More congratulations to those recognized at the Conference:

• Betsy Webb, Superintendent of Schools for the Bangor School Department, who was recognized as the Administrator of the Year at the Maine Libraries Conference on October 23rd.  “Ms. Webb was lauded as “the kind of administrator we as school library personnel can often only dream of.”
• Betsy York from Central Aroostook High School in Mars Hill, who was named the Walter J. Taranko School Library Media Specialist of the year.  Betsy was given a plaque and $500 donation to the school library media program in her name. Betsy has been the district’s library media specialist for over 30 years.
• Edna Comstock who was the recipient of the Maine Libraries Conference Co-Chair Award 2008-so helpful  in making the conference a success. Edna was the conference manager and so much more.
• Senator Beth Edmonds who received the Presidents’ Award which is given by the president of both MASL and MLA. Senator Edmonds received this award for her service in the Maine State Senate, her service to the people of Maine, and for her advocacy on behalf of all Maine libraries.

In addition to the wonderful programs lined up, this will be a perfect opportunity to say good-bye to retiring State Librarian Gary Nichols.  What were you doing 38 years ago when Gary became the Maine State Librarian?? 

Have you checked the latest programs and events added to the conference website? Some of the topic areas:

• Collection
• Marketing
• Technology
• Youth
• Health and Leisure-for your mental and physical well-being

View a list of speakers and their topic under “Schedule”, organized by category – with a topic description, about the speaker and a photo when available. To quote Peggy Becksvoort,conference co-chair:  “If you don’t go, you will be missed!”