I want to first start out by saying that ALA 2019 was great and I really enjoyed my first experience. The weather in DC that weekend was perfect for a conference. I got to meet some many different people. The atmosphere was inviting and exciting. I had a full itinerary for each day and for the most part, I was able to attend all the sessions I planned to attend.
The opening session featured young adult author Jason Reynolds who spoke of libraries as sacred spaces where all are welcome and one can build a family and be of service. Reynolds also drew a parallel between religious institutions and libraries. He challenged librarians to reimagine their roles in the lives of their young patrons, and to be willing to consider changing the way they do things to meet that role.
My favorite session was presented by PLA entitled, Safer Libraries: Building Staff Resiliency and Library Safety Branch by Branch. In the session staff from DC Public Library collaborated with Defend Yourself, a local company that works to empower people — especially women and others targeted for abuse and assault — to end violence and create a world where they can be fully themselves. Together, DCPL and Defend Yourself developed a library-specific safety training for staff that teaches self-defense concepts such as avoidance and prevention, assertiveness, direct communication, and boundary setting, de-escalation, and bystander intervention.
I am encouraging all my fellow colleagues to please consider attending a conference like this one. I learned so much and can’t wait for other opportunities to attend.
Ashley T. Mitchell
Edmondson Avenue
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