91´«Ã½

CHICAGO — Since 2008, The American Dream Starts @ your library® grant initiative has supported English language learner programming in over 100 libraries in 24 states. Learn about the opportunities and challenges libraries encounter as they provide innovative literacy services in their communities during 91´«Ã½’s 2014 Annual Conference in Las Vegas.

Funded by a generous grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, the current 2013-2014 round of 44 public libraries in 21 states have received one-time grants of $5,000 to $15,000 to expand their print and digital ESL collections, increase computer access and raise the visibility of library services for immigrant populations.

Representatives from the current round of libraries will be on hand to discuss their programs throughout Annual Conference at the Campaign for America’s Libraries space in the 91´«Ã½ Press Office in the Las Vegas Convention Center, where attendees can discuss ELL programming one-on-one and enter for a random drawing on Saturday, June 28 at noon for an Amazon Kindle.

American Dream librarians will also be present to discuss their libraries’ American Dream programs with attendees of the 2014 91´«Ã½ Diversity and Outreach Fair from 3 - 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, in the Special Events Area in the Exhibits Hall at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Finally, representatives of the 2013-2014 libraries will host a panel presentation entitled “Stories from the Field” from 1 - 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, in Room N235 in the Las Vegas Convention Center. The panel will feature Aida I. Quiñones, branch manager, Pinewoods Library & Learning Center, Athens, Ga.; Carmen Patlan, community engagement and outreach manager, Waukegan Public Library, Waukegan, Ill.; and Hadi S. Dudley, director, Bentonville Public Library, Bentonville, Ark.

All three sessions are free and open to all attendees of 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference. For more information, please visit .