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CHICAGO – The Public Library Association (PLA) Conference is known for premier education, engaging author events, networking opportunities and bustling exhibits. This year there’s even more. The , March 11-15, Indianapolis, is brimming with new events and activities open to all attendees.

The , 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wednesday, March 12, showcases best-selling author Patchett’s bookseller/readers’ advisor side as she offers book and author recommendations inspired by her love of reading and work as co-owner of Parnassus Books, an acclaimed independent bookstore in Nashville, Tenn.

The BIG IDEAS series is designed to be an empowering and inspiring start to each day, with speakers sharing ideas that challenge the way we think, act and work. Programs include:

• , 8:15-9:15 a.m., Thursday, March 13; author of "Leaders Eat Last: Why Some Teams Pull Together and Others Don’t";
• , 8:15-9:15 a.m., Friday, March 14; authors of "The Up Side of Down: Why Failing Well Is the Key to Success;"You Are Now Less Dumb: How to Conquer Mob Mentality, How to Buy Happiness, and All the Other Ways to Outsmart Yourself" and; "Smarter Than You Think: How Technology is Changing Our Minds for the Better," respectively.
• , 8:00-9:00 a.m., Saturday, March 15, Harvard professor and presenter of the TED talk, “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are”

The will introduce conference-goers to the possibility of LibraryBoxes, inexpensive wireless devices designed to provide stable, simple access to preloaded text and multimedia files. Attendees can discover the boxes at key locations through the convention center and decipher clues in order to win a library box of their own.

The , located in the Exhibits Hall, will feature innovative, interactive spaces to create in public libraries. Special features include: Before I Die Community Art Installation, Camp Happiness, Experience Lab, and a Makerspace Lab.

Spark Talks, 4:15-5:15 p.m., Thursday, March 13, and Friday, March 14, are sure to excite and energize attendees. These up-to-the-minute, fast-moving sessions feature five-minute presentations on the latest and greatest ideas from public library professionals.

These additions to PLA Conference enhance an already exciting conference line-up with more than 150 educational programs, more than 350 exhibitors, special author events, and social activities.

The PLA 2014 Conference takes place March 11-15, at the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium. The biennial conference is the largest dedicated to public library professionals. Learn more and register at .

PLA is a division of the °ÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê¿ª½±app. PLA’s core purpose is to strengthen public libraries and their contribution to the communities they serve. Its mission is to enhance the development and effectiveness of public library staff and public library services. For more information, visit.