![]() MLA 2023 ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOME | REGISTRATION | VENUE INFORMATION | SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE | FEATURED SPEAKERS | BREAKOUT SESSIONS | SPECIAL EVENTS | SILENT AUCTION | EXHIBITORS | TIPS FOR FIRST TIME ATTENDEES | VENDOR AND SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES | CALL FOR PROPOSALS | LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT | MLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE HISTORY MLA 2023 Annual Conference Featured SpeakersHow Libraries Help Foster Authorship – Abra BerensChef and author, Abra Berens, will lead a conversation about how rural Michigan libraries helped further her career and made it possible to write her three, critically acclaimed cookbooks. This discussion will also delve into the process of cookbook writing. After the talk, Abra will be on hand to answer questions and sign copies of all three of her books; Ruffage, Grist, and Pulp.
Connecting the Dots Between Restorative Practices and Public Libraries – Stephen JacksonRestorative Practices are a set of values, beliefs and guidelines that lay the framework for engaging with individuals both within and outside of the organization. They promote community and help to build trusting relationships that ultimately lessen the likelihood of causing harm to others. This discussion will share the importance and impact of utilizing restorative practices in public libraries to promote organizational well-being and shift the landscape of how we engage and learn with one another to create a shared experience that elevates individuals as well as the libraries they serve.
Jackson was previously the library’s Manager of Teen Services. He earned his master’s of science in clinical mental health counseling and his bachelor’s of arts in behavioral sciences from National Louis University.
Writing the Righteous Fight: Why "Controversial" Books Must Remain on Library Shelves – Ellen HopkinsAs one of the "most banned authors in the US," Ellen Hopkins has been fighting book removals at an exhausting pace. Her first YA novel, CRANK, sits near the top of book banning hitlists. The book was inspired by the personal story of her daughter's addiction and illustrates how quickly a teen with everything going for her can lose her dreams to substance abuse. Hopkins’ subsequent novels tackle issues young adults face every day. Hopkins's motives are often questioned, but she says she wants to arm kids with knowledge to help them make better choices and develop understanding and empathy. You'll hear how she has accomplished those goals and why she's determined to help keep controversial books on library bookshelves.
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