Like many families, we have a tradition of going around the table on Thanksgiving and citing something for which each of us is grateful. I am known for consistently (and predictably) saying, “I am so thankful to be here”. This has become longstanding material for my progeny to good naturedly point out on any happy occasion. “Mom’s thankful to be here.” “Are you thankful to be here, Mom?” And, yes, I always am!
One place I am consistently and predictably thankful to be is the ALA Midwinter Meeting. Midwinter offers an opportunity to tackle projects and processes of the organization, to work closely in committees toward communal accomplishments. It is also the occasion of one of the most highly anticipated announcements in our profession, the Youth Media Awards press conference. All the buzz that is beginning now regarding the possible contenders of these prestigious awards: Newbery, Caldecott, Carnegie, Arbuthnot Lecture, Sibert, Geisel, Batchelder, Belpré (with REFORMA), and Odyssey (with YALSA), will culminate when the winners are revealed on Monday, January 27th from 8 to 9 am, an event well worth an early morning wake-up call!
The Youth Media Award announcement is book-ended by two more of my favorite Midwinter events. Speed Networking, on Friday, January 24th, from 7 to 8:30 pm, is the forum to meet new members, make new connections, and put faces to familiar names from ALSC social media. I look forward to doing just that myself and to chatting with some of the members who have been so active and contributed so much to ALSC’s efforts this past year.
Tuesday, January 28th, the final evening of Midwinter is especially satisfying. The Joint Youth Division Reception, from 6 to 8 pm, provides a convivial environment to revel in a job well done with our colleagues from AASL and YALSA. As with any gathering of fellow youth services librarians, I always leave with a feeling of renewed hope, purpose and resolve and with new aspirations and projects on the horizon.
Though January seems ages away, the time to make plans for attending Midwinter is now. You can register via http://alamw14.ala.org/, find strategies to present your rationale for attending at http://alamw14.ala.org/steps-in-making-the-case, and http://alamw14.ala.org/resources-for-first-timers offers great tips for first time attendees.
Before we know it we will be basking in the brotherly–and sisterly–love of fellow ALSC members in Philadelphia.
While I am at it, I also want to convey my thanks for the consistent and predictable level of support and commitment of the ALSC membership. I am so grateful to those of you who have reached out individually to offer input, encouragement and feedback. Please keep the communication coming. Thank you!