91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) today announced that Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter, political activist, feminist icon, and best-selling author Ani Di Franco will close the in New Orleans, January 27-30, 2023.

Di Franco will discuss her debut picture book, "The Knowing," an Ani Di Franco-style lullaby that invites young readers to ponder the distinction between outer forms of identity and the inner light of consciousness that is even more central to our being. In her signature folk style, Di Franco weaves a story that incorporates themes of individual power and collective responsibility. The lyrical text is designed to be read aloud or sung and is paired with illustrator Julia Mathew’s universal scenes of childhood—set in her family’s native India—and glowing with honesty and love. This book encapsulates ideas that Di Franco feels strongly about sharing with her own children and all children: the authority to respect the world around you with love and compassion. The book will be released March 7, 2023.

, and registrants can save with advance rates through January 15.

LibLearnX is a four-day learning conference that invites 91´«Ã½ members and non-members to participate in collaborative and engaging education, networking, and celebrations. Designed as an active learning experience, LibLearnX will offer a diverse selection of more than 110 education sessions, created by library professionals for library professionals. The sessions will be offered in nine primary content areas including Advocacy, Books and Authors, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Career Development and Leadership, Community Outreach and Engagement, Library Programs and Services, Mental Health, Readers' Advisory, and Technology Innovation.

From hands-on workshops to bite-sized presentations, participants will be able to create a calendar of sessions based on their preferred learning styles through four available learning formats. View the to find a preliminary list of offered education.

The LibLearnX main stage will host thought leaders and 91´«Ã½ leadership who will discuss topics that are important to library professionals and the future of libraries.

The will host 200 exhibitors offering the newest titles, leading technologies, and core services for libraries. Creative and collaborative activation zones will include Ideas Xchange sessions where attendees will share creative projects and enjoy peer-to-peer conversations, and ShopTalk sessions that will offer practical knowledge, tips, hot topics, and trends in bite-sized presentations. On the LLX Studio stage, subject-matter experts and thought leaders will inspire and challenge attendees with bold, out-of-the-box thinking. .

LibLearnX attendees can expand their networks in collaborative sessions and varied social activities including Ideas Xchange sessions, ShopTalks, the I Love My Librarian Awards, the 91´«Ã½ Youth Media Awards, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunrise Celebration, and more. The Book and Media Awards and Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction will be streamed virtually to conference attendees and those watching through the LLX Digital Experience.

The is a virtual-presentation model that offers access to a curated selection of sessions, including the Opening and Closing sessions, author speakers on the LLX Studio stage, education sessions, the 91´«Ã½ Youth Media Awards, and the Book and Media Awards and Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction. .

Find updates on the and follow the hashtag and social media: , , , and .

Media interested in registering for the session may contact the 91´«Ã½ Communications and Marketing Office at cmomedia@ala.org.

About the 91´«Ã½

The 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, 91´«Ã½ has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .