Missing You #alamw15

Chicago still has long coffee lines, it’s really snowing, and ALA staff is just an L ride away, but it’s just not the same around here without all of you! (I think most planes, trains, and cars have finally made it out, am I right?)

It really was another magnificent Midwinter and my yesterday, Monday, was a great way to wrap it up.

The Youth Media Awards, obviously! Congrats & thanks to all of the committees and staff who made it a reality. Well done, also, to the folks on the podium with the early morning responsibility and thrill of telling the world! Afterwards, I was reunited with my ALSC Budget Committee compatriots as we tied a bow on the preliminary proposed budget for FY16, which the Board later approved. We also recommended applying some of the generous Friends of ALSC donations to supporting early literacy work and connecting babies and words. Also approved!

The second ALSC Board meeting from 1:30-5:45 was one of the most productive I’ve ever seen! We made changes to the Annual conference schedule so that there aren’t any ALSC committee conflicts with the Coretta Scott King Book Awards Breakfast, moved forward with a strategy for the strong future of ALSC’s Online Continuing Education, adopted a proactive conflict of interest policy, and built on our commitment to diversity by enhancing our Day of Diversity action plan. There are many great things to come!

Then some relaxation at the joint ALSC & YALSA reception, thanks to 3M, and a toast to fantastic times ahead and a better future for kids through libraries. Cheers!