21st Century Literacies

Online Registration
is Closed

Welcome to 21st Century Literacies

“21st Century Literacies” is the first collaboration of its kind, bringing together the interests and cooperation of the Massachusetts Library Association, the New England Chapter of the Association of College and Research Libraries, and the Massachusetts Center for the Book. The conference is divided into two themes revolving around the literacies of today and of the future, with the first day centering on literacy and readers’ advisory programs, and the second day focusing on technology issues. These programs point out the many overlapping issues we are facing in our library profession, and the importance of reaching across associations to partner with a diverse network of colleagues. We are also pleased to host this conference in the multicultural city of Lowell, offering us an exciting backdrop of culture, history, and learning.

Michael Colford, Gianna Gifford, & Nanci Milone Hill, Conference Co-Chairs

Don’t Forget

* Register for MLA Group Hotel Rates by October 16th

* Register by November 4th for the Early Bird Rates

* Become a member of ACLR/NE before you register for the conference and get the MLA Member Rate!

* Become and MLA Member and get MLA conference rates and member rates for PLA this spring.

Driving Directions

From Metropolitan Boston Area
Take route 93 North to Exit 44B (I-495 South), follow I-495 South to exit 35C/Lowell Connector. At the end of the Lowell Connector, take a left onto Gorham St. Go through three sets of lights, take a right onto Church Street. Take the next left on George Street. The hotel will be in front of you.

From Points West
Follow I-495 North to exit 35C/Lowell Connector. At the end of the Lowell Connector, take a left onto Gorham St. Go through three sets of lights, take a right onto Church Street. Take the next left on George Street. The hotel will be in front of you.

MLA Hotel Registration

Doubletree Riverfront Hotel, Lowell
50 Warren Street, Lowell, Massachusetts, United States 01852
978-452-1200 * 978-453-4674 (fax)
http://www.doubletree.com/en/dt/hotels/index.jhtml?ctyhocn=BOSCWDT

Phone reservations must be made by calling 978-452-1200 or 1800-222-TREE and asking for reservations. In order to receive the group rate, telephone requests must identify affiliation with Massachusetts Library Association and make your reservation by October 16th.

Room Rates
Single or Double Occupancy, $85.00 per night plus tax.
Triple or Quad Occupancy please add $10.00 per room per night
Group rates will be honored on November 16, 17 and 18, 2005
Please note check in time is 3:00 pm
and check out time is by 12:00 pm

Special Wednesday Events

Wednesday, November 16
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Children’s Book Week Celebration & Read-A-Thon
Pollard Memorial Library
Stop by and join us for this celebration of children’s literature and reading.

7:00 pm Merrimack Valley Author Series
O’Leary Library, University of Massachusetts Lowell
Sponsored by the Friends of the UMass Lowell Libraries.

An Evening with Merrimack Valley Authors, sponsored by the Friends of the UMass Lowell Libraries and the Parker Foundation. Please join us at O’Leary Library, University of Massachusetts Lowell for a reading, book signing and reception with authors Mary McGarry Morris (A Hole in the Universe, Songs in Ordinary Time) and Jane Brox (Clearing Land: Legacies of the American Farm, Five Thousand Days like This One). A third author is expected to be added to the panel and will be announced in advance. There will be time for questions and answers after the readings. The book signing will take place during the following reception, replete with refreshments. Bus transportation will be provided from the conference bus stop at Middlesex Community College Library (located across from the conference hotel) to O’Leary Library at 6:30pm and back to the hotel at the end of the reception.

Special Thursday Track: Literacy 101

Literacy 101: Getting to the Breadth of the Matter
ALA President’s Program for 21st Century Literacies
This track of programs provides public, school and academic librarians with a comprehensive overview of the conceptual frameworks, definitions, research material, practical tips and strategies for incorporating the range of literacies into a library’s instructional, collection and programming services. Participants are welcome to attend all programs in the track or those that are most relevant to their library community. The track provides a full complement of lectures, small group discussions, interactive planning sessions, supplementary material and cutting edge approaches for librarians who are serious about spotlighting patrons’ literacy needs in their service goals and objectives. Spend the day learning and planning how you can rethink, retool and reinvent your role in meeting the literacy needs of 21st Century living.