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CHICAGO — Early bird registration for the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color (JCLC), Sept. 19-23 in Kansas City, Mo., closes Wednesday June 13.

JCLC is a conference for everyone—with engaging speakers, special events and more than 70 concurrent sessions exploring issues of diversity in libraries and how they affect the ethnic communities who use our services! Early bird registration provides attendees with the best rates for this exciting event. For complete details, visit .

JCLC is an experience like no other! Emmy® winner Sonia Manzano, voted one of the most influential Hispanics by People en Espanol for her work playing Maria on "Sesame Street," will welcome attendees at the opening keynote. Author, director and activist Jamal Joseph will join JCLC as the closing general session speaker. There will be numerous opportunities to network and socialize, including an opening reception at the beautiful Kansas City Public Library’s central branch.

Under the theme, “Gathering at the Waters: Celebrating Stories and Embracing Communities,” JCLC provides a unique setting for learning with three pre-conferences and more than 70 concurrent sessions in five tracks—Advocacy, Outreach and Collaboration; Collections, Programs and Services; Deep Diversity and Cultural Exchange; Leadership, Management and Organizational Development; and Technology and Innovation. Author luncheons will allow attendees to get up close and personal with award-winning authors, including Lauren Myracle, Sharon Flake, Da Chen and David Treuer. A busy exhibit hall will feature the latest from library vendors and partners.

The Crown Center, the city within a city located in the heart of downtown Kansas City, will offer attendees the luxurious accommodations of the Westin Kansas City and Sheraton Kansas City, along with three levels of great shopping, dining and entertainment. Hotel rates start at $139.

JCLC is sponsored by the five associations of ethnic librarians—the American Indian Library Association (AILA), the Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), the Black Caucus of the ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (BCALA), the Chinese American Librarians Association (CALA) and REFORMA, the National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking. The first Joint Conference was held in Dallas in 2006.

More information may be found at .