Think PLA 2010

Filed Under Conferences, Libraries, Professional Development | Leave a Comment

It’s not too early to start thinking about getting involved with the PLA 2010 Conference in Portland, Oregon! The website for the next PLA National Conference is now up and people can submit program proposals online.

The Public Library Association (PLA) is now planning the 2010 PLA National Conference, which will be held in Portland, Oregon, March 23-27, 2010. The most important part of that planning is assembling the slate of preconferences and the 100+ concurrent program sessions that will be presented during the conference. The deadline for submitting all proposals is November 30, 2008.

I’m fortunate enough to be on the program planning sub-committee for this conference so I’m really looking forward to all the preparation that goes into a conference this big. I’ve been to two PLA conferences so far (Boston and Minneapolis) and both were great learning experiences. I think the focus on public libraries really helps and there always seems to be multiple sessions I’m interested in attending at any given time slot. Hopefully that’s the case with Portland as well! So, start sending those proposals!

Sep

29

Skokie PL wins IMLS National Award

Filed Under Libraries, Skokie | 1 Comment

MPOW is a recipient of the 2008 National Medal for Museum and Library Service! You can read more about it on the Library’s website and on the IMLS website. Here’s an excerpt from the IMLS press release:

“I’m proud, but not surprised, that the Skokie Public Library was one of only ten institutions in the nation to receive the 2008 National Medal from the Institute of Museum and Library Services,” said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL). “The Skokie Library is constantly redefining and expanding its role and has become an indispensible part of our community—providing access to information, resources and services that have helped change the lives of local residents. I congratulate the visionary leadership of Carolyn Anthony and her staff. They have created a local treasure and a model for the country. I can’t imagine a more deserving library than the Skokie Library.”

I have to say that it feels good that Skokie PL is being recognized. I’ve only been here for a little over a year now and I’ve really been impressed with how the library serves its community. Really, though, I think there are many public libraries out there that serve their communities day in an day out to make a difference in people’s lives and they should be recognized, too! So stop on by your local library today and take advantage of what they have to offer. And while you’re at it, express your appreciation to your local public librarian!