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CHICAGO – During the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) 15th National Conference and Exhibition, Oct. 27-30 in Minneapolis, AASL will offer new and veteran attendees two special events focused on networking with their peers.

From 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, AASL will present Dinner with a Local Librarian. These informal dinners will take place at restaurants across the city, with a local librarian host at each location. Conference attendees are encouraged to stop by the information booth near the registration area during the day Wednesday to “RSVP” for a night of networking in a relaxed setting and a chance to sample the Minneapolis fare with their colleagues. Attendees are responsible for the cost of their meal.

First-time AASL conference attendees are invited to attend Celebrate Conference – a first timer’s orientation – from 1 -1:45 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. Designed to help new attendees get the most out of their AASL national conference, this session features tips and strategies from experienced AASL member leaders and conference-goers. Light refreshments, sponsored by ABDO Publishing Company, will be served. To attend, first- time attendees are encouraged to select as “This will be my first AASL National Conference” during the registration process.

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 in 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. The deadline for advance registration is Sept. 29. 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.