Sally Schuster, Addison Public Library

In one short month—May 1, 2009—it will be time to attend the Nineteenth Annual Reaching Forward Conference for Library Assistants.

Have you seen all of the exciting programs that are scheduled this year? If technology is your thing, programs range from Internet safety to Web design to gaming for both teens and adults to wikis, blogs, and messaging services. You can learn about managing stress, programming for various age groups, bridging cultural gaps, and going green.

In his keynote address, Michael Stephens from Dominican University in River Forest will explain how and why emerging technology relates to all of our lives, including our jobs. We are very excited to have New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Berg as our luncheon speaker. In addition to a great meal with colleagues new and known, Ms. Berg will share with us how libraries helped make her a writer and how they sustain her as an individual. She will also read a passage from her new book, Home Safe, which will be published on April 28.

If you have not seen a brochure with all of the exciting events the committee has planned for this year, you can find all of the information on our Web site [link: www.reachingforward.org].

You can register online through the ILA Web site. This year there is a separate online form for ILA members and for nonmembers. You can also download, print, and mail or fax the registration form PDF, which can be found on both the Reaching Forward and ILA Web sites. When you register, you have a menu choice: chicken or vegetarian. If neither selection is indicated, it assumed that your choice is chicken.

Once you are registered, you will receive a packet confirming your registration and containing your name badge. Please bring your name badge to the conference. When you arrive at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, 5555 North River Road, Rosemont, you will be given a lanyard and materials for the day. Doors to the convention center open at 8 am.

As always, the committee suggests you dress in layers. It is impossible to control the temperatures so that everyone is comfortable all of the time. The simple solution is to layer up, especially if you have found the rooms chilly in the past.

The committee has worked hard to bring you a variety of interesting speakers and topics. We hope you enjoy the day.