Welcome On behalf of the Public Library Association (PLA) Board of Directors and the PLA National Conference Committee, I am pleased to invite you to attend the 13th PLA National Conference scheduled for March 23-27, 2010 in Portland, Oregon. We recognize that the services of public libraries across the country are needed now more than ever. People are looking to the library for information about government programs; to learn skills that will help them find jobs and prepare for new careers; to fill gaps in education for their children; and yes, they are looking to the library for affordable entertainment-access to books, movies, the internet, and other media. We are being asked to do more with our limited resources. It has become especially important for library staff to stay up on the latest trends, to learn best practices, and to plan and execute innovative programming for our patrons so that we can stay ahead of the curve and continue to offer our communities the services they need and want. The PLA National Conference is consistently the most highly regarded professional development event for public librarians, public library workers, trustees, vendors, Friends and others with a vested interest in public libraries. PLA 2010 will continue in this tradition of excellence and serve as a one-stop shop for your continuing education needs. You'll find it all at PLA 2010-intensive preconference learning programs; learning tracks focused on significant topics and issues; over 150 different programs you can attend; the latest products from our vendors; and the best networking opportunities available to the public library world. We must rise to the challenge and stretch ourselves to better serve our patrons and our communities. We have to step outside our comfort zones and take on new roles within our libraries, but also be professionally refreshed. I hope you will seize this opportunity by joining me at PLA 2010. Sari Feldman
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