My roommate said to me, “We all want to know what the exhibits look like before they open.” Do you, really?
I just recently became a children’s collection development librarian with a vendor, Brodart, and this the first time I’ve had the opportunity to see what it’s like on the other side, before the exhibits open, when they’re just getting set-up.
I walked in at 4:00, since I don’t actually have to set up a booth, and chuckled to myself as “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” by the Rolling Stones was playing over the speakers. It’s true, in the mad crush of people, all rushing for the same new ARC by a favorite author, you may not get one. Before the exhibits open, there are pristine and artfully arranged piles of these very same ARCs and I didn’t dare even look at them since I shouldn’t be sneaking off with them. Tempting.
Irony aside, it really is what you would expect: vendors madly unpacking boxes, putting finishing touches on their booths, vacuuming, taking pics on their phones of the awesome work they’ve done, or maybe the booth next to theirs for inspiration.
What was striking to me is how really quiet it is. How you can see where the booths are. How you have a chance to smile and say hello and recognize faces. I love the exhibits; seeing all of the picture books that are never on the shelf, talking to the reps about their favorite forthcoming books, grabbing those ARCs, but it can be overwhelming and exhausting right? I’m looking forward to being on the other side of the line tonight when the exhibits open at 5:30 and seeing all of the expectant and eager faces ready to charge in and take a look at what we all love – shiny new books.