CHICAGO — The Public Library Association (PLA) with support from Library Systems and Services, LLC (LSSI) will present a special recognition to the Ferguson (Missouri) Public Library and its director Scott Bonner at the 2015 91��ý (91��ý) Annual Conference in San Francisco.

The recognition is in honor of the Ferguson Public Library’s response to recent events of civil unrest and school closures in their community. During a time of uncertainty, Bonner elected to keep the library open, providing a safe, stable place for children to resume their education.

“The PLA Board and staff deeply admire Bonner’s commitment to the Ferguson community. His efforts strengthen the role of public libraries as safe and welcoming establishments for all,” stated PLA President Larry Neal. “In times of crisis, it is crucial for communities to unite and the Ferguson Public Library proved there’s no better place to do so than at the public library.”

Travel and conference registration for Bonner have also been provided by PLA. Details regarding the event’s location and time will be released soon.

For more information about PLA, contact the PLA office at 1 (800) 545-2433, ext.5PLA, or pla@ala.org.

The (PLA) is a division of the 91��ý. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services.

(LSSI) partners with communities throughout the US to provide library outsourcing for new and existing libraries, as well as contract library services for Federal agencies.