The ALIA Public Libraries Summit opened today with a keynote from Senator the Hon Ursula Stephens, Parliamentary Secretary for Social Inclusion and Parliamentary Secretary for the Voluntary Sector.

The purpose of the Summit is to demonstrate the many ways public libraries play a central and valued role in strengthening communities, developing people and achieving social inclusion. It brings together around 50 library and non-library participants including Federal Ministers or their representatives, local government representatives, partners or allies from the non-profit sector, key cultural/ethnic/racial groups and public library stakeholders.

Follow the summit discussions throughout the day on Twitter ! @ALIANational staff and other attendees are Twittering throughout the Summit using the #Summit09 hashtag.