WELCOME BACK, BCSMA!
Before we knew it, September was here and gone. How did that happen? BCSMA began the '05-'06 school year with an informal "field trip" to the Philadelphia Free Library for a program on Banned Books. If you didn't receive Dee's email about this program, please email her to add or correct your email address.
The NJASL (I have to keep practicing that) Conference in Cherry Hill makes it very convenient for everyone from BCSMA to attend this year. Since some of you may be attending the banquet on Thursday evening, Oct. 27th, we will have our annual meeting in the lounge area that afternoon beginning at 4:45 PM. That allows time for people attending the general session to meet us at 5:30, those going to the banquet to socialize before the banquet, and others to stop in for a quick visit before leaving the conference. I hope this time will work for the convenience of everyone and insure a large group. Dee and I will see you there.
In the meantime, we are working on an author for our spring dinner and ideas for meetings in December and February. We spoke informally of a Saturday spring trip by train to the Library of Congress in Washington, DC for a special librarian's tour. We need to know how many people would be interested in doing this, so let us know.
Our first formal meeting will be held during the first week of December. We would like a volunteer to host the meeting, so the actual day will be up to her/him. Although Dee and I love to have everyone come to RV, we know that it's always interesting to visit other libraries. Please volunteer to host-we will do the program and even help with simple refreshments. Contact Dee at dvenuto@rvrhs.com or Claudia at cgifford@rvrhs.com if you will host in either December or February.
Last, but certainly not least, please use our online form to renew your membership in BCSMA (we need to consider changing to BCASL) for the school year '05-'06. Please send your checks to Marie Durante or bring them with you to our 'meeting' on Oct. 27th.
Dee and I hope that your first month and a half of school has not been too hectic and look forward to meeting with you in the near future. Consider BCSMA as one of your resources for ideas and help by tapping into the great wealth of knowledge and information our entire membership represents.
See you soon,
Claudia Gifford, President
Dee Ann Venuto, Vice-President
Marie Durante, Treasurer