...that knocked my socks off at ALA this weekend.

This past weekend was the annual American Library Association conference, aka Nerdfest 2010. I'm not quite sure how many people were there (I know, I know, I'm a bad librarian because I *could* find the answer, but I'm so...tired...I can't even google. Yes, that's a verb now) but just know that it was the most busy, crazy thing I have ever attended.The conference was held in Washington, DC this year, and because it's close (roughly 4 hours) to Pittsburgh, several students from my program attended. It was great for many reasons, but here are the requisite four:

1. Authors GALORE! Mo Willems, Jon Scieszka, John Green, Toni Morrison, Kadir Nelson, Rebecca Stead, Coe Booth, Laurie Halse Anderson...good grief, I could go on for days. The thing is, they were signing autographs, walking around enjoying themselves, giving amazing keynote addresses (right?). I felt like I was in my own version of Hollywood.

2. Free SCHWAG. Oh yes, it can only be described as such. Buttons, pins, posters, ACRs (advance reader copies), galleys, pens, pads of paper, book bags...I had to cut myself off because I'm moving at the end of the month and I just couldn't do that to my friends and family that are helping me move. I got a sizable bunch of books, though.

3. Did I mention Mo Willems?

4. BOOK CART DRILL TEAM. You may be scratching your head wondering, "To what on earth is this crazy woman referring?" (Actually, the way I worded that sentence, I picture you, whomever you may be, thoughtfully stroking a goatee). Go here and watch the madness.


That's my team, The Pitt "Night of the Living Librarians".

Since May we've been driving evening classes in the education building nuts with our loud, clunky book carts and even louder music. Book carts in formation? Yes please! Librarians letting loose? Yes please! Our prize for taking first place is a golden book cart, supplied by Demco. How wacky and wonderful!

Did I mention Mo Willems and Jon Scieszka hosted the drill team event? That's me, having a bit of banter with Mo at the end. Tee hee! He and Mr. Scieszka are, by far, two of my favorite authors. "Naked Mole Rat" slays me every time.