Tallinn, April 22, 2005

The Embassy of the United States of America invites you to a lecture by Ann K. Symons, Past President of the American Library Association on " Library Advocacy: A Way to Improve your Libraries " on Wednesday, May 11, 2005, at 11:00 at the Dome Hall (Kuppelsaal) of the Estonian National Library, Tõnismägi 2.

Ann K. Symons is a noted conference speaker, author, and library consultant. She was employed by the Juneau, Alaska School District from 1972 to 1998 as a librarian at both the elementary and secondary level. Symons has a BA from the University of California Davis (1965), an M.L.S. from the University of Oregon (1970) and a Certificate in Advanced Studies in Librarianship from the University of Denver (1984). She has been both President and Treasurer of the American Library Association, a member of the ALA Executive Board (1989-1996 and 1997-2000), a member of ALA Council, 1985-2000, and Chair of ALA's Intellectual Freedom Committee.

Symons' major honors include: ALA Joseph W. Lippincott Award, 2002, Robert B. Downs Intellectual Freedom Award, 2000, ALA Liz Futas Catalyst for Change Award, 2000, AASL/SIRS Intellectual Freedom Award, 1996, and Freedom to Read Foundation Roll of Honor Award, 1994. The co-author Protecting the Right to Read: A How-To-Do-It Manual for School and Public Librarians, (with Charles Harmon), Neal Schuman, 1995, and the co-editor of Speaking Out: Voices in Celebration of Intellectual Freedom (with Sally Gardner Reed), ALA, 1999, Symons has also published numerous articles in library publications. Over the last ten years she has spoken to library associations, leadership institutes, and external groups in 40 states and several countries.

Please feel free to share this invitation with anyone interested in this topic. The lecture will be conducted in English, and will be followed by an open discussion.

Please inform us of your participation no later than Monday, May 9, tel. 6688216, or e-mail to Vaiko Sepper sepperv@state.gov