It was about 5:30 p.m., and I was walking down Main Street from the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, heading toward the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library’s Central Library. According to my phone, it was only an eight-minute walk—but after a full day at the ALSC Institute, that short walk felt like a little transition between the conference and whatever the evening had in store.
Then I saw it.
Right in the heart of downtown Buffalo, the Central Library was waiting for us.
That evening, the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library welcomed ALSC Institute attendees for Play. Learn. Connect., an opportunity to explore the library, meet colleagues from across the country, enjoy some light refreshments, and, of course, spend some time surrounded by books and the people who make them possible.
We toured several spaces, including the vibrant teen area, the Launch Pad Maker Space, and the newly renovated Children’s Room. I had the opportunity to talk with Maria Lowe, Assistant Deputy Director at Buffalo & Erie County Public Library, who shared some of the library’s history with me and talked about the recent renovations.
She also told me about the incredible artwork throughout the teen space, created by young patrons with the guidance and support of the teen librarians. The young audience was not just being invited into the space; they were helping shape it.
And Then… Books!
The second floor was also filled with authors and of course, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to bring a few signed books home. I was lucky enough to meet Candace Fleming, Deb Heiligman, and Erin Bow and have a signed copy of their recent work by each of them.
There is something special about meeting the people behind the books we recommend to children.
More Than a Reception
As the evening continued, librarians from across the country talked, laughed, shared ideas, and enjoyed some much-needed time together outside the conference sessions.
Maybe that’s what made the evening so memorable.
It wasn’t just a reception. It was a chance to step into another library, explore, connect with colleagues, and discover something new.
I arrived expecting an evening reception. I left with signed books, a new connection, ideas to bring home, and one more reminder of how much can happen when libraries create spaces where people can Play. Learn. Connect.
(All photos by Guest Blogger, Elizabeth Hurtado)
Elizabeth Hurtado (she/her) is a Youth/Children’s Librarian at Springdale Public Library in Arkansas, where she has worked in children’s librarianship for about seven years. She is looking forward to learning new ideas, connecting with fellow children’s librarians, and bringing inspiration back to her community. As a child, Elizabeth wanted to be a teacher, a babysitter, or a flight attendant. She jokes that combining all three makes a children’s librarian! She loves working with kids, learning through their eyes, and traveling to new places through books.
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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