I just finished attending the 2024 American Library Association Annual Conference!
I flew to San Diego on Friday, June 28, and here was the view from my hotel room:
And the view of the Convention Center:
My flight was delayed about 45 minutes, and even with just a quick stop in my hotel room, I wasn’t in time for the start of the Opening Session with Trevor Noah, but I did get to hear the end of it.
Trevor’s an advocate for libraries. I don’t remember all he said, being in a bit of a daze after my flight. But he did speak about the power of libraries and books that aren’t trying to manipulate you and get clicks.
Next was the opening of the exhibits.
I have a neck condition (a small right vertebral artery) which means I shouldn’t carry heavy bags of books. So usually, I go to ALA Member Services, show my doctor’s note, and get permission to bring a wheeled bag on the exhibit floor. But now I have a job where publishers send advance reader copies to me directly. Surely I don’t need to grab so many at the conference? I decided not to bring a wheeled bag and limit myself to not carry more than 3 books at a time. And, well – the first three days I succeeded in keeping it down to 4 at a time.
The first night, I picked up 4 books, 5 tote bags, some Booklist magazines, and a publisher catalog:
I must say that I demonstrated incredible restraint!
Then it was back to my hotel to get ready for the Printz Awards.