We've made it to the other side of CLA - and it was awesome! It was hard work - but great work! It is "priceless" to be able to wake up and love your job and the people you work with. The whole RC staff was definitely with us in spirit, stories we shared at presentations and with booth visitors, and even in our photos and videos!
Thanks to everyone who was part of the project in ideas, spirit, and hard work over the past year - both at CLA and back at the library! I really enjoyed working on the project with you! And I am most grateful for everyone's help allowing me to be a part of this project - thank you!
I wanted to make sure with my blog posts that I got all the valuable info and exicitement across. I'll do my best to wrap up the weekend from my "bird's eye" view ;).
The whole weekend was literally a blur! Friday night set the tone for the whole weekend - positive, exciting, busy! We were defnitely the best looking and most interesting booth of all the exhibits! Attendance didn't seem huge for the whole cofnerence - maybe 5-700? Booth business was very good! I'm guessing we had at least 400 all weekend? Everyone who came was interested. I had maybe 2 "negative nancy's" -who I was able to win over.
I can't believe we've already got our first "baby bird" out of the nest! It's a litle sad at first - but it's the right thing and it feels good to know that a rgeat library and community are enjoying and learning from play.
I never imagined it would go so well - and am so happy! Now that we're back the ball keeps rolling! Renee has the hard job of figuring out the "rental/borrowing" of the PALs and getting abck to all the folks interested, Margaret and I working on ordering /making sure new PALs have everything they need to go out, WG is making sure we've got all the videos for assembly/cleaning, and the whole group is following up on assorted odds and ends to secure for the whole "reantal / borrowing" plan now that's it's rolling.
Please let me know if you'd like me to ramble more about anything, would like to see a CLA brochure, etc. I'm still a little scattered brained froma ll the excitement and just trying to spend my week getting ready for our ILS SRP presentation due Thurs. and we're gearing up for HPotter this Saturday. On to the next exicting thing!
Thanks again! Caw - caw! Angelica :)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
How to avoid hard work at CLA
I'm so clever. I conveniently scheduled two workshops on Friday, so I could dodge booth setup duty. So I was sitting around listening to a librarian from San Diego talk about cool books for boys while the rest of those poor folks hauled PALs and boxes and set up the booth. But seriously, although I did feel guilty about not being around to help with the heavy lifting, I did make good use of the time to attend a couple of worthwhile two-hour workshops put on by CSLA (the school library side of the convention). The first was called "Scary, Gross and Enlightening Books for Boys." The presenter, Deborah Ford of San Diego School District, was full of good ideas and intriguing suggestions. I now have several more books I have to read and lots to add to the next order I'll be submitting. She also shared a lot of ideas about both collection development and quick activities that can encourage boys to read. She's a school librarian, so her advice was geared toward schools, but some of it would translate well. I won't go into great detail (you can read about some of her suggestions and idea on her blog: http://deborahford.blogspot.com/) but I just though I'd mention a couple:
1) Involve men as much as possible: I think we're doing pretty well there, with me, Wess, Allen, etc. all working on the children's desks.
2) Make things into competitions: Boys love to compete, so even simple things like "let's see which table can clean up and put their books back first--ready, set, go!" can motivate them.
3) Pair fiction and nonfiction: many boys love to read nonfiction, and it's sometimes easier to sell them on a fiction book if they've picked out a nonfiction book on a similar topic.
Anyway, lots of good stuff in this presentation.
The second presentation I attended was a thinly-veiled sales pitch for Demco mending products, conducted by a representative of the company. It was also a really worthwhile two hours. We're constantly fixing books on the bookmobile, and I learned some great techniques and tips. I think I finally found a way to fix our "Genius" World Records books so they won't fall apart every third checkout--and that alone was worth the price of admission. As part of our goodie bag, we all got a mending instruction DVD. If anybody wants more info, or would like some truly compelling evening viewing, let me know. It's not available on Netflix. . .
So I apologize to everyone for not showing up for the unloading and setup, but I learned some great stuff and when I came back to the booth in the afternoon, it looked fantastic!
1) Involve men as much as possible: I think we're doing pretty well there, with me, Wess, Allen, etc. all working on the children's desks.
