Chilis & Sunshine: ALA in San Antonio

The American Library Association’s (ALA) midwinter meeting from January 20 to 25 in San Antonio, TX, is the association’s business meeting, but it needn’t be all work and no play. After all, ALA is as much about networking as anything else, and midwinter’s many receptions are perfect for schmoozing. You’re on your own to ferret out the best parties—just don’t blame us if you miss that 7 a.m. breakfast. Here’s a highly selective list of events.

Learn about “Library Media Best Practices,” a daylong pre-midwinter institute sponsored by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and featuring the San Antonio Northside Independent School District, winners of the 2004 AASL School Library Media Program of the Year award. (see “Best Lil’ District in Texas,” p. 26). On-site registration available. Friday, January 20, 8 a.m., Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, Salon J. AASL members: $169; ALA members: $209.

Get global at the United States Board on Books for Youth program with Brazilian children’s book author Ana Maria Machado and the release of the first annual list of Outstanding International Books. Friday, January 20, 8 p.m., Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, Salon D. Free.

Check out new titles, meet authors, and test-drive a database—all without the crowds of the annual conference. Opening reception Friday, January 20, 5:15 p.m. Open Saturday through Sunday, January 21–22, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, January 23, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gonzalez Convention Center.

Party for a good cause at REFORMA’s Pura Belpré Award fund-raiser. The award recognizes a Latino writer whose work best portrays Latino culture in literature for children or young adults. Saturday, January 21, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Menger Hotel Ballroom, cover charge.

Remember why you became a librarian as you listen to teens tell members of the Best Books for Young Adults Committee about their favorite titles. Always a great event! Sunday, January 22, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., room 214B/C, Gonzalez Convention Center.

Explore funding opportunities at a Q&A with a representative from the U.S. Department of Education at “Improving Literacy Through School Library Grants.” Sunday, January 22, 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Hyatt Regency, Navarro Room.

Be there for the drama when the Caldecott, Newbery, Coretta Scott King, Alex, Printz, Pura Belpré, and other awards are announced. Awards press conference, Monday, January 23, 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., room 214 B/C, Gonzalez Convention Center.

Take part in tearing down boundaries at the joint reception for members of AASL, the Young Adults Library Services Association, and the Association for Library Services to Children. Monday, January 23, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Menger Hotel, ballroom A/B.

Forget about libraries for the afternoon and head over to the terrific San Antonio Museum of Art. Open Tuesday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Wednesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday noon to 6 p.m. 200 West Jones Avenue.