So this weekend the American Library Association's annual Midwinter Conference is being held just across the river from me in Boston and let me tell you- it's overwhelming and it's wonderful.
It runs from January 15th through the 18th and for me and for hundreds and hundreds of librarians and booklovers, it's nonstop fun. The Midwinter conference does not have sessions per se like the Annual conference but it has some wonderful author-focused and publisher-sponsored programs and wonderful exhibits with miles of vendors and library folk to talk to. Yesterday I walked the entire exhibit floor and talked to architects, government agencies, publishers large and small and just about anyone else of interest. I picked up catalogs, information packets, and yes- books.
Lots and lots of books.
There are some great things coming out this spring and summer and this weekend ALA Midwinter was the place to be to snag new titles by the likes of Brunonia Barry, Yann Martel, Peter Carey, Oscar Hijuelos, Joyce Carol Oates and many, many more. Not only that, but there are so many great people to talk to. I said hi to old pals (hi Talia! hi Ann!), met new ones (hi Ben! hi Kayleigh!)- lots of whom I've tweeted to or blogged to or corresponded with in one way or another through the magic of social media, and lots who were brand-new.
It's been an amazing time, and it's not over yet. Tomorrow I go back for an author tea and more browsing and talking and walking. I love it!
You can read more Sunday Salon here.
16 comments:
I envy you this experience. I've never been to ALA in any form, but I would love to go. Maybe this summer?
I envy you so much! I've been thinking about the summer conference. Enjoy author tea and book-land! :)
Sounds like a fun event and a great opportunity to network too.
That sounds like a fabulous way to spend the weekend!
Sounds like fun-enjoy it! :)
It does sound wonderful, Marie! I am glad you had such a great weekend. :-) Enjoy tomorrow!
It sounds like a wonderful weekend is being had by all! Enjoy tea tomorrow :)
How wonderful you are able to gain this experience!!!
So glad you are able to take advantage of events in your area. If there were ever an event in my area, I'd go.
Oh, that sounds like a lovely way to spend the day...or two...or three. Books..I have serious book envy. I know I have a huge TBR pile but you can't have too many.
Lucky you! Glad you are having such a great experience!
Glad you are enjoying the experience! I am so excited for the spring/summer publishing season!
So much fun, isn't it? And it sounds like a major book haul! Complete with Martel. Lucky, lucky girl. Coming to DC in June? Some of us DC book bloggers have to organize a little fun for everyone in attendance. Now go rest your feet. The floor is HUGE and it sounds like you did it all!
How awesome!! There are no book events near me closer than NYC. I'm so jealous!
How very fun!
It sounds as though there is a lot to be excited about in the bookish future! I am glad that you are having such a good time and I hope you come home with tons of great new reads!
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