Wow, it’s almost time for another ALA Annual. I’ll be there June 25-28. This will be my third time attending! In addition to overall professional development, I will be attending to contribute to my YALSA committee work, which includes the Advocacy Task Force’s presentation of “Using District Days and Other Events to Advocate for Teens & Libraries” during the the annual YALSA Membership Meeting (Monday June 28 at 1:30). We’re hoping this program will provide librarians with techniques and talking points to use with local officials and stakeholders to make the case for the importance of library services to teens, which are increasingly in jeopardy as budgets dwindle.

Times are tough, especially with widespread news of libraries closing everywhere from Boston to Minnesota to California, (which also happens to be one of the first libraries where I used to work), and we’re  now facing some pretty drastic budget proposals at my current library. Especially in times of budget cuts and economic hardships like these, it’s more important than ever to stay professionally motivated, inspired, and informed.

Like many other public libraries out there, we are knee-deep in Summer Reading events and programs, but I’ll be escaping briefly soon from the frenzy…I’m getting ready to head out to Chicago tomorrow for my second ALA Annual Conference!

I attended last year in Anaheim for the first time, and since it was my first conference, I was just there to take it all in and attend workshops and exhibits. I was so inspired by all of the people I met and the information I gathered that I decided to apply for YALSA committee work. I didn’t hear anything after that for a few months, but was delighted to be offered invitations last winter to two different task forces! The first is the Advocacy Task Force, which is responsible for carrying out YALSA’s “@ your library” campaign that helps libraries to advocate for better teen services and resources. The second is the Young Adult Literature Symposium 2010 Task Force, which is working to plan the second biannual YA Lit Symposium being held in Albuquerque in Nov. ‘10.

So this year, I’ll be attending committee meetings in addition to workshops and exhibits! It feels great to get more professionally involved as my librarian career continues to develop. I am really excited to bring home some new ideas and perspectives, especially during these rough times where it can often be hard to focus on the positive and keep moving forward. I’ll try to report back with my adventures in Chicago. I’ll be attending with two great colleagues and friends, and in addition to our busy conference schedules, we plan on setting aside some fun time to explore the city. Can’t wait!