Pursuing excellence for library service to children and teens
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.
One challenge I gave myself at the ALSC Institute was to find three new resources to bring back to my library; resources that could help us continue our mission at Springdale Public Library: to entertain, inspire, connect, and inform our community. But now that I’m writing for the ALSC Blog, I’m thinking beyond my own library. I’m thinking about your community, too.
After seven years as a children’s librarian, I finally made it to my first ALSC Institute! I have been looking forward to this moment for a long time, and it feels especially exciting to be here in Buffalo, New York, surrounded by so many people who share my passion for children, books, and libraries.
Embarking on a delightful journey from Little Italy to Coronado Beach Exploring San Diego during the #alaac24 was a charming experience. As I said in a past post, I always take advantage of conference time to tour the city where it is happening. It’s the moment I take to do some “adult’s stuff,” like long walks in parks, visiting museums and libraries, and places of my own interest while being with myself. Last Saturday, my day started with breakfast at Pappalecco in Little Italy, a charming café known for its delicious pastries, rich coffee, and inviting atmosphere. I enjoyed a delicious croissant and a cappuccino, savoring the vibrant ambiance of the neighborhood. After breakfast, I took a Lyft to Balboa Park. This sprawling urban cultural park in the heart of San Diego is renowned for its beautiful gardens, historic architecture, and numerous museums and cultural institutions. I wandered through the…
Yesterday was an exciting day. As an American Library Association (ALA) Emerging Leader, I presented my poster at the ALA Annual Conference. Reflecting on this journey, I feel grateful and excited about the future.
Balancing Professional Life and Motherhood As a librarian and a mom, balancing my professional life and personal responsibilities is a constant juggling act. This year, I have the opportunity to attend the American Library Association (ALA) conference in San Diego as an ALA Emerging Leader. Not only is this trip about professional development, but it’s also about taking time for myself—something I often overlook.