Volunteer With Me: #alaac25 Final Thoughts

Now that I am back home in DC, my tote bags are unloaded, new books are shelved, and giveaways are distributed to friends and colleagues. It is always so great to get home from traveling and sleep in my own bed again, especially when not a lot of sleep occurred on the trip! I also was able to use some of the last 20 hours to reflect on what a joy it was to attend #alaac25.

This year, I approached the conference differently than I had in the past. My first two conferences – DC in 2022 and San Diego in 2024 – I did not know many professionals in attendance. This made connecting with librarians and library professionals a bit challenging, as it required a lot of self-confidence. As a person just starting in the field, I did not have a lot of that! This year, I really tried to be a bit more outgoing. I wanted to strengthen my connections with library professionals, and devote myself to the world of “networking.”

For an early-career librarian, it can sometimes feel intimidating to see all of the mid- and late-career professionals at Annual. They all seem so knowledgeable and well-connected. I am always in awe of their connections when they walk into any room or session. As someone who has admired these award winners, presenters, presidents, committee members, and more from afar, I decided that this year I would try to dip my toes in the water a bit more – and it certainly was worthwhile.

From meeting John Schu for the second time (and having him remember me from last year) to connecting with the first president of ALA’s GNCRT, I grew in comfort and confidence over the four-day conference. I was able to ask more questions about becoming involved with book committees and round tables. I met first-time attendees and shared my own experiences at Annual with them. I was also flattered by my amazing ALSC mentor who introduced me to friends and colleagues with high esteem. 

Overall – I think this year the theme of community resonated the most with me. I forged connections locally and nationally, and was able to attend my first ALSC Annual Meeting! I hope that this sense of community carries back into my day-to-day as I settle back into DC life. Blogging monthly and participating in the mentorship program have gotten me on a great track to start! See you all back again next year in Chicago for #alaac26!

Anna Melvin (she/they) is a children’s librarian at the Cleveland Park Library in Washington, D.C. She is originally from the Philadelphia suburbs, and is happy to head home for this year’s conference to where her love for libraries began. As an elementary school student, Anna used to come in early to help her school librarian reshelve books and to discuss their most recent reads. This is her third time attending ALA, but her first working at the Zine Pavilion. She is very excited to be able to volunteer this year, and hopes to be able to connect with a larger range of library professionals while working at the Pavilion. Anna is most looking forward to this year’s conference because at the conclusion, she will begin a two-year term serving on the Library Service to Underserved Youth and Their Caregivers Committee. Anna is also eagerly anticipating attending sessions on serving patrons with disabilities, expanding her at-home library with some great reads from this year’s conference, and fan-girling over Geena Davis. Come say hi to Anna at the Zine Pavillion, or at the ALSC Membership Meeting! 

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 Now that I am back home in DC, my tote bags are unloaded, new books are shelved, and giveaways are distributed to friends and colleagues. It is always so great to get home from traveling and sleep in my own bed again, especially when not a lot of sleep occurred on the trip! I also was able to use some of the last 20 hours to reflect on what a joy it was to attend #alaac25. This year, I approached the conference differently than I had in the past. My first two conferences – DC in 2022 and San Diego in 2024 – I did not know many professionals in attendance. This made connecting with librarians and library professionals a bit challenging, as it required a lot of self-confidence. As a person just starting in the field, I did not have a lot of that! This year, I really tried…
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