From the President

Planning For Portland

It may be too early to pack, but it’s not too early to plan for the 2010Public Library Association (PLA) National Conference. I hope you’ll joinme March 23–27, 2010, in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center.

I am currently reading Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunityfor Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof, our conference keynote speaker,and Sheryl WuDunn. Reporting on the challenges faced by women in Asiaand Africa, the authors reveal the power of education and economic developmentto reduce poverty and improve the lives of girls and women throughout the world. Kristof has much to share with librarians––who have alwaysknown the power of education and information to change lives for the better—and his address is sure to be provocative. He has also written about thetransformative power of reading, dedicating his July 4, 2009, New York Timescolumn to summer reading and its impact on the learning trajectory of studentsliving in different economic circumstances.1

Before you attend the keynote address, I hope you’ll take part in one ofour preconference programs. The PLA Program Committee has created anenticing schedule of options for public library professionals, including programson gaming and graphic novels; Readers’ Advisory 2.0; floating collections;technology training; green buildings and building interactive children’sareas; advocating for teen services; and booktalking.A top-shelf leadership preconference, “Leadership for a New Era: Meetingthe Challenge,” is also available. This interactive development program is anopportunity for public library professionals to expand their leadership skillsand become better prepared to manage the challenges public libraries willface in the coming years. Attendance is by application only. The applicationform is available at www.placonference.org.

“Turning the Page: Building Your Library Community,” PLA’s advocacyprogram, will be offered to all PLA members. This program provides librariansand library supporters with the training, skills, and resources to createcommunity partnerships, build alliances, and increase funding for theirlibraries. This program is primarily offered to library systems participating inthe Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s Opportunity Online hardware grantsprogram, but is being offered free of charge to the first two hundred registrantson a first-come, first-served basis. Registration is open only to PLAmembers who are also registered for PLA 2010.

It wouldn’t be the PLA National Conference without a nod to booksand reading. Nancy Pearl will offer her ever popular “Book Buzz” event onWednesday, March 24, to set the tone for the rest of conference. In addition toKristof, bestselling novelist Scott Turow, Coretta Scott King Award winner KadirNelson, and acclaimed young adult novelist Virginia Euwer Wolff will also bejoining us. And get ready to learn and laugh with author Sarah Vowell, whosemost recent book, The Wordy Shipmates: A History of American Puritans, takes a witty look at America’s Puritan roots. She’ll be the keynote speaker at the closing session.

 As you can see, there will be plenty of exciting programs and speakers at PLA 2010, but formal sessions are only part of what the conference has to offer. Being part of a public library “happening” and sharing and learning with colleagues, old and new, are what make PLA 2010 the premiere conference for advocates and employees of public libraries. Continuing education is a critical investment during the economic downturn. Sharing stories around public library advocacy, work efficiencies, simplified training, focused service, and green building efficiencies are among the many topics that bring a return on investment beyond the cost of attending the conference.

The library exhibits are a fantastic way to efficiently do a little comparison shopping. The PLA National Conference is known for having a rich showing of vendors and their wares. We appreciate the commitment our vendors make to endorsing and supporting our conference, and we hope every conference participant spends part of their time in the exhibit hall.

While you’re in Portland I urge you to visit Multnomah County Library (MCL). MCL is consistently one of the busiest public libraries in the United States. The staff at MCL has learned to streamline systems and deliver top-rated quality to their customers on a limited budget. Consider visiting MCL’s central library or taking the time to learn about their nationally recognized youth services program as additional opportunities to learn new and effective ideas to take home from the conference.

PLA 2010 promises to be a blockbuster event loaded with continuing education and networking opportunities. Visit www.placonference .org for the complete conference schedule, hotel information, online registration, and more. And don’t forget, PLA is offering early bird registration at a discounted rate through December 16, 2009. Visit www.placonference.org to register today or get more information. See you in Portland!

Reference

1. Nicholas D. Kristof, “The Best Kids’ Books Ever,” The New York Times, July 4, 2009, www.nytimes.com/2009/07/05/opinion/05kristof.html?_r=2 (accessed Sept. 10, 2009).