Minnesota Library Association Conference 2016 was certainly another learning experience. Celebrating 125 years of librarian history and looking forward to the future of librarianship and library services to the citizens of Minnesota is a good theme to always challenge the library community to provide services. Attending sessions “Deep Dive into Digital Content” and “Coding Camp” broadened my horizon with technology information and how to implement such programs into a public library. The MYRA (Minnesota Youth Reading Awards) session gave information on youth reading awards to promote literacy and create lifelong reading habits. The books are chosen in the spring so children and teens can see books all summer, with awards given in early November. Another session regarded the topic of health literacy. Librarians should be trained to assist patrons with information to access resources and guidelines for patron to choose health sources for themselves.
Transforming Lives: Life Skills was an informative session to learn a list of ways to provide classes on what patrons need and want. If patrons need to be taught how to write a resume’ or need tax help or fix-it skills, partnering with community experts and qualified volunteers is an excellent way to provide those services.
The Minnesota Library Association Conference always provides the opportunities to visit with vendors of library products. The conference also gives librarians a chance to connect with peers to share ideas and experiences. Thank you for supporting me at attend the MLA Conference 2016.