House of Spirits, and Daughters of Fortune), noon
- Author Session with Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Instant Mom: I Thought I Knew Love, and Then I Met My Daughter), 1:15 pm
- General Session III with Neil Gaiman (Coraline, Stardust, and The Graveyard Book), 2 pm


The Association also develops reading lists for all ages. These lists are created to promote a love of reading. Conference will feature authors and educators discussing the diverse 2013 lists.

- Lone Star Reading List (for sixth through eighth grade) April 25, 10:15 am
- Tayshas List (High School), April 26, 10:15 am
- Texas Bluebonnet Award Winner (list for third through sixth grade), April 26, noon
- Lariat List (Adult Fiction), April 26, noon
- Spirit of Texas Reading Program: (for middle school), April 26, 1 pm
- Maverick Graphic Novel List (for sixth through 12th grade), April 26, 2 pm
- Texas 2X2 Reading List (for ages two through second grade), April 26, 2pm
- Tejas Star Book Award (for grades K-6 to promote bilingualism and multilingualism), April 27, 9 am

The Texas Library Association is the largest state library association in the United States with almost 7,000 members who work in public, school, academic, and special libraries and who support educational institutions. TLA offers a wide range of services, including advocacy, continuing education, research, and public relations. For more information, see www.txla.org or call 512-328-1518.