2) Make things into competitions: Boys love to compete, so even simple things like "let's see which table can clean up and put their books back first--ready, set, go!" can motivate them.
3) Pair fiction and nonfiction: many boys love to read nonfiction, and it's sometimes easier to sell them on a fiction book if they've picked out a nonfiction book on a similar topic.
Anyway, lots of good stuff in this presentation.
The second presentation I attended was a thinly-veiled sales pitch for Demco mending products, conducted by a representative of the company. It was also a really worthwhile two hours. We're constantly fixing books on the bookmobile, and I learned some great techniques and tips. I think I finally found a way to fix our "Genius" World Records books so they won't fall apart every third checkout--and that alone was worth the price of admission. As part of our goodie bag, we all got a mending instruction DVD. If anybody wants more info, or would like some truly compelling evening viewing, let me know. It's not available on Netflix. . .
So I apologize to everyone for not showing up for the unloading and setup, but I learned some great stuff and when I came back to the booth in the afternoon, it looked fantastic!
Better late than never?
Okay, so I'm a little late to this CLA Blog, but laptops were in high demand over the weekend, so I'll try to catch up. The drive up to Sacramento on Thursday was pretty uneventful. Vivian was, as any of you who know her could probably guess, as pleasant and undemanding traveling companion as one could hope for. I was a bit worried when I arrived in Rancho Thursday morning and discovered it was one of those characteristic windy fall days, but the truck handled it well. We were only almost blown off the road a few times--mostly on the way over the Grapevine. Other than a traffic accident near Stockton that slowed things down, we made great time and arrived about when we expected. We did stop for gas and found that, shockingly, $99 (the pump cutoff amount) didn't quite fill the tank. Lunch was at Taco Bell and, I swear (really! I'm not making this up!) it wasn't my idea. Vivian suggested it, but I think she was just humoring me. Wess did a great job loading, as nothing was flying around in back. All in all, an easy, if very long, drive.
Back to Reality...
Well, now that we are back to work (and back home in Rancho), we can look at CLA 2010 and at least what I would say is "What a truly amazing conference."
As I mentioned in a previous post, our Rancho Cucamonga Public Library is now really seen as a trend-setting organization, with great, innovative ideas and an enthusiastic staff. We had a number of big-time Library Directors come to our booth to check out the PALs. (Their children's staff and branch managers dragged them over to check out what we were doing and after seeing the PALs, they gave the green light to their staff to go forward to getting a PAL for their library. Well, libraries, since many of these big library systems have 20 or 30 branches!) And there was at least one big-time Library Director who saw the PALs on her own and was bringing her staff to the booth and basically telling them that they needed to get some PALs because the PALs addressed the early childhood education component that she wanted her library to go down.)
I was also told that on Sunday, Maureen Sullivan, a *nationally* known and respected library consultant (who will probably be the next ALA president) came by the booth and was *totally* impressed with the PALs. She mentioned that we absolutely had to patent/copyright them (I have already started working on this) and also that she strongly felt that the PALs had national implications. Wow, if such is true then our PALs have the potential to be a real game changer for what we do. (Basically, we thought we could rent out the PALs but from what we found out over the weekend is that a *lot* of California libraries want to *buy* them. I guess if in California libraries want them, then libraries outside of California also might.)
Finally, I need to once again thanks everyone who has done whatever needed to be done to get us to where we are today. And a special thanks to Michelle and Renee. Renee did an amazing job leading up to, and at the conference, of organizing us and being the leading "PAL evangelist" at our program (to say nothing about embracing the concept of "play and learn" from day one.)
And of course to Michelle for having divine inspiration for the original vision of "play and learn" over 18 months ago. Believe me, Michelle is now a true superstar in the California library community. (I couldn't walk anywhere with her without someone saying "Hey Michelle! Love the PALs!") The State Library truly understands her PAL vision, and more important (for us) will more than likely continue to fund this vision.
(And I love this photo of Michelle and Renee from our in-service program in December! Click on the photo for a larger image.)
The Eagle has landed!
First off let me preface this by stating that I am blogging from my cell phone and I am having trouble with using cap locks and grammar keys.
