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CHICAGO – You are invited to take part in a historic virtual event! Join Patricia “Patty” Wong at 1 p.m. CT on June 29, as she begins her term as the first Asian American to serve as president of the �������ϲʿ���app () and shares her plans for leading the association through an exciting time of change. The is free and is part of the Annual Conference & Exhibition, June 23-29, 2021.

Wong, city librarian at Santa Monica (California) Public Library, will receive the gavel (virtually) from President Julius C. Jefferson, Jr., at the virtual celebration, which will honor newly elected leadership, including president-elect Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, Executive Board members and incoming division and roundtable presidents.

You can register at . All are welcome – so kick back, relax with your favorite beverage and snack, and enjoy the virtual show.

Prior to serving as city librarian at Santa Monica Public Library, Wong was director of library services at Yolo County Library (2008–2017).

An active member for 37 years, Wong has served several terms as at-large councilor (1996–2007, 2012–2014) and as California Chapter councilor (2015–2017). She is a member of several professional affiliates, including the American Indian Library Association, Asian-Pacific American Librarians Association (AP), Black Caucus of , Chinese American Librarians Association (C), and REFORMA: The National Association to Promote Library and Information Services to Latinos and the Spanish Speaking.

During the celebration, Wong will introduce the theme of her presidential year, “Libraries Connect.”

“I am excited to serve as 2021-22 president of the �������ϲʿ���app,” Wong said. “I am eager to get to work, along with our great staff, member leaders, affiliate organizations, and allies to move this organization forward to meet the challenges of a post-pandemic reality. Change is coming. But it is not enough to react to change. We must also serve as catalysts for change.”

Lessa Kanani’opua Pelayo-Lozada, adult services assistant manager at Palos Verdes Library District in Rolling Hills Estates, California, will begin her term as president-elect. She will assume the presidency in June 2022.

For more information about the 2021 Annual Conference & Exhibition (Virtual), visit the and follow the hashtag #alaac21 and social media channels: , , and .

About the �������ϲʿ���app

The �������ϲʿ���app () 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 has 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 ala.org.

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