MLA 2019 Special Programming and Events

Bookstore

The MLA 2019 bookstore will be available in the Coral Room across from the exhibit hall and is sponsored by Bookbound. The 2019 Bookstore hours are:

• Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
• Friday: 8:00 – 11:30 a.m.

Conference Photography

Smile, you’re on camera! Thank you to David Specht from Kent District Library for providing photography service to the conference. MLA staff will also have cameras to document all the fun, but your right to privacy is important to us. If pictures aren’t your thing, please get a red dot badge sticker from the registration desk. While your picture may still be taken this red dot will alert MLA not to publish these pictures in future promotional materials.

Artist in Residence

MLA is proud to Welcome Suban Nur Cooley as the 2019 Artist in Residence. Suban Nur Cooley is a writer, poet and editor living in the Midwest where she is a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on women of the Somali diaspora and how their identity performance is affected by memory, migration/displacement and assimilation. Suban will be listening to the ideas flowing throughout the conference and will use those themes to produce a spoken word poem reflecting the mission and goals of MLA and members. The poem will be delivered live on Friday immediately following our closing keynote with Dr. Gay.

State Librarian's Lunch

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Room: Crystal/Onyx
$35.00 per person – early bird rate
$40.00 post early bird
Guest tickets are available for $35.00

Join State Librarian Randy Riley as he announces and honors the winner of the Library of Michigan Foundation State Librarian’s Excellence Award.

All Conference Opening Reception

Wednesday, October 16, 2019
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Trade Show Floor, Suburban Collection Showplace
Please pre-register for this event – free
Guest tickets are available for $35.00

Keep the energy and excitement of opening day going by meeting up with colleagues and friends on the trade show floor. Exchange notes on what you’ve seen and heard during the first day of the conference while visiting with vendors. Hors d’oeuvre stations are included and a cash bar will be available. This event is free to attend for all Wednesday conference attendees.

Yoga

Thursday, October 17, 2019
7:00 - 7:45 a.m.
Friday, October 18, 2019
7:00 - 7:45 a.m.
Room: Ivory
Please pre-register for this event – free

Gentle Yoga to awaken your energy to flow through your conference day. Bring a towel (or a mat if you have one) and wear clothes that can comfortably stretch with you as you gently move in seven directions. Yoga instruction will be provided by MLA 2016-17 Past President Kathleen Zaenger. Water will be provided.

Deep Dive Education Sessions

Thursday, October 17, 2019
2:30 – 4:00 p.m.
If you plan to attend a deep-dive session please select the session you would like to attend during the registration process.

Critical Conversations: Supporting Diversity and Inclusion through Discussion-Based Programming

Room: Copper Granite

What are effective ways for libraries to facilitate open conversations about race, ethnicity, gender, and social justice? The Michigan State University (MSU) Libraries have cultivated strategic partnerships to facilitate community conversation about civil and human rights, including the contributions and experiences of local refugees. Examples of award-winning programs and tips for developing and nurturing partnerships to support diversity, equity, and inclusion will be shared. In this discussion-based session, participants will also share their own ideas for facilitating community conversations about diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Speaker(s)

Sharon Ladenson
Michigan State University

De-escalation Training

Room: Silver

Being able to de-escalate and defuse situations is an extremely helpful skill. Communication is key. Through resolving situations using only words, it prevents physical altercations and potential harm for all sides involved.  Participants will walk away with specific techniques to create calm and defuse the situation.  

Speaker(s)

Sojourner Jones
Northeast Guidance Center

Executive Exchange

Room: Gold

An unconference in a conference. Any dean, director, upper management or aspiring leader is encouraged to attend!

Thursday Awards Lunch and Fashion Show

Thursday, October 17, 2019
12:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Room: Crystal/Onyx
Please pre-register for Thursday’s Lunch – free
Style in the Stacks Fundraiser Fashion Show voting tickets – $10.00 each

MLA Awards Presentation

12:30 – 12:45pm

Celebrate the winners of the Librarian of the Year, Heart of a Champion, Rising Star and Legislator of the Year Awards at the Awards Luncheon.

Style in the Stacks

12:45 – 1:15pm
Join us and watch your fellow librarians become divas of the catwalk as they model their library material creations. Purchase a ticket for $10 for a chance to vote for your favorite style! All proceeds will support the MLA Scholarship Fund. Tickets are available for purchase at the registration desk.

Your Professional Connection and Poster Reception

Thursday, October 17, 2019
5:45 - 6:45pm
Please pre-register for this event – free
Guest Tickets are available for $35.00

This casual, inclusive reception is designed to bring emerging professionals, local MLIS program alumni and established library professionals from all backgrounds together to learn about innovative new projects, network and grow professionally. Whether your goal is to make new connections, explore collaboration opportunities, or simply put faces with names, this event will help you grow your network. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Appetizers are included and a cash bar will be available. 

Trivia Night

Thursday, October 17, 2019
7:00 – 9:00pm
Fireside Lounge

Please pre-register for this event – free
Food and drink available for purchase

Librarians know all the right stuff, and this is your chance to prove it. Join Sporcle Entertainment in the Fireside Lounge at 7:00 p.m. Thursday following the Your Professional Connection Reception to wow your friends and colleagues with the breadth of your knowledge and win prizes as well as bragging rights. Pre-formed teams of five, as well as individuals who want to join a team, are welcome!

Michigan Author Award Lunch

Friday, October 18, 2019
12:45 - 1:45pm
Room: Opal
$30.00 per person – early bird rate
$35.00 post early bird
Guest tickets are available for $35.00

Join us in honoring the 2019 Michigan Author Award Winner. The winner will be announced this September! Be sure to reserve your tickets now! Tickets will sell out.

Coffee Hour with MLA 2020 Work Group

Did you love #mla19ac so much you want to be a part of making the 2020 conference a success as well? Did you see a presentation topic that you can present even better, or know of something that was missed altogether? Have an idea but not sure where to begin or how to structure a conference proposal? Come meet, mingle, and share ideas over coffee with the 2020 Annual Conference work group and Chair Kevin King. They will be available and ready to talk about your ideas from 8:00–9:00 a.m. in the pre-function area before the closing keynote address.