91´«Ã½

CHICAGO – New York Times best-selling author, Lauren Myracle, will headline the annual Awards Luncheon for the American Association of School Librarians (AASL). The luncheon will be held Mon., June 27, during the 91´«Ã½ 2011 Annual Conference in New Orleans. More information is available on the .

Myracle is the best-selling author of the Internet Girls trilogy - "ttyl," "ttfn," and "l8r," "g8r" - and "Rhymes with Witches," among many other books for teenagers and young people. One of the most frequently challenged authors for the past three years, in 2009, Myracle held the number-one position on the 91´«Ã½'s most challenged book list. She has since become a national spokesperson for intellectual freedom and has addressed librarians, teachers and students across the country about the importance of keeping books accessible to kids.

The AASL Awards Luncheon highlights the best of the best in the school library field and gives members a chance to celebrate the accomplishments of their colleagues. Prestigious awards, including the National School Library Program of the Year award, are presented during the luncheon, and all winners are given a chance to address the audience. Luncheon tickets are $55 and must be bought in advance as onsite tickets are not available. Immediately following the Awards Luncheon is the AASL President's Reception, providing the opportunity to meet and greet the AASL president, board members and other member leaders.

To register for the luncheon, and for more information about this and other AASL events at the 2011 91´«Ã½ Annual Conference, 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.