So about that...

Clearly the "blogging from the conference" did not work out so well. But, have no fear there will be tons of upcoming posts about who we met/what we did/where we ate/how excited and energized we are about our profession once again. Tonight I will be blogging about Ellen Hopkins' latest, Perfect, which I finished on my way home. AMAZING as usual. I also am going to throw in some shout outs for awesome authors that I met (pictures included).

Look for Joanna talking about surviving her first conference experience, Lalitha writing reviews and giving us the inside scoop on hob-nobbing with the publishers, and Ady providing more info about REFORMA and their upcoming adventures. My sister will also be featured as a guest blogger because she has tons to say about experiencing ALA as an outsider. Sorry for the delay, but the next few weeks are going to be chock full with good content

-Kirby

Friday @ ALA Annual 2011

I arrived last night and met up with my roomie, fellow blogger Joanna, and my sister. Yes, it is hot and muggy but WOW torrential down pour? Who knew. Ran into a few library pals at dinner, looks like we have taken over the city already.

Today proved much nicer weather wise, well at least so far no rain. The crew hit up the tourist hot spot Cafe du Monde for beignets

Jo headed off to the Movers & Shakers lunch, my sister and I wandered around the French Market--good times, I would say put this on your list to do if you're visiting. Tonight it's time to get into library mode with 3 publisher socials.

 Stay tuned!

ALA Conference Video

I know the schedule says Mondays are for "professional activities," but this video is too great not to post. ALA's John Chrastka presents tips for how to make the most of your conference experience with a 1950s educational video twist. Three of our resident bloggers are headed to New Orleans for the Annual Conference (I will be posting daily) so be on the look out starting June 23rd. It might be pretty photo heavy since my sister the photographer is joining me on the trip, but get excited (I am)... It's CONFERENCE time!

N is for...

NEW ORLEANS!!

I'm so excited to attend ALA Annual in New Orleans June 23-28, 2011. Not only will this be my first visit to New Orleans, but it will also be the first ALA Annual conference I've ever attended! Here are some great Youth Services events if you're planning to attend as well:

PRECONFERENCE:

Give Them What They Want: Reaching Reluctant YA Readers Friday, June 24 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM $129
The Nuts & Bolts of Serving Teens: Practical Tips for the Library Generalist or New YA Librarian Friday, June 24 12:30 PM - 4:30 PM $129
Disaster Preparedness for School Librarians Friday, June 24 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Free

TICKETED EVENTS:
Margaret A. Edwards Luncheon with Winner Sir Terry Pratchett Saturday, June 25 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM $59
YA Authors' Coffee Klatch Sunday, June 26 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM $19 in advance $25 at the door
Newbery-Caldecott-Wilder Banquet Sunday, June 26 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM $94
Michael L. Printz Program and Reception Monday, June 27 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM $29 in advance $35 at the door

For more details or to register, visit the ALA Annual Conference website. If you have any great recommendations for places to see (and eat!) in New Orleans please post a comment! Hope to see you there!

-written by Joanna