LibLaura5: Thank you, Metronet!

In June I attended the ALA Annual Conference in Anaheim, CA.

I was very fortunate to have a scholarship from Metronet to help me attend.

If you are a librarian in Minnesota in the Metro area, chances are your library is a Metronet member, and you too could get a scholarship to participate in something fabulous.

Dearest Metronet,

Three things I loved about attending ALA Annual 2012:

1. Authors and Illustrators

My time at ALA was filled with amazing authors and illustrators.

I met so many wonderful authors and illustrators while exploring the vendor exhibits.

Jon Scieszka, R.J. Palacio, Katherine Applegate, Dan Santat

There were also many award events celebrating amazing authors and illustrators.

Newbery/Caldecott Banquet:

Arriving at the Newbery/Caldecott Banquet

Newbery Award winner Jack Gantos (photo by Travis Jonker)

Coretta Scott King Award Breakfast:

Shane Evans CSK Illustrator Award Winner singing a musical connection to his book Underground

Odyssey Award Presentation (for the best audiobook produced for children or young adults):

One of my favorite moments of the conference was when Kirby Heyborne, narrator of the Odyssey Award winning audiobook Rotters, pulled out a guitar and sang to librarians.

2. Inspiration, new ideas & strategies from fabulous sessions

I loved the AASL track of sessions for the conference. It was inspiring to hear my peers from around the country share the amazing things that have done with libraries and kids. I am excited to bring back so many ideas to my own school and community.

Session: There's an App for That: Using Technology to Enhance Children's Librarianship

3. Networking with my PLN in REAL LIFE!

A PLN is a Professional Learning Network. I have connected with many school librarians and teachers through Twitter and blogs. At ALA I was able to connect with them in person. Meeting face to face strengthened and deepened those relationships that provide me with constant support and inspiration.