Today was the first full day of the #ALAAC25 conference, and I was grateful for a little extra sleep before jumping into the excitement. I headed to the convention center, thank goodness for the shuttle bus. It was right across the street from my hotel, and I couldn’t miss it thanks to the group of librarians gathered at the stop. We may not wear uniforms, but we always find each other. The irony of the “shushing librarian” stereotype. Whenever we get together it is just never really silent. We are strangers for a few minutes and then it’s as if we have known each other forever. So refreshing.
At the convention center, I picked up my badge (the staff is always so pleasant) and went off in search of coffee and breakfast. I’d left the hotel in a rush. Luckily, Reading Terminal Market had everything I needed. I settled on a coffee and a sweet treat and headed to the Connect Lounge to enjoy them.
That’s where I had one of those great spontaneous conference moments, chatting with a new librarian friend from Oklahoma, Annette Patterson. We talked about NYC and Oklahoma, the excitement of being at the conference, and the serious legislation and issues librarians are facing in her state. These conversations remind me of the power of our network: sharing tips, offering support, and knowing we’re not alone in this work.
Arlene Laverde (she/her/hers) is an adjunct and academic advisor in the Graduate School of Library and Information Studies Program at Queens College, CUNY, where she prepares future school librarians for school library life. She has a strong background in education and librarianship, and brings real-world experience and a passion for intellectual freedom, equity, and access to her teaching. She retired from her full time school librarian job in the summer of 2024 And is now focusing on a variety of library passions: children’s books, information freedom, and advocacy. She is looking forward to hearing George Takei and attending the Newbery/Caldecott Reception. Her life isn’t all about libraries though, she has been married for over 32 years and has two grown sons.
Please note that as a guest post, the views expressed here do not represent the official position of ALA or ALSC.
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The post The Journey Begins — Day One at #ALAAC25 Conference appeared first on ALSC Blog.
Today was the first full day of the #ALAAC25 conference, and I was grateful for a little extra sleep before jumping into the excitement. I headed to the convention center, thank goodness for the shuttle bus. It was right across the street from my hotel, and I couldn’t miss it thanks to the group of librarians gathered at the stop. We may not wear uniforms, but we always find each other. The irony of the “shushing librarian” stereotype. Whenever we get together it is just never really silent. We are strangers for a few minutes and then it’s as if we have known each other forever. So refreshing. At the convention center, I picked up my badge (the staff is always so pleasant) and went off in search of coffee and breakfast. I’d left the hotel in a rush. Luckily, Reading Terminal Market had everything I needed. I settled on…
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