Last night we dropped off a PAL at the El Dorado county library. Carolyn Brooks was our contact and she met us at the door with her family. They were just as excited about the PAL island as we are.
When we arrived Carolyn had already opened a door for us to take the PAL through however door number 1 was not wide enough. We then tried to use the double doors of the main library entrance. We measured the door jams and it was indeed 34 inches wide (the pals are 5' x 34") however, when we tried to fit it through that entry point the door did not open wide enough. It was an automatic door for wheelchair access and the group immediately started thinking of ways to take the door jam or the door brace off. After the El Dorado crew took a few screws out of the door and then someone realized that other door would open just enough to clear 34" leaving us with less than a 1/4 " of space on either side (just enough space to not scratch the wood).
As soon as we put the PAL in the story theater of course Carolyn's sons had to play with the manipulatives. We set up the book displays, banners, manipulatives and I must say it was like leaving our puppy somewhere. After we gave Carolyn a brief tour of how to clean and setup the PAL, and how we utilize the Dig and Build to its fullest potential Carolyn gave us a tour of the library and Jason and I knew that the PAL is in good hands.
We were there for an hour and a half picking her brain and sharing ideas. It was nice to meet someone as passionate about incorporating play and learn in libraries as we are.
Currently Jason and I are driving through Merced county. There are high winds but nothing our professional driver can't handle.
Getting a PAL into another library just days after we received delivery feels like a big victory for all of our hard work.
Last night we dropped off a PAL at the El Dorado county library. Carolyn Brooks was our contact and she met us at the door with her family. They were just as excited about the PAL island as we are.
When we arrived Carolyn had already opened a door for us to take the PAL through however door number 1 was not wide enough. We then tried to use the double doors of the main library entrance. We measured the door jams and it was indeed 34 inches wide (the pals are 5' x 34") however, when we tried to fit it through that entry point the door did not open wide enough. It was an automatic door for wheelchair access and the group immediately started thinking of ways to take the door jam or the door brace off. After the El Dorado crew took a few screws out of the door and then someone realized that other door would open just enough to clear 34" leaving us with less than a 1/4 " of space on either side (just enough space to not scratch the wood).
As soon as we put the PAL in the story theater of course Carolyn's sons had to play with the manipulatives. We set up the book displays, banners, manipulatives and I must say it was like leaving our puppy somewhere. After we gave Carolyn a brief tour of how to clean and setup the PAL, and how we utilize the Dig and Build to its fullest potential Carolyn gave us a tour of the library and Jason and I knew that the PAL is in good hands.
We were there for an hour and a half picking her brain and sharing ideas. It was nice to meet someone as passionate about incorporating play and learn in libraries as we are.
Currently Jason and I are driving through Merced county. There are high winds but nothing our professional driver can't handle.
Getting a PAL into another library just days after we received delivery feels like a big victory for all of our hard work.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
El Dorado Here We Come
As I write this Jason and Wess should have arrived at the El Dorado Hills Library (El Dorado County) about 30 minutes drive east of Sacto. They are delivering the first of the new PAL Islands for loan under the LSTA grant! I am so excited that we were able to make this work for El Dorado County as they have programs in early December where they would like to feature the PAL. I might not have to store one behind the door in my office when we get home.
The reception for the PALs was more than I expected going in. Looking back I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that other libraries are as enthusiastic about them as we are.
So kudos to Jason and Wess for going the extra mile to make this happen. They'll stay the night back here at the hotel then hit the road for home in the morning.
The reception for the PALs was more than I expected going in. Looking back I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that other libraries are as enthusiastic about them as we are.
So kudos to Jason and Wess for going the extra mile to make this happen. They'll stay the night back here at the hotel then hit the road for home in the morning.
Two Rancho Presentations
Yesterday Rancho Cucamonga Library staff made two presentations at CLA.
