American Library Association, MidWinter Meeting

Wow!  What fun this weekend at the Washington State Convention Center during the 2013 American Library Association MidWinter Meeting!  I had definitely underestimated the time it would take to peruse the exhibits at this everything-you-can-think-of-for-libraries gathering. And though I had been told there would be advanced reading copies of new books, I hadn’t quite imagined to the extent I would find myself wandering through publishers’ booths, picking up a few interesting reads, and making mental notes of smaller publishers to keep an eye on.  I am looking forward to diving in to new books by Hallie Rubenhold, Robert Jackson Bennett, and Ingrid Thoft.

From 3D printers to Little Free Libraries to LiLi (pictured below) and everything in between, there was much to peruse and enjoy at the exhibits.  I will definitely be a return attendee should the conference visit Seattle again.

Literary Lions Gala on March 23, 2013

Best-selling and award-winning author Dennis Lehane will be the keynote author for this year’s King County Library System Foundation 20th Anniversary Literary Lions Gala. Three of his novels – Mystic River, Gone Baby Gone and Shutter Island – have been adapted into award-winning films and his new book, Live by Night, was just released and has garnered rave reviews.

One of the more interesting items available at the Gala are the Author Salons. Tickets to the Salons are sold for a fixed price and in limited quantities, so you have the opportunity, in a private home or intimate venue, to delve into the authors’ experience over conversation and food!

The event will be held at the Bellevue Hyatt on March 23, 2013 at 6 p.m. Nancy Pearl, librarian and book reviewer, will emcee the event and thirty popular Northwest authors will also be featured.

The KCLS Foundation funds programs that reach out and encourage residents of all ages to enjoy reading and learning. In 2012, more than 200,000 children, youth and adults benefitted from the Foundation-supported programs.

Siouxland Libraries

First, Happy New Year!  I hope that everyone has enjoyed their 2012 holiday season and is looking forward to a grand start to 2013.

As part of our holiday traditions, we visit my husband’s [large extended] family in South Dakota on even-numbered years in mid-December.  This is our 7th visit over the years, and if you can believe it, the first time I’ve visited a library in the City of Sioux Falls library system – Siouxland Libraries! The City has a wonderful historic downtown filled with sculpture and brick buildings and my destination was the main library branch building (constructed in the 70s), as well the former Carnegie library building, now the Carnegie Town Hall. 

The Carnegie building, constructed of a native stone called rose quartzite, was used from 1903 to 1972 as the library, then housed various art-related functions, and since 2001 has been the Town Hall with the City Clerk and Council chambers plus a few other City departments. Since we were visiting during a Friday afternoon the building was open and when we peeked in, we were lucky enough to receive a short tour from the super friendly City of Sioux Falls City Clerk.  She pointed out a few features of the original building and showed us the state-of-the-art council chambers – it was quite a treat for a little special attention.

Our next stop was the current main library branch, decorated festively for the holidays. My mother-in-law was with me for the afternoon field trip and since she works close by, she’s been a frequent visitor over the years.  She described to me all of the changes to the floor plan as well as reminisced about bringing the grandchildren over the years to story times on Saturday morning.  I know how popular the story times are at KCLS, so wasn’t surprised they were just as fun in her library system too!

From the main library, it was just a hop, skip, and a jump to The Old Courthouse Museum, part of the Siouxland Heritage Museums collection.  My favorite exhibit was either the cold weather clothing or the bicycles – both provided interesting views into days gone by.

As you know, visiting libraries isn’t complete for me unless it’s also accompanied by sampling the local cuisine.  Oh My Cupcakes! rounded out our leisurely downtown strolling afternoon quite nicely.

Wishing you all the best in the coming New Year!