Looking forward to PLA

Next week, I’ll be heading to Indianapolis to attend a few events at the Public Library Association Conference.

  I especially excited about this trip because libraries and librarians are close to my heart. I grew up going to the Harris County Libraries in Houston, Texas, and have many fond memories of wandering around those stacks~and carrying as many books as my arms would hold!

One of my favorite libraries is in Mesa, Arizona. My first teaching contract was for Mesa Public Schools. I took a one year contract, got an apartment, and spent most of my time either preparing lesson plans for my fifth graders, grading papers, or fighting off the black crickets who somehow managed to sneak their way into my kitchen every night! (still afraid of those black crickets!)It was a hard year. I was lonely, tired, constantly sick (first year teacher side effect!), and missing my family and my fiancee.

But what I did have was that wonderful, oh-so-lovely Mesa Public Library. I went there every Saturday and checked out novels and mysteries, cookbooks and anything to do with Arizona. Then I would go to a nearby coffee shop, buy a blueberry muffin and a cup of coffee, and read and read and read. Bliss! Without a doubt, those Saturdays got me through that very tough year.

If you are a librarian, I hope you’ll stop by and say hi to me next Wednesday or Thursday! Here’s where I’ll be at the PLA:

* I’ll be  signing copies of HOPEFUL at the Harper Collins Booth from 5:00-6:00 pm on Wednesday, March 12.

* Signing DAYBREAK at the RWA Booth from 11:30 to 12:30 on Thursday, March 13

* Speaking at the Falling in Love Panel from 2:00-3:15 on Thursday, March 13 (Rooms 244-245)

* Signing RAY OF LIGHT after panel discussion, Thursday, March 13, @ 3:15pm

Wishing all of you many blessings today,

Shelley