1. Playing and Learning in the Public Library - Robert, Renee, Bessie (from State Library) presented a program on our Play and Learn Islands. There were about 60+ people in the room to hear about our new cool PALs. Robert and I gave an overall background on the project and the funding, Renee talked about how they are used in the library, and Bessie talked about the State Library perspective. Everyone who was there seemed really into the presentation and interested in getting a PAL. There were loads of questions at the end of the program that then translated into lots of people rushing down from the program to our booth - all wanting to find out how they can get a PAL in their library!
2. Immediately following the PAL program, I ran down the hall to my next program - Public Library Programming and Partnerships for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Earth. I presented about our Healthy RC program alongside two librarians from the Lawndale Library (about their program). I focused on how the Healthy RC program started, the Library's role in the initiative, the programs we do (Earth Day, America Recycles Day, etc.), some of the great partnerships we have, and of course all the grants we have received to help us pull them off. There were about 50 in attendance, so I was glad!
All in all, both the programs showcased how innovative and different the Rancho Cucamonga Libraries are and how relevant we are in our community. I received many wonderful comments after both programs about what we do and how so many other libraries would like to replicate what we do. I am just so glad both of these are done!
1. Playing and Learning in the Public Library - Robert, Renee, Bessie (from State Library) presented a program on our Play and Learn Islands. There were about 60+ people in the room to hear about our new cool PALs. Robert and I gave an overall background on the project and the funding, Renee talked about how they are used in the library, and Bessie talked about the State Library perspective. Everyone who was there seemed really into the presentation and interested in getting a PAL. There were loads of questions at the end of the program that then translated into lots of people rushing down from the program to our booth - all wanting to find out how they can get a PAL in their library!
2. Immediately following the PAL program, I ran down the hall to my next program - Public Library Programming and Partnerships for a Healthy Mind, Body, and Earth. I presented about our Healthy RC program alongside two librarians from the Lawndale Library (about their program). I focused on how the Healthy RC program started, the Library's role in the initiative, the programs we do (Earth Day, America Recycles Day, etc.), some of the great partnerships we have, and of course all the grants we have received to help us pull them off. There were about 50 in attendance, so I was glad!
All in all, both the programs showcased how innovative and different the Rancho Cucamonga Libraries are and how relevant we are in our community. I received many wonderful comments after both programs about what we do and how so many other libraries would like to replicate what we do. I am just so glad both of these are done!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Old Dog
Presenting a workshop at CLA was a new experience for me even after more than 30 years as a librarian. It took an amazing project like our Play & Learn Islands to get me here in front of 65 or so librarians trying to convince them that they want one of these in their libraries. Actually it has been a pretty easy sell and now I am worried we'll have more libraries who want a PAL than we have PALs. That will be a pretty good problem to have.
The Nest is Secure
Last night went really well! We probably had about 75 at the booth with lots of interested libraries! It feels really great to have other libraries recognize RCPL and agree – we are awesome! The State Librarian Stacy Aldrich came by our booth and seemed very impressed. I’m sure RK, MP, RT will have more info on that! Major library systems stopped by and are in the works to arrange borrowing – LA County San Diego County, Santa Clara…. It was exactly what we were hoping for! We closed up shop sometime towards 9? I was pretty delirious so I couldn’t tell you. It was great to get some sleep to be fresh for today.
It’s been a busy morning as well! It’s about 11 – and we’ve finally got a break at the booth because of the big program. We’ve had about 50 this morning so far including Susan Erickson who heads up ILS, Monterey Park, Berkley, Sierra Cooperative, Sacramento, Rosedale, Banning …. And more to come.
Top questions – What kind of sand is this? What is the coating? What ages are this for? What comes with a PAL? Shipping? How long? Cost? Who are you – are you a business? Are you selling these? Are you selling the toys? Where did you get these items? What grant did you get? When does it end? How much?
I’m going to sign out for now – we’ve got to pack the big build and signs to send over to MP & RT for their 1:45 workshop, which Mh & I are going to see. Angelica out ;).
It’s been a busy morning as well! It’s about 11 – and we’ve finally got a break at the booth because of the big program. We’ve had about 50 this morning so far including Susan Erickson who heads up ILS, Monterey Park, Berkley, Sierra Cooperative, Sacramento, Rosedale, Banning …. And more to come.
