Combining information, education and entertainment, the American Library Association Conference & Exhibition was a unique experience. Heading into the four-day event, I did not know what to expect, but it delivered far more than I imagined.

Founded in 1876, ALA celebrated its sesquicentennial conference by hosting an extravaganza at Chicago’s McCormick Place. Since this was my first ALA conference, I asked several folks to compare it to previous ones. The unanimous opinion was all ALA conferences are wonderful events, but this one had extra flair.The four-day event started with a ceremony emceed by ALA president Sam Helmick. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson gave a short speech, followed by a video speech from Governor J.B. Pritzker. After other speeches and introductions, political commentator Rachel Maddow took the stage for a Q&A with Helmick.

The rest of the event was filled with more speakers, including versatile entertainer Wayne Brady, interactive learning sessions for all ages, author signings, panel discussions, the Library Marketplace, vendors and much more. After my first day, I knew I would need to return to experience all of it.

The Library Marketplace by itself could be a convention. There were many new and established authors, interesting new or reimagined products, and publishers. I spent a large chunk of one day just in this area.

On Saturday I made sure to go to the autograph area to see my friend, “famous cartoonist” Art Baltazar. Creator and publisher of comics, Baltazar also co-owns Aw Yeah Comics, a favorite spot of mine a mere few blocks from my home in Skokie. I learned about the ALA event from Baltazar’s social media posts.

Another creator friend of mine is writer Trevor Mueller. At busy conventions like these, Mueller has a unique method for attracting folks to his booth.

© Trevor Mueller

I also met many other authors and artists, including Jamar Nicholas and Harold Buchholz. Nicholas, known for his Leon series, promotes anti-bullying, healing and kindness. Specializing in children’s comics, Buchholz also is executive producer and writer on the revival of Mystery Science Theater 3000, one of my favorite shows.

I don’t know much about Pokemon, but the Pokemon Club was one of the most popular features, and not just with children. It was just one of several special sections of the conference hall.

For extra fun, I always try to get pictures with mascots at any event. I didn’t know if there would be one there. To my pleasant surprise, I met Ranger Baldy at the Magic Factory booth.

One goal of ALA is to raise awareness of libraries and librarians. In this age of information available at our fingertips, libraries must not be overlooked. Libraries embrace the new technology, incorporating all into their services, making them even more valuable.

The enthusiasm level of all really stood out. It was a combination of celebrating the last 150 years and planning for the next 150 years.

As I told friends I was at a library convention, several wrongly expressed boredom. By the time I finished describing all there, a few actually decided to go.

The ALA Conference & Exhibition was incredible. Next year it will be in New Orleans, followed by Denver, before returning to Chicago in 2029. I will definitely be back in 2029, possibly sooner.

— John Wroblewski, online writer