Empowering Voices

Dear Colleagues,

I’m looking forward to meeting you at the 2012 Midwinter Meeting in Dallas, where we’re kicking off “The Conversation Starts Here,” a new conference theme that celebrates our latest additions to Midwinter programming. Look for more interactive sessions, the ALA Unconference, a new Midwinter Member Pavilion in the Exhibit Hall, and what I think will be centerpiece events: “Empowering Voices, Transforming Communities,” two afternoons of deep conversation about the evolving roles of libraries, led by visionary professor David Lankes, as well as the President’s Program with Rich Harwood, described as “one of the great thinkers in American Public Life.”

On Saturday and Sunday, January 21 and 22, Lankes, who recently authored “Atlas of New Librarianship,” will lead small groups in innovative and interactive conversations about harnessing the evolving role of libraries, and strengthening the librarian’s voice to help shape community perception. Graphic recording company, Sunni Brown, will help create visual images of the plenary conversations at the end of each afternoon. I promise that you’ll leave Midwinter invigorated with new tools and ideas to become a better advocate!

The Saturday conversation will focus on “Understanding Your Communities,” while Sunday’s will move to “Transforming Librarianship.” Both run from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Dallas Convention Center, Room DCC-A1. (As a bonus, attendees will also receive a coupon for 5% off the price of David Lankes’ galvanizing Atlas of New Librarianship [ACRL/MIT Press, 2011] at the ALA Conference Store.) I only ask that you add these events to your personal Midwinter Scheduler.

Picking up and continuing the conversation on Sunday is Rich Harwood, the featured speaker in my President's Program, 3:30-5:30 p.m. in the DCC Theater. Harwood has become a leading national authority on improving America’s communities, raising standards of political conduct and re-engaging citizens on today’s most complex and controversial public issues.

A special thanks to all who have helped to organize these amazing events, including my presidential committee, Co-Chairs Barbara Stripling and Patty Wong, the Committee on Library Advocacy, the Public and Cultural Programs Advisory Committee and the member initiative group, Libraries Fostering Civic Engagement.

Safe travels to Midwinter. I can’t wait to get the conversation started!

Sincerely,
Molly Raphael

P.S. All Midwinter attendees are also welcome at both the Unconference and the Library Camp surrounding these other conversations on Friday and Monday. We recommend that you add them to your personal Midwinter Scheduler as you make your plans.