Finally!

After two busy weeks getting ready for CLA, working long days during CLA, then returning to the City Capitol Christmas Tree event, SIF training in Whittier, the Leadership Academy at Cal-Poly, and a catch-up day with lots of desk time on Thursday, I can finally sit down and reflect on the conference. One of the highlights was dinner on Saturday night at El Cholo--great food and conversation with people I was spending the entire weekend with.

This year's interest list to borrow a Play and Learn Island was even longer than the list we came away with last year. We had one of the more interesting booths in the exhibit hall with a pretty good location. For those of you in the booth last weekend you did a great job sharing our vision with people who stopped by. Right after Thanksgiving we will create our Play and Learn Island lending schedule for 2012. I received a few more calls and emails this week so we'll make sure we have all interested libraries factored in.

Another highlight was attending the Awards reception on Friday night. I had not been to Pasadena Public Library's main library before and found it classically beautiful. There was fun food, lots of people all dressed up and awards of course. Robert took the stage several times to accept awards for RCPL! Don't think that wasn't noted by other libraries as well as John Gillison, our city manager, who attended the event.

One challenge at CLA was getting to all the programs I wanted to attend, especially our own. Karye and Casey presented at the same time as RK and my friend Margaret (CoLAPL), while Rosie's literacy program was at the same time as Angelica, Margaret and Allen were presenting. Since I did not have Hermione's time turner I split my time between programs to get a flavor of each. Audiences could take away from our programs that the Rancho way offers quality programs and services to the public. I also managed to catch part of Adam and Don's poster session which brought people back to the booth who covet the icell.

Finally, even though I said this in an email, I have to thank our staff for doing an amazing job with the booth and programs. A lot of hard work went into the event but the fact that some were still dancing while unloading the truck on Sunday night (you know who you are) speaks to what a great team we have.