1st day--Whew!

I've been on the go since 6:30 this morning when the TV came on--full volume! I got 4 hrs of sleep--Paul got 5. I talked with one woman today who said she had 2! I'm surprised we're functioning!

Got to the registration table and through that with NO trouble! Much better than when I tried to register originally! I even got Paul his Exhibit Hall pass with barely a flicker--the only wrinkle was because the woman taking it hadn't done one before and needed a supervisor's help. He then walked me up to my 8:30 session and headed back to do his own thing (shower, shopping, etc).

My first session was on 'The Games Libraries Play (And How They Align Them).' The whole thing was using modern board games to enhance the curriculum. It was a lot of fun, with 2 presenters who kept us laughing and cheering for 3 1/2 hours. A great part is that I volunteered to help demonstrate something and got a free game as a result! Then they handed out two more free games for us to start our collections! The first one is complex and I'll have to work it out first. The others can be used almost as soon as I get back. The best part is that these are not the old 'educational' games that bore the kids. These games are easily found in most game stores and fit into the curriculum. One of them is called Incan Gold where you are an explorer. You use math skills to predict probability (of getting killed) and division of loot. This one can be played in 20-30 minutes. The other one deals with Masterworks of the great artists. I can't wait to show that one to my art teacher.

I met Paul and we went to the Ebsco Lunch where we were fed so much I must be 2 dress sizes bigger! Delicious! They also presented information on their databases. Some things I had never realised before. I think I'm going to try them out.

After lunch, Paul went back across the street to the hotel (with the games) while I hit the Exploratorium where 80(!) LMSs showcased some of the activities and programs in their libraries. Remember how I say we have a 'full-service' library? Well, there was a woman here touting just that from her school (in Cincinatti). I guess I'm on the right track after all--ooh, I just realized the pun--this year's theme is Revvin' Up Your Library!

Well, I'm going in for the Opening Session and get ready for the Grand Opening of the Exhibit Hall.

Oh, how sweet! They have kids from a local school serenading us! They're good!

I'll be writing more later! I'll be meeting Paul for the routing of the Exhibit Hall after this. There's a storytelling session tonight. We'll see how we feel.