Photos from 2009 Town Meetings

More than 420 library staff and trustees attended this year's Town Meetings which were held in Creston, Storm Lake, Mason City, Coralville, Waterloo and Urbandale September 22nd through October 2.

In the morning session, attendees learned what it means to be a passionate librarian, the impact a passionate librarian can have on the level of support for the library and the importance of describing how libraries change lives.  There was also an update from State Librarian Mary Wegner, an Iowa Library Association presentation from current president Ellen Neuhaus, past president Barbara Peterson, and incoming president Dale Ross.  Each presented at different venues.

The morning skit - It's a Wonderful Library:  Changing Lives in Bedford Springs -  was presented by State Library staffers Mary Wegner, Alysia Peich, Jay Peterson, Marie Harms,  Sandy Dixon and Annette Wetteland (10/2).  Peterson played library director George, who is depressed and discouraged about his job.  He's tired and frustrated with his job until he meets Bibliotheke (Harms), who helps him understand the important - and passionate - person he is to his customers.

Afternoon breakout sessions were "The Future of SILO," presented by Harms; "Library Programs for Adults," taught by Peich; and "WebJunction/TechAtlas:  Helping Unleash the Passionate Librarian in You!," presented by Peterson (Scott Dermont on Oct. 1 and 2).

Take a minute to check out pictures taken at the Coralville and Urbandale public libraries.  Click on the photo for a description, and be sure to see page two.