The Conference Issue: Cultivating Communities, Harvesting Ideas
With Frank’s help, the tireless patience of our graphic designer, Sonya Kopetz, and the contributions of the editorial committee -- Melinda Van Wingen, Kris Becker, Anna Shelton, Suzanne Carlson-Prandini, Dusty Waltner, Karen Diller, and Kelsey Smith – we put together four issues I’m really proud of. We’ve published stories that I hope have been relevant and engaging to the WLA community: how Seattle Public Library collaborated with their Somali community to create a one-of-a-kind board book (Mar. 2018 p. 5-7), how libraries are serving at-risk populations from people experiencing homelessness (Mar. 2018, p. 8-12) to those with various forms of dementia (Nov. 2017, p. 15-16), and how zines are being used in academic library settings (Nov. 2017, p. 15-16), to name a few. Throughout we’ve continued to make room for fun, from book reviews to “Dispatches from Swellville” (which debuted our first horoscope column in the Mar. 2018 issue, p. 35).
My point with all this is to say that I’m so glad I didn’t let my anxious tendencies talk me out of this editorial adventure. I’ve made new friends and been truly awed by the amazing work happening in libraries across the state. It’s been thrilling to see each issue of Alki take shape and to be inspired by the work you’re all doing. As I step down from editing Alki I’m aware there are so many opportunities to be involved in WLA, and so much need for committed, thoughtful volunteers. If you’ve thought about stepping up but wondered if you have what it takes – I assure you, you do.
This issue, my last as Editor and a wrap-up of the recent WLA Conference in Yakima, features observations from first time attendees (pg. 6), a recap of Ijeoma Oluo’s keynote address (p. 8) a look at leadership from a variety of perspectives (p. 20), and so much more.
Alki Editor: Sheri Boggs
Alki Editorial Committee: Frank Brasile, committee chair Kris Becker; Suzanne Carlson-Prandini; Karen Diller; Anna Shelton; Kelsey Smith; Mindy Van Wingen; Dusty Waltner
Design: Sonya Kopetz, KB design
Cover attribution: “Beautiful Trails in Yakima Valley” by Instagram User Zeb642
