The American Library Association’s annual conference is going on in New Orleans right now. (No, I’m not there. But I wish that I were.)
This is the first major convention to be held in New Orleans since hurricane Katrina devastated the city. I am not exactly what you call an insider, but from what I’ve heard the last few months, the leadership of ALA has been firm and committed about holding the convention there as a way to help the people of the region get back on there feet.
But that’s not all.
Librarians are volunteering their time and energy while in New Orleans to help with the reconstruction. More info.
Librarians have demanding, underpaid jobs. They provide access to information, education, and opportunities for enlightenment for all Americans. And they catch a lot of flack for it from people who do not understand the principles of the Constitution. But you know what? Most of them see that as an opportunity to educate people and encourage more discussion. Librarians make this country a great place.
Is anyone blogging from the conference besides professornana andhornbookfeed, and this guy ?
EDITED TO ADD – thanks for the feedback – here is what you told me:
Sara Ryan thisisnotanlj
Nielsen Hayden
Sarah Dessen writergrl
The YALSA blog!
Librarian.Net
In other librarian news, would somebody who has a myspace account, please send a note to this wonderful librarian and tell her I say thanks for doing a great job with her book club? Thanks.
Let’s say it all together: librarians rock!