Top questions – What kind of sand is this? What is the coating? What ages are this for? What comes with a PAL? Shipping? How long? Cost? Who are you – are you a business? Are you selling these? Are you selling the toys? Where did you get these items? What grant did you get? When does it end? How much?
I’m going to sign out for now – we’ve got to pack the big build and signs to send over to MP & RT for their 1:45 workshop, which Mh & I are going to see. Angelica out ;).
Interested parties
We've been here for a couple of hours and libraries are definitely interested in hosting a PAL. People dropping in are saying they love the creativity and fun of the PALs. Some people said that their co-workers from the previous day told them to drop by our booth so word of mouth is getting out!
Our fish bowl for business cards and notes from interested parties is filling up.
Our fish bowl for business cards and notes from interested parties is filling up.
Friday, November 12, 2010
CLA 2010 - Library Director's Perspective...
Well, day one of CLA 2010 is winding down and all I can say (besides I am tired as hell!) is that today, we *brought it*. Rancho Cucamonga is now on the California library map in capital letters! You can see from Michelle and Margaret's posts that the booth looked awesome. And there was just a ton of interest from a lot of different people.
Among others, our State Librarian was loving the PALs. (This was the first time she actually saw them in person. She funded these and it was absolutely apparently that she knew she got her money's worth.) The Infopeople manager also stopped by our booth and asked if we would be interested in working with Infopeople and Califa on the next Virtual Library conference in January. We were asked to present on the PALs and our local history project as examples of two great things we are doing in our Library.
And finally, a *huge* thanks to staff here who have been working tirelessly since 5am this morning. It has been a long day, but so rewarding. Just an amazing team effort from not only those up here but everyone who got us to this point.
I am just so privileged to be able to captain this ship.
Among others, our State Librarian was loving the PALs. (This was the first time she actually saw them in person. She funded these and it was absolutely apparently that she knew she got her money's worth.) The Infopeople manager also stopped by our booth and asked if we would be interested in working with Infopeople and Califa on the next Virtual Library conference in January. We were asked to present on the PALs and our local history project as examples of two great things we are doing in our Library.
And finally, a *huge* thanks to staff here who have been working tirelessly since 5am this morning. It has been a long day, but so rewarding. Just an amazing team effort from not only those up here but everyone who got us to this point.
I am just so privileged to be able to captain this ship.
Good kind of tired
Just a quick not to say this was a long but satisfying day. I was in the group that met at ONT at 5:00 a.m. today and here it is well after 10pm. Our booth looks fabulous and was well-received at the opening reception tonight. We'll try to get some photos up tomorrow. We had a lot of fun sharing the features of the PAL Islands tonight--more to come the rest of the weekend. The new ones are definitely a hit, and several people have expressed interest in having one in their libraries.
The eagles have landed
Angelica Blog Post Friday, November 12, 2010
Hello from Sacramento! MH and I are blogging, while we are on PAL security duty before the big event starts tonight. Not sure who’s out there reading, but hopefully you can get an idea of just what is going on up here in “Sactown”.
We started our day off *super* early meeting at 5 am at the ONT airport. I started my day off at 3:30 this morning. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up before you read – I might have some grammar and spelling mistakes! Hopefully you get a laugh as well.
Even though the morning started off early, I had a great time! It is so wonderful to work with people whose company you enjoy. Renee, Margaret, and I actually got to meet and figure out some things for children’s – which we have not been able to find time to do! The flight was great (the four eagles have landed) and the Sacramento airport was nice. We got to see some amazing towers built of all suitcases! We were all inspired for our summer reading travel theme.
It’s been a great vibe day! A lot like the telethon – everyone is excited, working hard, and really looking forward to showtime. It was really neat to arrive in the convention area and see it as all concrete and blank space. If you missed out on the loading of the box truck we brought 120 foam squares, 4 - 12x12 rugs, the Illuminart, a shop vac, the IMAC, and four bookcarts piled 6 ft 2 in. high (Wess measured) full of toys – err manipulatives) – oh and a partridge in a pear tree! So we definitely got in a major workout!!!
