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…
Author: Gwen Vanderhage
Gwen is a children's Collection Development Librarian at Brodart. Formerly a children's librarian at the Denver Public Library, she now lives in beautiful Bellingham, Wash. Gwen loves talking with librarians, looking at picture book art, singing silly songs, and munching popcorn.