The Seattle Public Library:Shattering Stereotypes

One of the side benefits of being an old greybeard like myself is that occasionally you get asked to serve on a cool committee. Deb Robertson, the director of ALA's Public Programs Office, nominated me for a spot on the first advisory committee for the office. Deborah Jacobs, the director of the Seattle Public Library, chairs the committee, and we had our first official meetings at this Midwinter conference. One of the things we spent a lot of time talking about (and I swear I didn't introduce the topic) was the idea of creating some public programs for libraries to host about gaming. But that's not what I'm blogging about here.

Rather, I'm afraid I've made some rather intemperate remarks recently about the new downtown Seattle Public Library (different link). I understand that I am utterly in the minority here, that everyone but your humbled correspondent seems to be unreservedly enamored of this building. Of course, word of my remarks got back to Deb Jacobs, as these things will do in our very small field. (And, that, young librarians, is one lesson to take home from today's blog!)

Deb was quite forgiving of my remarks (which you can be when you are dealing with the only oddball in a crowd), but she also told me about an event that sounds fascinating. She's hosting a conference sponsored by the Public Libraries International Network and the Library called "The Seattle Public Library: Shattering Stereotypes." The conference will be held April 27 through 29, with a postconference tour of three new SPL branches on April 30. This conference will showcase not only the new library, but best practices in leading public libraries from around the world. Because space is limited, and only two representatives from any organization will be able to register, you might want to act fast on this one. Deb also tells me that, in keeping with European tradition, the conference will feature a dance!