I was so excited to attend my first MLA last week in Rochester, MN. I was so impressed with the quality of the sessions and the Mayo Civic Center. It is impossible to pick my favorite session, but I can narrow it down to two: Escape the Library: Creating and Hosting and ‘Escape the Room’ Style Program for Youth at Your Library, and Privilege: Calling In, Calling Out, and Promoting Conversation. Escape the Library gave great first-hand examples of what works (and what doesn’t) as well as handouts with resources, recommendations for designing the game, and tips and tricks. The seminar on privilege was very informative about when and how to confront someone who is being insensitive or rude. It sounds simple, but it was eye-opening to meet in groups and talk about different scenarios that the leaders put on the overhead. We all have privilege and it is important to remember that, especially since most people probably don’t even know they are making you uncomfortable. Both sessions gave contact information, so if we have questions in the future we were encouraged to reach out. I would not have been able to attend this conference without the help of SAMMIE’s amazing scholarships. I hope to make this an annual experience!