After we arrived we stopped in for a quick bite of breakfast (oatmeal with a mountain of brown sugar) we walked over to the convention center. It was so funny – on the way in we were following RK and we told the union supervisors - “we’re with him” – like we were tyring to get in to a night club . Everyone got straight to work and the time flew by. Beofre we realized it – we turned around and one of the new 2.0 PALs were delivered!
To start off the PAL loan process of the grant, the two most accessible PALS were selected for a revamp – the dig and the build. The actual table contruction was the biggest change – the PAL was made into one piece, rather than three. That meant the drawers had to be moved to fit underneath the table top. We also created book shelving beneath to allow for more storage merchandising. Based on our library research/of watching a gazillion families playing and us hauling the PALs around a few tweaks were made. We also added more powder coated stainless steel on the sides for more magnetic surface for letters and words. The flag poles were made square so they can easily detach. And …. The final change – the signage changed to cloth. I think MH has some photos we can post so you all can see! And the exciting news is that they will be heading back home with us – so you can see first hand!
Set up went extremely well! It took us about 3.5/- 4 hours to set up? We’re all perfectionists so we keep finding last minute things to fix. But I think the booth looks fantastic! We’re just gearing up right now for the opening of the booth at 6! We’re being relieved of booth duty to back and slap on a fresh coat of paint - see you later alligators!
Hello from Sacramento! MH and I are blogging, while we are on PAL security duty before the big event starts tonight. Not sure who’s out there reading, but hopefully you can get an idea of just what is going on up here in “Sactown”.
We started our day off *super* early meeting at 5 am at the ONT airport. I started my day off at 3:30 this morning. I just wanted to give everyone a heads up before you read – I might have some grammar and spelling mistakes! Hopefully you get a laugh as well.
Even though the morning started off early, I had a great time! It is so wonderful to work with people whose company you enjoy. Renee, Margaret, and I actually got to meet and figure out some things for children’s – which we have not been able to find time to do! The flight was great (the four eagles have landed) and the Sacramento airport was nice. We got to see some amazing towers built of all suitcases! We were all inspired for our summer reading travel theme.
It’s been a great vibe day! A lot like the telethon – everyone is excited, working hard, and really looking forward to showtime. It was really neat to arrive in the convention area and see it as all concrete and blank space. If you missed out on the loading of the box truck we brought 120 foam squares, 4 - 12x12 rugs, the Illuminart, a shop vac, the IMAC, and four bookcarts piled 6 ft 2 in. high (Wess measured) full of toys – err manipulatives) – oh and a partridge in a pear tree! So we definitely got in a major workout!!!
After we arrived we stopped in for a quick bite of breakfast (oatmeal with a mountain of brown sugar) we walked over to the convention center. It was so funny – on the way in we were following RK and we told the union supervisors - “we’re with him” – like we were tyring to get in to a night club . Everyone got straight to work and the time flew by. Beofre we realized it – we turned around and one of the new 2.0 PALs were delivered!
To start off the PAL loan process of the grant, the two most accessible PALS were selected for a revamp – the dig and the build. The actual table contruction was the biggest change – the PAL was made into one piece, rather than three. That meant the drawers had to be moved to fit underneath the table top. We also created book shelving beneath to allow for more storage merchandising. Based on our library research/of watching a gazillion families playing and us hauling the PALs around a few tweaks were made. We also added more powder coated stainless steel on the sides for more magnetic surface for letters and words. The flag poles were made square so they can easily detach. And …. The final change – the signage changed to cloth. I think MH has some photos we can post so you all can see! And the exciting news is that they will be heading back home with us – so you can see first hand!
Set up went extremely well! It took us about 3.5/- 4 hours to set up? We’re all perfectionists so we keep finding last minute things to fix. But I think the booth looks fantastic! We’re just gearing up right now for the opening of the booth at 6! We’re being relieved of booth duty to back and slap on a fresh coat of paint - see you later alligators!
Setting up the exhibit
Renee, Wess, Angelica and I flew in this morning at 6:20am to Sacramento, met up with Robert, Michelle, Jason and Vivian, ate a quick breakfast and headed to the convention center to set up our booth.
It was a lot of fun putting everything up and making our booth really colorful and exciting! Looking around us - we stood out with our cool banners and colorful PALs.
