So, last week I attended the Virginia Library Conference in Portsmouth. Authors such as L. B. Taylor, Steve Almond and Calvin Ramsey were there to share with us their experiences writing and researching. That is the best part of a library workers job. We get to learn about absolutely everything. From ghost stories to fiction, nonfiction and children’s books—nothing is left out. Everything under the sun, there is no subject that has not been written about, no experience that an author has not already captured in print. Steve Almond’s closing session, in particular, was heartening. Like so many people still, he is not a fan of technology, facebook, instant messaging or ebooks. Printed books. They only have one app. You read them.
Another benefit of attending these conferences is the networking opportunities. Relaxing with co-workers can strengthen the professional efficiency of the organization. Blending the professional and the personal is a relatively new phenomenon, sparked by the electronic communication and the new generation’s philosophy that we should work to live, not live to work. And so the separation of our work lives and our personal lives should intermingle. Sort of like books.
In fact, the process of assigning a section for books based upon the subject is not as easy as it sounds. Because subjects intermingle within the confines of one book and could fit in more than one area of the library. But those kinds of decisions are part of what we do here. Usually no matter where the book is shelved, a reader can find it.
This weekend, you will be able to browse and discover many subjects at the Lamplighters book sale starting Friday at 10 am. Donate the books you’ve already read, or come to buy more or both!