For those who were there, you caught the Better World Books team making quite the splash at the recent annual meeting of our nation’s librarians and library professionals. For those who weren’t, you missed a rare opportunity to see us at our best, relaxed and basking in the glow of the best jobs in the world: taking books which were either donated to or discarded by libraries and creating opportunities for literacy and success on nearly every continent of our small globe.

(L-R, standing: Phil Sorberg, Client Support; Christopher Johnson, Director, Community Outreach; Rudy Reyes Jr., Director, Sales and ARC; Dustin Holland, Vice President; Walter Sears, Director, Library Services; kneeling: Christian Blue and Jacob Fu, Account Representatives.)

We enjoyed seeing so many of our old friends and meeting some new ones. We also bumped into a number of our closest collaborators including Emily Kirkpatrick, Sr. Vice President at the National Center for Family Literacy. She insisted on getting a photo that she could put on her desk — we take no responsibility for the office rivalry that is sure to ensue.

Thanks to all who stopped by to say hello. We look forward to seeing you next year (theme to-be-determined; suggestions welcomed)!

I began my career with Better World Books at ALA Midwinter ’07. Without much in depth knowledge of our Library Discards & Donations Program I was thrown into the metaphorical library pool to sink or swim. Having recently returned from ALA Midwinter ’08 and reflecting on a full year of transition, change and overwhelming progress, I am filled with pride with how well I’ve stayed afloat. While I could go on and on about my own incredible competency (it’s review time so this forced arrogance is a result of having to justify ones existence or right to a pay increase, I’m not always like this), I can not ignore the amount of guidance, instruction, support and encouragement I have received from the stellar colleagues I have throughout the Better World Books family. This blog entry is a thank you to all of you for allowing me to be part of this incredible mission. I look forward to many more years at Better World Books!

As usual, we had a tasting of the local cuisine.  Christian and I even had a surprising run-in on our hotel elevator with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who was in town promoting his most recent book On the Shoulders of Giants: My Journey Through the Harlem Renaissance!

Doesn’t it look good??

Philadelphia was littered with sculptures throughout the city.  You’re never quite sure what you will run into around the corner.  At the base of one of the buildings, were HUGE board game pieces.

Don’t crush me!!

And although I didn’t get a chance to visit the statue, Philadelphia is of course home to the one and only Rocky Balboa.

“Yo, Adrian! I bought a book off BetterWorld.com!”

I look forward to the next conference and seeing everyone again.  Thanks to those who stopped by our booth and I hope you had just as great a time as I did!

Acceptable Material Guidelines – Types of material accepted by Better World Books

BetterWorld.com Online Sidewalk Sale – Browse inventory by zip code and library name on BetterWorld.com

BetterWorld.com Affiliate Program – earn 5%-8% on purchases from BetterWorld.com

Thanks again to our host for organizing this wonderful event.

Better World Books is exhibiting at the upcoming ALA Conference in D.C. Stop by booth #1405 for a chance to win an iPod.

Safe Travels!!