Someone from the book cart drill team asked us if they could use our book trucks - but by that time we had already unloaded our carts and had them in our truck. Who plans a book cart drill team without their own carts??? Crazy!
The exhibit doesn't open up til 5pm so we can't wait to see how the conference goers react to the PALs.
We quickly set up the floor space with foam squares and carpets, got our carts unpacked, waited for the arrival of the new versions of Big Build and Discovery Dig. The new versions looked great - the shelf space at the bottom and one unit vs. 3 separate units was a great improvement. We assembled the Illuminart and got the Build and Dig in place.
Fellow exhibitors would stop by and ask us how long we've been in business and were surprised when we told them we were a public library.
I've been up since 4am and it's now 10:40pm so I'm beat. The grand opening of the exhibits showed us that there are definitely interested parties who'd like a PAL at their library - some people wanted to buy them! Looking forward to hearing Michelle, Robert, Renee and Bessie's workshop and Michelle's workshop on Healthy RC tomorrow and manning the booth.
Someone from the book cart drill team asked us if they could use our book trucks - but by that time we had already unloaded our carts and had them in our truck. Who plans a book cart drill team without their own carts??? Crazy!
The exhibit doesn't open up til 5pm so we can't wait to see how the conference goers react to the PALs.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Fun @ 30,000 Feet
RK working on a little dollar bill origami on the flight up to Sacto...
Other than that - when we got up here we went to the exhibit hall and checked out our space. It looks good and we will definitely get some good visibility. Looking forward to seeing it all set up. Jason and Vivian made it up here safely too. Vivian headed off to her daughter's house and RK treated Jason and I to a fabulous dinner! Tomorrow - big day of setup!
Other than that - when we got up here we went to the exhibit hall and checked out our space. It looks good and we will definitely get some good visibility. Looking forward to seeing it all set up. Jason and Vivian made it up here safely too. Vivian headed off to her daughter's house and RK treated Jason and I to a fabulous dinner! Tomorrow - big day of setup!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Lookout, Rancho is Coming to CLA 2010!
Some of us will be attending the California Library Association conference this weekend in Sacramento. We will have a unique booth in the exhibit hall featuring our PAL Islands. IlluminArt has been packed on the truck we are borrowing from CSD and two new PALs (smaller versions of the "Dig" and "Big Build") will meet us there.
The new PALs are part of a continuing grant project and we hope to stir interest among other libraries to borrow/rent these from us in the future. In addition to being in the exhibit hall, we will be presenting a workshop on the PALs (RK, Michelle and Renee), a "Healthy RC" program (Michelle), and a poster session on Star Wars Day (Allen).
We see this as a great opportunity to toot the Rancho horn (and also show off the PALs.)
But I also think it is going to show people that here in Rancho, we are doing some pretty amazing things. And among things, just last month, Karye and Casey *totally* impressed a bunch of people from around the State (including the State Librarian) with our local history project, we will soon be embarking on an interesting TLA ("Transforming Life After") 50 program, and somehow we started a passport acceptance agency in our free time. And of course the PALs. (Believe me, I will mention all of this when someone asks me "How are things in Cucamonga?...")
Should be an interesting weekend. Find out more about it as it unfolds here...
The new PALs are part of a continuing grant project and we hope to stir interest among other libraries to borrow/rent these from us in the future. In addition to being in the exhibit hall, we will be presenting a workshop on the PALs (RK, Michelle and Renee), a "Healthy RC" program (Michelle), and a poster session on Star Wars Day (Allen).
We see this as a great opportunity to toot the Rancho horn (and also show off the PALs.)
But I also think it is going to show people that here in Rancho, we are doing some pretty amazing things. And among things, just last month, Karye and Casey *totally* impressed a bunch of people from around the State (including the State Librarian) with our local history project, we will soon be embarking on an interesting TLA ("Transforming Life After") 50 program, and somehow we started a passport acceptance agency in our free time. And of course the PALs. (Believe me, I will mention all of this when someone asks me "How are things in Cucamonga?...")
Should be an interesting weekend. Find out more about it as it unfolds here...
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