#BetterTogether

Better Together: OASL Fall Conference 2024

By: L. Paige Battle, Conference Chair

Conference Links: https://ola.memberclicks.net/oasl-conferences

While the mascot for this year’s OASL Fall Conference

Our conference theme, “#BetterTogether” reminds us of the power behind working in collaboration with others in our profession to create impactful school library programs. As our current OASL President, Jennifer McKenzie, likes to say “work smarter, not harder.” The entire conference committee embraced this mantra as we worked to put together a dynamic day of professional development.

Twenty-eight amazing sessions have been created by library professionals and cover each age group. Authors Phil Bildner (our lunch keynote speaker), Dashka Slater, and Breena Bard will be joining us to present sessions and sign copies of their books. This conference offers valuable insights, networking opportunities, and inspiration, whether you are a veteran librarian (like me!) or new to the Shelf Life.

Event Details

Dates: October 5, 2024
Location: Grant High School in Portland, Oregon

What to Expect

Arrive early on Saturday to fill a plate with delicious treats baked by Grant High School culinary teacher, Chef Phillip Hale. A Q & A with our featured authors will take place while you enjoy breakfast.

Sessions led by professionals from across the state, range from planning and hosting fun library events to learning ways to connect with all students, developing media literacy skills, finding ways to stretch a budget, and so many lesson plans that will help you find ways to captivate your students’ imaginations.

Keynote speaker Phil Bildner will share his take on how things are #BetterTogether at our lunchtime Oregon School Librarian Awards ceremony where we will celebrate the outstanding contributions of our colleagues.

Our vendor area offers the latest resources and technologies that can enhance your library services and also provides the chance to win exciting giveaways. I can’t wait to host you at the high school where I work, showcase the beautiful educational spaces, and introduce you to the famous park tenants who reside just beyond the school doors. The Oregon Association of School Libraries Fall 2024 Conference is sure to be a memorable event; don’t miss it!

#BetterTogether: Hot Spots in Northeast Portland

Compiled by: Kate Dutro, Newsletter Editor

While I can direct visitors to Powell's and find a great food pod, I am no Portland expert. So, I crowd-sourced all my teacher friends for the best spots in Northeast Portland. If you want to venture further out, check out Travel Portland's website, where you can find events and happenings in the city all year round. And to make sure your literary itch is scratched, the site also has a Booklover's Guide to Portland and Portland Bookstores, Beyond Powell's. We can't wait to see you all in October!

Food:

Pine State Biscuits (on Alberta or there’s a food cart at Juniors Coffee on NE Prescott @ 72nd)
Proud Mary Coffee
Great Notion
Salt & Straw
Petite Provence
Ben & Esther’s Vegan Jewish Deli
Pips Doughnuts
Fire on the Mountain
Nico’s Ice Cream
Tacovore
Pizza Jerk
Oakshire
¿Por Que No? (SE Hawthorne & N Mississippi locations)
Blutos
Barley Pod food cart pod
Wonderlove PDX food cart pod
Bless Your Heart Burgers
Grand Central Bakery

Bookstores:

Green Bean Books
Broadway Books

Things To Do:

Blackbird Wine and Atomic Cheese (happy hour)
Hi Top Tavern (happy hour)
People's Courts
Hollywood Theater
Hollywood Farmer’s Market
Search of an Exit
Rose City Book Pub

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