The Texas Library Association Convention took place in Houston March 31-April 3.  TLA has the next to the largest exhibit section of any library convention in the U..S.  Thousands of librarians move through the exhibit hall examining new books and looking for bargains, in between attending author programs and library information sessions throughout the Houston Convention Center. 

As Van Alstyne Library Director, I was among that crowd this past week.  I found opportunity to attend programs showcasing Latino authors, learned some great programming ideas at a mini-conference on children’s programs, saw an example of a couple of fabulous programs for seniors using altered books, listened to Gloria Steinem speak, heard inside publishing tips from the author of Dewey, The Library Cat, and attended the business meeting of the Small Community Library Round Table, at which I found myself taking notes as its 2009-2010 Secretary. 

In the evening I attended the TLA President’s Party and watched librarians try out some of the same gaming equipment the Van Alstyne Library Teen Council has available at its gaming tournaments.  The same evening I had an opportunity to listen to some fabulous professional story tellers. 

The next evening I attended the Small Community Library Round Table’s dessert social and learned that Jennifer Johnson-Spence, Director of Cooke County Library in Gainesville was selected as the Small Community Librarian of the Year.  Last year that honor went to Virginia Garvin, Director of the Whitesboro Public Library.  North Texas is fortunate to have such progressive, competent library personnel recognized statewide. 

At the dessert social there is always a drawing for door prizes.  I won a bag of nine young adult books that will soon be cataloged and ready to check out.

From the desk of Children’s Librarian Barbara Washington:  Eggs and April Fools was the theme of last week’s story time.  We had lots of fun with the story, Big Egg and the finger plays “Funny Bunny” and “5 Little Bunnies.”  The kids also learned a song called “Days of the Week” based on the Adams Family theme song. The tissue paper Easter eggs the children created during craft time kept everyone busy.  All enjoyed Jelly Bean Bingo and jelly bean finger plays, devouring the left over jelly beans, to make it an EGGceptional day.

On April 7 and 8, we’ll do Easter mice and make puppets to go with the story.  On April 14 and 15, will be Hey, Pancakes!  You won’t want to miss this yummy day. 

April 21 and 22 will be full of Earth Day activities, so children should wear “discovery” clothes for some outdoor activities if the weather permits. 

Dads, join us on April 28 and 29 at 10:15 for I Love Baseball!