Walden ALA Sweepstakes Winner Shares her Experience

Monday, 8/17/2009

In February, Walden held a sweepstakes to send one lucky librarian to the annual American Library Association Convention in Chicago. Devon Murphy-Petersen of the Waukee Public Library in Waukee, Iowa won the contest and attended her first ALA Convention.

Devon met authors, editors, discovered new resources, and was able to bring back several new programming initiative ideas to her library. She journaled about her trip, and has offered to share her experience of the sights and sounds of ALA.

Devon Murphy-Peterson
Devon and her family: son Andy and husband Dan.

Sunday, July 12
My husband Dan and I drove to Chicago. We had good weather and moderate traffic; it only took about 6½ hours. We checked in to our hotel, and took a shuttle to the McCormick Place convention center to pick up my badge and take in the exhibits. I saw this great one called Libramation. This Dutch company offers a fascinating completely automated self-service library. A 24/7 library in a box! I’m besotted with the very idea!

I left exhibits at 5:30 when they closed, enjoyed dinner with my husband and explored the hotel. We sat on the second floor and looked out over the lobby. Gorgeous! I could definitely get used to this.

Monday, July 13
I took an early shuttle to McCormick Place and met a friendly librarian from a school library in Philadelphia. I browsed more exhibits, and took in a presentation by the ALA Public Programming office where I learned about their new resources and programs.

Quick sandwich while talking to a college librarian from Rhode Island. It was nice to sit down for a few minutes! After lunch, I visited the NEA Big Read booth, and spent nearly an hour with Molly Thomas-Hicks. The NEA Big Read program encourages reading through month-long events in local communities. Last year we were fortunate enough to participate, and Molly was our Big Read liaison. She came to Waukee to facilitate a Skype Q&A with author Cynthia Ozick, and then teach in our schools for 2 days.

Later, I chatted with Rohan Henry, author and illustrator of Good Night, Baby Ruby about the process of writing and illustrating this (his first) book. It’s based on his daughter. His love and devotion to both her and his craft were obvious, refreshing, and touching.

I have been wearing my “Whatdoyougeek?” button, and have gotten several comments and questions about it. Geek the Library is a campaign that Waukee has been fortunate to participate in; it raises awareness and highlights the importance of community libraries. When I stopped at the OCLC booth (who runs the campaign), I was welcomed with open arms because of the button. Their organization does so many things –geekyourlibrary was only one of many campaigns they were promoting.

It was a great but long day - I think I walked 5 miles in the exhibits – so glad I wore comfy shoes!

Tuesday, July 14
Today, I visited the remaining exhibits. Lots of companies here that I am not familiar with – many, of course, do not apply to our library, but there are several that I think may be good options for supplies and books. I’ve also had the opportunity to meet several representatives that I had never met face to face – always nice to put a face with a name.

I attended two presentations by the Library of Congress. One, the Veteran’s History Project, I think would be a very good fit for our library. We used to have a local Veteran help with this, but he has passed away. I wonder if we could find a volunteer from VFW or Legion to restart it.

I saw my first librarian in a kilt – with a braid down to his waist and a full black beard, no less! Just down the aisle were two impeccably dressed matrons in lovely dresses, coordinating hats, and sensible pumps with matching pocketbooks – I could have hugged them both as they reminded my of my grandmother dressed up ready for church! There’s definitely a cross section of America here – it’s wonderful!

I left shortly before the 2PM closing time to spend the remainder of the afternoon at the Art Museum with my husband – we got through most of the American artists and the Impressionists before we were both totally overwhelmed and collapsed in the garden outside.

Wednesday, July 15
We drove back to Waukee. I’m exhausted but, really appreciate the opportunity to attend ALA – huge and almost overwhelming! Many, many thanks to Walden Media!