Photograph c. 2008, ALA, Libraries Build Communities "Volunteers were dispatched to thirteen project sites in the Anaheim area to illustrate the importance and influence local libraries can have on their communities." -- ALA Cognotes.
Participants gathered early Friday morning in the convention center garden to receive project locations. Prior to the conference I somewhat blindly, i.e. I did not know what task would be assigned, selected an elementary school library. When assignments were handed out, I learned we would be - gasp - cataloging! It has literally been years since I copy cataloged at a public library. I immediately volunteered to do technical services book processing by adding spine labels, bar codes, and reading levels to each book.
We worked efficiently for most of the day, stopping only for lunch (Dominoes pizza with ALA supplied coupons) and scrumptious treats (chocolate and items of a healthier fare) provided by our librarian hostess . At the end of the afternoon, an entire table of freshly cataloged juvenile books were added to the school's library collection. An added bonus? I got to browse through the purchased titles while processing - and - was able to gossip with librarians from academic, school, and public libraries. Not the profoundly necessary work done at ALA in New Orleans, on it's own scale it was both needed and appreciated by our host librarian."The Libraries Build Community project began in New Orleans during the 2006 American Library Association Annual Conference, when ALA volunteers helped with projects related to the damage inflicted by Hurricane Katrina.1 ALA members continue to volunteer to assist in cities where they meet for Annual Conferences. " - Libraries Build Communities Wiki, 6/6/08
Several projects are available and range in task from weeding school libraries to helping with Second Harvest. An email from ALA last evening provided links to selecting sites for the day. After a bit of dithering, I was not really sure how or what to location to choose, I opted for Morse Elementary School in Sacramento.
"We are writing from the New Orleans Public Library to the ALA members who generously volunteered during the summer ALA convention to help New Orleans recover from the aftermath of Katrina. Whether you helped NOPL, schools, churches, or housing organizations, we hope you will be interested in our progress rebuilding our ruined public libraries."
"Late in 2006 we mailed a progress newsletter to 3000 donors and friends across the country, and we would like you to see it too. (After all, many of you literally “had a hand” in our accomplishments.)" (Email, NOPL, 2/15/07)
ALA has created and ALA Conference Media Scrapbook compiling radio/print, television, messages from supporters, volunteer activity, and press conference information in one place. The scrapbook main page offers the following:
"Millions of Americans learned about the spirit of librarians and library supporters when ALA held it's Annual Conference in New Orleans in late June (2006). More than 14 million viewers saw the reports of our efforts during news broadcasts on at least 300 television stations. A search also turned up approximately 350 newspaper articles and radio broadcasts tht covered ALA member and supporter efforts to help the Gulf Coast Recover." - ALA Media Scrapbook
Of special interest is the photoset created and posted to Flickr: Volunteer Days at Annual Conference 2006. As a member of ALA I often wonder about the direction of the mighty mothership.
This is not one of those times.
I am proud to have participated in the Libraries Build Communities effort and even more so after looking at the quality and quantity of work accomplished in a few days by my fellow library supporters.
Tags: ALA, American Library Association, ALA Annual Conference 2006, Libraries Build Communities, Flickr
Because of your efforts, over 24 sections of books were shifted and dusted; the entire Mystery section and the E shelves were read; members of our staff were freed up to go to the ALA conference; and approximately $10,000 was raised by the booksale (email, 7-11-06).
Speaking for myself I can only say you are welcome! It was a great experience.
Tags: Jefferson Parish Library, New Orleans, Louisiana, ALA
One of the best opportunites presented to conference attendees in New Orleans was that of being able to participate in one or two planned days of volunteerism. For a simple fee, one that was contributed to the ALA library relief fund, volunteers received free transportation to and from the Morial Convention Center, a boxed lunch and beverage, and a neon yellow t-shirt keepsake. Actually, the most important thing we received for that $10 was a chance to talk with the residents of New Orleans. These are wonderful people who despite all of the obstacles still remaining have a positive attitude and pride in their city and homes. 
My scheduled day was Friday, so I arrived in New Orleans Thursday afternoon/evening with enough time to check in at the convention center, find my hotel, and have time to scope things out so I had a clue where to go in the morning. Departure was for 8 am Friday morning and we were advised to arrive at least a half hour ahead of time to sign our waivers, get our t-shirts, and locate the rest of our group members. Before getting to the conference, this day's planning was great, unfortunately they appeared to be a bit overwhelmed and we never left the convention center until closer to 9 am. It was reported that over 900 people signed up for both days working at more than 22 different areas and projects.
My group went to Jefferson Parish East Bank Regional Library to help with their Friends of the Library book sale. Driving up to the outside of this branch, indications were that it was one of the lesser damaged libraries. See the status report on the regional libraries available from library director Lon Dickerson for an overview of the extensive damage caused. The woman at the book drop in this photo wanted to move her car so I would get a better picture of the outside of the library. She did not understand that, in my opinion, her being there using the library was the most important part of the photograph.
I know I discussed this from New Orleans and the Internet Cafe, but now that my pictures are in the computer I thought it was time to revisit the day. More pics to come when blogger stops giving me fits about inserting them into the text.
I was part of the work force of over 900-1000 librarians who volunteered for a day of community help for local libraries and charities. My assignment was at a large Parish library (name and photo coming later) helping the Friends of the Library prepare and run their book sale. The best part of the day was talking with the locals attending the sale. To a person they were grateful for the help they were receiving from the conference. I was struck by so many things after talking to them.
The friends organization. What a fabulous group of volunteers. They run HUGE booksales (and any sale making over $70,000 is huge in my book) on a bi-annual basis. The library itself was free from hurricane damage, but the carpets had to be removed due to issues with a roof leak. There were great displays with before and after shots from different locals within the library system.
The patrons of the library. I was so struck by the stories they were all willing to share. Every conversation began with a simple statement of thanks for being here. The thanks was as much for keeping our committment to have the conference in New Orleans as it was for helping out with sales. The people of New Orleans have been wonderful and gracious and welcoming.
Courage. I continue to be in awe of the positive outlook of the people we spoke with. Many are hurting with little or no help still availbe. Another hurricane season has begun and they are still cleaning up from Katrina. Our bus driver took us through some damaged areas on the way back to the conference center yesterday and there are areas completely untouched and areas completely devastated. These people WANT to be here and still need help.
Communication. I was amazed at how much they wanted to talk. Especially to virtual strangers. We heard about housing lost, families lost, and great feats of joy. The need to talk and communicate what had happend with personal stories was unwavering. We were unable to do much but listen, but I think listening is what they wanted the most. It was the simple human understanding and compassion that meant most during this time.
They are not forgotten.
The East Bank Regional Branch project is a book sale for the library. I've worked public and academic libraries, did several Scholastic Booksales for my library and IRC, and have a retail background. I'm relatively sure this is something I can do to help. It is a worthy cause and well worth the time.
There is now an official Wiki for the New Orleans conference as well as a listing of conference blogs.
Tags: ALA, New Orleans, Library,Conferences
