It's almost time to bounce higher in Peoria!  The conference program book is now available online; click here for a preview.  You can pick up a printed copy when you check in on-site. 

Here are some quick reminders and tips to help make your conference experience even better: 

• Use the hashtag #ILAConf2012 to tag all your tweets.
• Be sure to dress in layers -- climate control in convention centers is notoriously challenging. 
• Plan to attend the Awards Luncheon on Tuesday -- it's included in your registration!
• Speaking of food, don't forget that lunch is served in the exhibit hall on Wednesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. 
• While visiting the exhibit hall, be sure to check out the poster sessions and talk tables.  A full schedule is available in the conference program book. 
• Be sure to bring the badge you received in the mail to make check in a breeze.  

We look forward to seeing you in Peoria! 

Get ready for an evening of networking and fun as you enjoy cocktails, food, and shopping.  You will be welcomed at each stop by an ILA forum, and the Rhythm Kitchen will also be host to local artisans and merchants for your shopping pleasure.  You can collect a Rolling on the River sticker for your badge at each stop.

Each stop serves food and will offer drink specials.  Plan to have dinner and drinks with old friends or new colleagues.  No registration is required and attendees are responsible for their own food and beverage purchases.

Want to begin your evening with colleagues?  Meet Conference Program Committee members at 6:00 p.m. at the Peoria Civic Center, Four Points by Sheraton, or Mark Twain Hotel and start the night out with a group! 

Be sure to leave time in your schedule to visit the exhibits on Wednesday and Thursday.  Click here to see a full list of this year's exhibitors. 

The popular Passport to Prizes returns this year, with drawings on both Wednesday, October 10, at 4:45 p.m., and Thursday, October 11, at 1:45 p.m.  Collect stamps from all the participating exhibitors and you will be eligible to win fabulous prizes -- including two iPads.  You must be present to win. 

Want to polish your resume?  Wondering what cover letter will capture an employer's attention?  Visit the ILA Career Clinic!

The Career Clinic hours are:

Tuesday, October 9               2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 10        8:30 - 11:30 a.m.

                                               2:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Thursday, October 11             9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Please click here to make an appointment for a 25 minute session or in-person in Room 203 of the Peoria Civic Center.

Librarians with hiring experience will be available to help you present your best employment package.  Bring a print copy of your resume and cover letter and/or an electronic copy accessible via your own PDA or laptop.  

Have specific questions ready for a career mentor to make the most of your time.  See you there.

Are you curious about Polish and Polish American culture or library collections that serve patrons with these interests?  Do you want to participate in a network of Polish American librarians from Illinois and thirteen other states?

Attend the next meeting, which will be held on Sunday, October 14, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Polish Museum of America (984 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL  60642; please click here for web site. 

Meeting agenda includes:

• All of Poland/Polonia Reads to Kids
• Polish language collection development resources
• Polish language/themed book/music/movie-sharing (share your recommendations to read/listen/view)
• PALA newsletter and website
• Professional networking