2,100 librarians descend on S.J. metro area for convention


The visiting librarians will spend time at several local institutions dedicated to preserving Puerto Rico's history.
Some 2,100 members of the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions from more than 120 countries will be in San Juan for a five-day convention that is expected to pump $2.8 million into the local economy, the Puerto Rico Convention Bureau said Friday.
The delegates, who will be on the island from Aug. 13-18, will attend plenary sessions, satellite meetings and exhibitions held at the Puerto Rico Convention Center, as well as enjoy island tours and evening events highlighting Puerto Rico’s culture.
The IFLA World Library and Information Congress will bring together an international delegation including attendees from Brazil, Chile, Egypt, Korea, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States, among many other countries. They will be staying at nine hotels in the San Juan metro area, representing 3,156 room nights.
A significant element of the congress is a series of library, museum and archive visits to Puerto Rico institutions, which will allow the island an opportunity to showcase libraries, which focus on the island’s history and culture.