Be There or Be Square

Did you know that this year's NCSLMA conference is fast approaching? Actually, it is a month earlier this year and it would be terrible if you missed out on this great experience, so be sure to visit the website and register. There are only 18 more days until this year's conference kicks off. I look forward to this conference every year because of the great opportunities it provides for me to discuss my profession and what others in NC are doing to promote and advocate their programs. This year, however, I am extra excited for a number of reasons. First, it was planned by my friend (and college roommate) Sarah Justice. Second, I am presenting a preconference session with Jennifer LaGarde (I am so not worthy). Third, I am presenting a concurrent session with my friend and former partner in crime, Jennifer Abel (now on Twitter, so be sure to follow @abellibrarian). Fourth, there are some great authors to stalk!

Those are my personal reasons for being super-excited about this year's conference, but there are many professional reasons to be excited as well. Reasons that I hope make you find a way to attend this year's conference some way, some how. You have likely noticed that this year's conference dates are a little bit different. What is great about this is that you can use this to help convince your administrator to let you attend. You will only need a sub for Friday since concurrent sessions take place Friday and Saturday. If you have not checked out the conference sessions, these are all available on the website as well. Check out all the great sessions from which you can steal ideas to implement into your own Media Center.

One of the biggest draws for this conference is Gwyneth Jones, the Daring Librarian. If you are not familiar with Gwyneth, who is also our conference keynote speaker, you are in for a real treat. I attended one of her sessions at AASL 2009 and have been a devoted follower ever since. I read her blogs and follow her on Twitter. To be perfectly honest I wonder when she sleeps. In addition to being the keynote speaker, she will also be the presenter for not one, not two, but three concurrent sessions. So I ask you, what are you waiting for? Sign up today!

Ok, as if Gwyneth Jones was not enough of a reason to attend this year's NCSLMA conference, there are also some amazing authors attending this year's conference. Friday's Luncheon Author is Jennifer Pharr Davis, local Hendersonville girl, who recently accomplished the amazing feat of being the overall speed record holder on the Appalachian Trail. Sarah and I saw Jennifer speak at a local bookstore last year and were overwhelmed with her stories about the AT. I was so amazed by what she endured on her first hike of the AT and cannot believe she has taken on this journey more than once. The author luncheon on Saturday features Frances O'Roark Dowell. I absolutely adore Frances. She was the first author I ever had visit my school and she was awesome. After that I was hooked on author visits. The Toast and Tales author, Allan Wolf, has also been a visitor to my school. I have never been more entertained throughout one day. His energy is contagious.   Alan Gratz, another featured author at my school, will also be in attendance at this year's conference. Be sure to visit him during his concurrent session. One author who I have not had the pleasure of meeting, Tom Angleberger (yes, he did write Origami Yoda), will also be in attendance. Looking forward to meeting him as well as several of the other authors that will be involved with the Author Autograph Session.

Look forward to seeing you in Winston-Salem, so sign-up today.