#PLA2022 inspired me in many ways. Hello… uh, Portland? There’s a reason they say “Keep Portland Weird” and I absorbed as much of it as I could. The food was incredible and the PLA folk, well…the bee’s knees. I had many engrossing conversations with strangers from my tribe and enjoyed everyone’s hair, glasses, and general uniqueness. Powell’s books blew my mind. Every room. Every floor. What a knockout! In addition to the richness of the people and the landscape (and book stores), most inspiring were the PLA programs focused on collections. From guidelines to removing bias and barriers from the nonfiction section, to handling First Amendment audits and requests for reconsideration, the selection of programs were relevant. They arm us with practical tips tools to support intellectual freedom and inclusiveness. As a youth programmer, I am always looking for ways to support youngsters’ intellectual freedom and freedom of expression while…
Author: Stephanie Stoner
A Librarian’s Blog About: “A Kids Book About”
Marching up and down the Exhibitor’s aisles in search of swag, I stumbled across a booth with a very attractive display of books. They were uniform in color and design, with a minimalist sensibility and an even more eye-catching collection of titles. Some might call these “tough topics”- about racism, body image, cancer, gratitude, anxiety, belonging, creativity, emotions and more. I was drawn in by it all – the clean, graphic book covers and straightforward approach.