Believe it or not, this is the first time I’ve attended the ALA Annual Conference in Chicago (more or less where the Butler Center lives–check out the links to find us). I’m used to catching a flight and totally submersing myself in a new town and new experience. This year was not that! It was lovely to explore some Chicago hot spots and then end up in my own bed after a long day of conferencing, even if it did mean fighting Chicago rush hour traffic—yikes! Balancing a conference and home schedule over Annual weekend—also yikes!
Opening Session with Judy Blume—fangirl sigh…
Judy Blume was nothing less than a delight. But her sweet demeanor masks a passionate advocate for books and literacy, and a sharp wit focused on connecting kids with books no matter the challenge. In conversation with S&S executive Justin Chanda, she enchanted the audience with stories from her illustrious career, including her first experience with her own books being challenged (by her children’s principal, no less) and teaching the young actresses from the new Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret movie how to do the exercise. Her thoughts on book challenges coming from a place of fear will stay with me long after this year’s event.
DU SOIS Table
In a hometown twist, I was able to spend time at Dominican’s School of Information Studies booth. I’ve never been on the other side of the table at ALA and it was a great change of perspective. The chance to visit with DU alumni (I spoke with a librarian that graduated from (then) Rosary College the year I was born!) and potential MLIS and PhD candidates was a thrill. ALA is a bit of a captive audience of those that support libraries, therefore something of a weekend-long love song to librarians and library school.
DU Alumni
And I didn’t just chat up DU alumni at our booth. The exhibit floor was teeming former SOIS students as vendors, speakers, and attendees. Be sure I’ll connect with many of them to participate in Butler Center and SOIS events in the future. Another benefit of the Chicago setting—enough alumni to plan a party! SOIS gathered at Fatpour Tap Works, across from the convention center, to unwind and reconnect after a long day of learning and working. Good food, good company, and good networking for all!
Conference Sessions—Book Banning
There was a definite, though not intentional, theme to my sessions this year. As you might expect, book banning was the topic of the conference. From Judy Blume, to Alexi Giannoulias (IL Secretary of State), to Ellen Oh (WNDB), nearly every session I attended touched on book banning in some way, shape, or form. The American Association of School Librarians hosted an especially emotional and thought-provoking panel for their Freedom to Read Ambassadors. An author, academic, and several librarians discussed their experiences with book banners and the support they needed and received through some heartbreaking professional and personal trials. Their commentary on the stories they are trying to protect and the young readers they are championing were truly inspiring.
New Books
And, despite my best efforts to be circumspect in my book haul, I brought home so many fabulous books for the BCLC collections. Signed copies, new picture books, ARCs galore, and SO MANY tote bags. Thank you to all our amazing publishers (and a few new publishing friends) for all the goodies and your ongoing support of BCLC and libraries–we appreciate your partnership! If you’re in the area, stop in to see the new collection additions and maybe I’ll share some swag. Puppet anyone?
Hope to see you all next year in San Diego, CA at #ALAAC24!
This year’s Opening General Session with Jason Reynolds was an awesome example of his ability to take a reader (or listener) down a series of winding paths (or several at once), then surprise you with the way they all converge. His multi-part speech led to a challenge to librarians: To create a generation of “walking, talking libraries” full of the stories and information they and others need. To be the architect that builds a “building that services the world.”
Butler's Pantry 