July in Library Land

Sue Knesel and I attended the American Library Association conference a couple of weeks ago. It's one of those mind boggling events that puts 14,000 librarians under one roof -- well, one convention center and adjacent hotels for additional meeting space. Plus 1,000 or more vendors who are selling books, furniture and equipment for libraries. It's like a gigantic carnival -- with special events and booths, a gazillion things to do. Now you know I have three adult sons who cannot visualize 14,000 librarians altogether --"Are they all like you?" the smart alecks ask. "What do you do all day?" "What do you talk about?" "Well, never mind, we really don't want to know."

Nevertheless, librarians never run out of things to talk about, to compare, to seek answers and solutions. It is a surprisingly congenial crowd, and yes, there are men in every meeting. Sue concentrated on training and information for young adult users and children's programs. I focused on management tools and enjoyed a series of keynote speakers and authors. Both of us learned about and attended the celebration for the Library of the Year award which honored Laramie County Library, Cheyenne, as the outstanding library in the nation this year. Both of us were thrilled to hear the authors who won the Newbery and Caldecott children's books awards give their acceptance speeches. Wow. They were articulate, funny, original, and touching.

How does this trip affect our work in Campbell County? What do we as taxpayers get out of library travels?
Sue has, over the years, made exceptional contacts nationwide with writers who make commitments to visit Gillette and spend time in the public schools and at the library. For instance, Greg Mortenson, best selling author of THREE CUPS OF TEA, said he would come to Gillette. She has worked with librarian-writers who include Gillette as an example of excellence in youth services. I watched a program with astronaut Sally Ride who is writing a series of children's books about Earth using photographs from space flights. Wow. We have got to have them. And we are working on a staff development plan for library staff with information garnered at workshops.

Conferences are a combination of education, contacts and camaraderie. Every library worker who attends a workshop or conference brings something back to our working community by sharing with me, other staff members, and the library board. This month we have trained notaries, paper rescue for disasters, and one leadership class. All of them will improve services at your library. Aren't we lucky to be living in Campbell
County where we have the opportunites for growth and improvements!

Patty