Mock Newbery 2026 discussion
First Time ALA
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Do you mean ALA or the upcoming BEA? I would take a car for BEA unless you are okay with shipping your books back. It is time consuming and can be pricey.
Laura wrote: "Do you mean ALA or the upcoming BEA? I would take a car for BEA unless you are okay with shipping your books back. It is time consuming and can be pricey."ALA 2015 in San Francisco. As a first timer I'm not sure what the opportunity is to purchase or get ARCs.
Laura wrote: "The arc's are all free. Enjoy!"Hi Laura,
When you have purchased books and sent them home how much do you think you've spent and how many books did you ship?
No charge for the arcs. I don't know how much shipping would be exactly. I just remember ppl complaining about it when shipping their books back home at bookexpo. BEA offered a shipping service at the show.
Both galleys/ARCs that are free (as they are NOT BOOKS) and published books that are very inexpensive (for those signing) are available at the ALA exhibits. There is always an actual temporary US post office at exhibits (usually back in a corner) so you can ship inexpensively -- media rates apply. That said, the lines can be long, especially in the later days of the convention.
Monica wrote: "Both galleys/ARCs that are free (as they are NOT BOOKS) and published books that are very inexpensive (for those signing) are available at the ALA exhibits. There is always an actual temporary US p..."Thanks Monica. I appreciate you taking the time to answer my question. I'm glad to know that media mail is reasonable, since I've never needed to use it before.
I was a newbie at Vegas and wish I would have had cash on hand. For the bigger author signings sometimes you need to buy a book (although they give you a free one too)
I was a newbie at Vegas and wish I would have had cash on hand. For the bigger author signings sometimes you need to buy a book (although they give you a free one too)
Just checked http://alaac15.ala.org/general-exhibi...Post Office
The United States Postal Service is on hand to take care of your shipping needs, offering exclusively Priority Mail service. Check the Post Office location on site for daily hours.
I brought home over 200 books from last year's ALA. I live in the Bay Area and drove to Vegas, and we completely filled the trunk of the car. Other things to consider: wear comfortable shoes. Bring snacks, water, and something to read while waiting. Also, always have a backup plan/session to attend in case the one you want is either 1) cancelled or 2) too full.
Also, due to SF weather, I'd recommend a sweater/hoodie. It may be summer, but the city is foggy and it will probably be in the 50s outside.
Librarygarden wrote: "I'm not finding any other forums online for first-timers at ALA (besides what is on the ALA site), so I thought I'd look for advice here. If anyone can point me in the right direction I'd appreciat..."
SF will be my first ALA conference, too. I live in Seattle, and I considered driving so that I could fill the car with ARCs instead of spending loads to ship them home. I'm sure the cost for either option would be similar, but as it's about a 13 hour drive, I booked a flight. If I lived just a few hours closer to SF, I would go for the road trip.
SF will be my first ALA conference, too. I live in Seattle, and I considered driving so that I could fill the car with ARCs instead of spending loads to ship them home. I'm sure the cost for either option would be similar, but as it's about a 13 hour drive, I booked a flight. If I lived just a few hours closer to SF, I would go for the road trip.
If you CAN drive, DO drive! If it's too far, then plan to ship your ARCs or fly Southwest so you can check two bags for free (note: they will search your luggage - paper shows up as flammable items and the TSA is not in tune with readers!) Plan to pick up lots and lots (and lots) or ARCs.
Jenni wrote: "Other things to consider...I'd recommend a sweater/hoodie"
All good advice, Jenni, especially the bit about the temperature. Thanks!
All good advice, Jenni, especially the bit about the temperature. Thanks!
1. How many books and other resources do you feel on average you bring home from ALA?
2. I ask this becausue we are trying to decide if we should fly or drive (we live on the west coast)?
3. Sessions not to miss??
4. Other things to consider?
Thanks, Jennifer