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CHICAGO – The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) today announced three illuminating author conversations that will take place at the in New Orleans, January 27-30, 2023. Dates and times of the talks will be announced soon.

Joining LibLearnX is , a science-fiction novelist, journalist, and technology activist who will be on-hand to discuss his new book, “Red Team Blues” (available April 2023), a thriller about cryptocurrency shenanigans that will awaken readers to how the world really works. His past books include "Chokepoint Capitalism," a nonfiction book about creative labor markets and monopoly; "Attack Surface," a standalone sequel to "Little Brother," intended for adults; "Poesy the Monster Slayer," a picture book for young children; "In Real Life," a young adult graphic novel created with Jen Wang; and more.

is an Atlantic Star staff writer and author of the narrative nonfiction book, "How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America," a #1 New York Times bestseller. Smith will discuss, “Above Ground,” his compelling new collection of poems that traverses the vast emotional terrain of fatherhood and explores how becoming a parent has recalibrated his sense of the world.

Also presenting is , the New York Times–bestselling and award–winning author of literature for young people, including the Caldecott Medal–winner, "We Are Water Protectors." Lindstrom is Anishinaabe/Métis and an enrolled citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. She will be joined by , Indigenous artist, writer, curator, and member of Oregon’s Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, to discuss their new book, “My Powerful Hair” (available March 2023), an empowering children's picture book about family history, self-expression, and reclaiming your identity.

and registrants can save with early rates through November 30.

LibLearnX is a four-day learning conference that invites ¾«¶«´«Ã½members and non-members to participate in collaborative and engaging education, networking, and celebrations. Designed as an active learning experience, LibLearnX will offer a diverse selection of more than 120 education sessions, created by library professionals for library professionals. The sessions will be offered in eight primary content areas including Advocacy, Books and Authors, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility, Career Development and Leadership, Community Outreach and Engagement, Library Programs and Services, Mental Health, Readers' Advisory, and Technology Innovation.

From hands-on workshops to bite-sized presentations, participants will be able to create a calendar of sessions based on their preferred learning styles through four available learning formats. View the LibLearnX to find a preliminary list of offered education.

The LibLearnX main stage will host authors and ¾«¶«´«Ã½leadership who will discuss topics that are important to library professionals and the future of libraries.

The will host 200 exhibitors offering the newest titles, leading technologies, and core services for libraries. Creative and collaborative activation zones will include Ideas Xchange sessions where attendees will share creative projects and enjoy peer-to-peer conversations, and ShopTalk sessions that will offer practical knowledge, tips, hot topics, and trends in bite-sized presentations. On the LLX Studio stage, subject-matter experts and thought leaders will inspire and challenge attendees with bold, and out-of-the-box thinking.

LibLearnX attendees can expand their networks in collaborative sessions and varied social activities including Ideas Xchange sessions, ShopTalks, the I Love My Librarian Awards, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Youth Media Awards, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunrise Celebration, and more. The Book and Media Awards and Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction will be streamed virtually to conference attendees and those watching through the LLX Digital Experience.

The is a virtual-presentation model that offers access to a curated selection of sessions, including the Opening and Closing sessions, author speakers on the LLX Studio stage, education sessions, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Youth Media Awards, and the Book and Media Awards and Andrew Carnegie Medals for Excellence in Fiction and Nonfiction.

Find updates on the and follow the hashtag and social media: , , , and .

Media interested in registering for the session may contact the ¾«¶«´«Ã½Communications and Marketing Office at cmomedia@ala.org.

About the ¾«¶«´«Ã½

The ¾«¶«´«Ã½ (ALA) is the foremost national organization providing resources to inspire library and information professionals to transform their communities through essential programs and services. For more than 140 years, the ¾«¶«´«Ã½has been the trusted voice for academic, public, school, government and special libraries, advocating for the profession and the library’s role in enhancing learning and ensuring access to information for all. For more information, visit .