“Driven By The Spirit” by T.R. Salzer is displayed at the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference

The American Library Association (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 ALA 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.

More than 13,500 attendees gathered in San Diego, CA, for the largest library event in the world. The ALA Annual Conference and Exhibition took place at the San Diego Convention Center from June 28 to July 2. Total attendance was 13,532, with 8,439 of them being attendees and 5,093 being exhibitors, authors, illustrators, press, and staff. 

Against a backdrop of increasing censorship and book challenges, library workers learned from each other and supported each other through the 175 educational programs throughout the conference. 

The conference opened with Emmy- and Peabody Award-winning host Trevor Noah and ALA Past President Lessa Kanani’opua Peyalo-Lozada in conversation discussing Noah’s upcoming book, “Into the Uncut Grass.”

ALA and Unite Against Book Bans hosted a second Rally for the Right to Read, which spotlighted the courage and resilience of library workers who are protecting the freedom to read.

ALA is now preparing for LibLearnX 2025, which will be held Jan. 24-27 in Phoenix. Next year’s ALA Annual will take place in Philadelphia. 

For more information, visit www.ala.org. 

Author Reputation Press’ published book, written by T.R. Salzer, was displayed at the 2024 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference from June 28 to July 2. The publisher and author of the book are honored and proud to be part of this annual conference.

“Driven By The Spirit” by T.R. Salzer was among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California on April 20–21, 2024.

The LATFOB is considered to be one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings. It has been held every year since 1996 with the goal of bringing together the people who create books and the people who love to read them. It is attended by more than 550 authors, celebrities, storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors.

The Los Angeles Times is the country’s biggest metropolitan daily newspaper, with more than 40 million unique latimes.com visitors monthly, a Sunday print readership of 1.6 million, and a combined print and online local weekly viewership of 4.4 million. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times has been covering Southern California for more than 140 years.

When we think of ourselves as children of God, we tend to imagine ourselves as small children, dependent and trusting. A better analogy would be to think of ourselves as adolescents. Anyone who has raised a child to adulthood can understand the dilemma of wanting our children to become independent, successful members of society, but realizing that as they make their way in the world, they will make mistakes. They will get hurt.

The T.R. Salzer’s message:

I never had any intention to share it with others. As I was writing, however, I began to think that perhaps I have something to say that will be valuable to others. I realize, not every Christian will be ready to take on this challenge and that is okay. I believe that we are all at different levels of faith, and if you are not ready to accept this undertaking, I believe the spirit will let you know. Let me be clear, I do not consider myself to be better than those who are not ready. I believe that every one of us is exactly where God wants us to be in our faith walk.

How will you know if you are ready? You must ask yourself the following questions:

• Do I believe my life is too easy?
• Do I crave a closer relationship with God?
• Am I willing to make my life more difficult to improve my relationship with God?

“Driven By The Spirit” by T. R. Salzer is a short but wise book full of accessible, biblically sound insight. It is a spiritual roadmap that offers a realistic plan for developing an enriching relationship with God.

As children of God, we often view ourselves as dependent and trusting adolescents. However, we will make mistakes and face trials as we grow. God wants us to seek advice, consolation, and love from Him, reminding us of His teachings and love. Despite hardships or successes, He wants our love and devotion. Those who don’t believe in God’s presence can be likened to lonely widows waiting for their children to call or visit.