NBC News has announced the dates and the location for its 2012 “Education Nation” National Summit. The New York Public Library, one of the premier learning institutions in the country, will play host to the gathering scheduled to take place from September 23rd to the 25th. It is expected that over 300 leaders in education, business, philanthropy, government and media will attend the three-day event held at the NYPL’s midtown Manhattan headquarters in the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

In addition to the summit, the NYPL will team up with NBC News to offer free special programming at library branches throughout the five boroughs during the week leading up to the summit kick-off.

Using the full strength and reach of NBC News broadcast, cable and digital platforms, the 2012 “Education Nation” Summit will focus on successful examples of innovation in education. Summit sessions, moderated by top NBC News journalists, and NBC’s on-air programming will highlight a series of case studies from communities across the country, providing tools and takeaways for participants and viewers.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that the New York Public Library served as a perfect setting for a gathering focused on innovations in the field of education and education reform. The goal of the summit dovetails nicely with the NYPL mission to democratize and allow greater access to knowledge and information. Bloomberg complimented “Education Nation” for being a leader and an innovator in its approaches to education, and said that the annual summits served as clarion calls to education reform efforts around the country.

“The goal of this year’s ‘Education Nation’ Summit is to showcase and discuss solutions in education, and the New York Public Library is a great partner to help us host this important national conversation,” said NBC News President Steve Capus. “The NYPL is at the forefront of reimagining the power of educational programming and how to broaden access beyond the walls of its buildings, and we are looking forward to the opportunity to bring ‘Education Nation’ to more people both locally in New York and across the country.”

New York Public Library President Anthony Marx said that his organization was flattered to be asked to act as the host of such an important event, especially considering the NYPL’s focus on education access for all. The New York Public Library system serves as a model for a comprehensive and useful urban library systems nationwide.