Impact & Influence

Thanks for your interest in the WLA 2009 Conference. What follows is the website as it was presented to attendees and prospective attendees.

This year's conference is a great opportunity to once again expand your library knowledge, spend time sharing ideas with colleagues and hear some talented and well-known speakers. For those of you in the rainy section of the state it’s also an opportunity to take in a little sunshine (we hope): Spokane’s average mid-April rainfall is only .04”. The conference theme, Impact & Influence, reinforces some of the ways that libraries play important roles with their constituents, as well as the influence that library staff have to effect change and positive outcomes, internally and externally.

There are so many reasons to come to Spokane...

• Paula Poundstone, Comedian and FOLUSA spokeswoman, Friday evening banquet speaker (available also to non-conference attendees for $75)
  
• Keynote breakfast speaker Jan Sanders, PLA Past President
  
• Annual WLA Awards Luncheon
  
• Thought-provoking programs
  
• ALA, CAYAS, and WLFFTA breakfasts
  
• Interest Group business meetings
  
• Exhibits with the latest and greatest library wares
  
• Internet Cafe to help you keep up with your e-mail

Check out the preconferences, programs, and special events! Spokane has a lot to offer, check out the Spokane Info page for other great things to do while in town.

Conference Headquarters

The Red Lion Hotel at the Park is located in the heart of the city on the banks of the Spokane River and adjacent to Riverfront Park. It is within walking distance of the Opera House and downtown shopping, including River Park Square. The hotel features over 400 luxurious guest rooms and suites, indoor and outdoor pools, free wireless Internet for all guests and conference attendees, exercise room and sauna, and a complimentary airport shuttle.

Please note that to get conference rates, reservations must be made through this link at the hotel's website.

Click here for a list of restaurants close to the hotel.

Your Conference 2009 Committee

• Sally Chilson, (Spokane Public Library), Chair
• Rayette Sterling, (Eastern WA University), Co-Chair
• Heidi Chittim, (Eastern WA University), Speakers/Program Chair
• Jean Dart, (Spokane Public Library), Treasurer
• Beth Gillespie, (Spokane County Library District), Communications Co-Chair
• Eva Silverstone, (Spokane Public Library), Communications Co-Chair
• Jeanne Crisp, (Sno-Isle), Corporate contributions Chair
• Elizabeth Iaukea, (Pierce County), Interest Group Coordinator
• Lynn Red, (WA State Library), Exhibits Chair
• Debra Park, (Spokane Public Library), Local Arrangements Co-Chair
• Cindy Wigen, (Spokane Public Library), Local Arrangements Co-Chair
• Mary Ross, Preconferences Chair
• Kristin Crowe, former WLA Executive Director
• Judy Cookson, WLA Assistant Director/Conference Registrar