Theodore Gross, CLRC Professional Development Award Recipient, Talks about the New York Library Association Annual Conference

I am very grateful to have received the Professional Development Grant from CLRC for this event. I first attended The PCRT game night at Three Lives bar on Wednesday night, and spent time giving other attendees suggestions on things to do in the area, since I grew up in Syracuse.

The Conference itself kicked of Thursday morning with the annual meeting, followed by keynote speaker Amanda Jones, who should be an inspiration to librarians everywhere. Then I joined other attendees for a behind the scenes tour of the Onondaga Historical Association. That afternoon, i attended a session on book, recycling, something i think should be pursed by more libraries. Next I attended a session on pathways to librarianship, hosted by one of my old professors from library school.

Friday morning started off with a session on the NYS historic newspapers program, which was good because i am working on a project involving old local newspapers. Next i attended a session on online local history exhibits which included some information on traveling exhibits. i may look into having one of them brought to Utica. Then I attended the PLS Author Author Luncheon, and listened to the very funny Aparna Nacherla, read from her new memoir, Unreliable Narrator. The first afternoon session I attended was the Malcom Hill Lecture on Navigating America’s Polarizing Political Climate, at the suggestion of my institution’s director. This was very interesting for a political junkie like me. Then I sat in on a session on censorship and trauma which was a very timely topic given what had happened earlier in the week. Finally, I closed out Friday by attending the Awards Reception at the Hotel Syracuse, and had a good time networking with other librarians from around the state.

Saturday began with Intellectual Freedom Breakfast, which included a very eye opening lecture on how censorship efforts have advanced throughout the country have advanced over the past four years, and where we should go from here. I next attended a presentation hosted by several LGBTQIA librarians on the issues they have faced throughout their careers. Finally I went to the session on Revitalizing and Reengaging Support Staff, which focused on helping them to find their hidden talents.

The 2024 NYLA conference was an amazing experience. I learned so much and got to meet so many amazing people in my profession. I hope to attend next year and thank you again to CLRC for helping to facilitate my opportunity this year.