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CHICAGO – The American Association of School Librarians (AASL) encourages members planning to register for the AASL 15^th National Conference & Exhibition to do so before the Aug. 4 early bird registration deadline. On Aug. 5, registration rates will be raised $50 and, after Sept. 29, AASL members can expect to pay $100 more for registration. The conference will be held Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis. More information is available on AASL's National Conference website at .

School librarians, administrators and supporters of school library programs will gather for workshops on key issues and concepts taught by leading professionals. In addition to relevant educational programming, attendees of the conference will also find exciting special events, including general sessions with speakers Nicholas Carr and Mimi Ito; a tour of the historic Wabasha Street Caves full of tales of mobsters and romance; a chance to discuss the One Book, One Conference selection, “The Shallows,” with its author Nicholas Carr; and a walking tour of the inspirational homes and haunts of American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. AASL will also offer tours of local school library programs. A Storytelling Extravaganza on the opening evening of the conference will feature spellbinding performances from experts in the craft.

“I always come away from AASL national conference with more ideas than I can begin to count,” said Carl Harvey, AASL president. “The programming at this year’s conference is specially designed to help school librarians take their place as an indispensible part of the education team. That said, attendees will find their conference experience will have an impact on their careers and their programs long after they leave Minneapolis.”

Full registration includes admittance to all concurrent sessions, all special events, including the opening and closing general sessions, the exhibit hall and the AASL Closing Night Gala. Conference-goers must register before they are able to secure housing.

The AASL 15th National Conference and Exhibition, "Turning the Page," is the only national conference dedicated solely to the needs of school librarians and their roles as educational leaders. Taking place Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis, the AASL National Conference will feature preconferences, numerous concurrent sessions, more than 200 exhibiting companies, educational and school tours, a storytelling festival and special appearances by award-winning authors. For more information or to register, visit .

The American Association of School Librarians, , a division of the 91´«Ã½ (91´«Ã½), promotes the improvement and extension of library services in elementary and secondary schools as a means of strengthening the total education program. Its mission is to advocate excellence, facilitate change and develop leaders in the school library field.