A Word From the President

ABOS Family,

We have successfully wrapped up another amazing in-person and virtual conference! Thank you so much for those of you able to attend in one capacity or another. It was wonderful getting to reconnect and meet with our in-person attendees. We could not have pulled off this successful conference without our amazing 2023 Board and our friends on the Conference Planning Committee. Kudos to everyone involved in the planning of this event. 

As my presidency nears the end, I would like to reflect on the growth of our organization this year. At the beginning of the year, my goal for in-person conference attendees was 375 and for overall membership, was 900. I am proud to say that we have surpassed both of my goals. Thank you for believing in this organization and for what you do for your communities. I know that I have said this before but the work that we do in this field is hard but oh so rewarding. ABOS is here to serve you, if you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out on the Listserve or to one of our brilliant board members. 

A Word From the President-Elect

For those that were able to experience this year’s Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services Connections & Confections Conference, whether in person or virtually; we hope that you enjoyed your time. If you were unable to join us this year, we hope that you will be able to join us next year. The annual conference is a time to network with fellow outreach staff, gain valuable information and ideas through the continuing education opportunities, and gives you the opportunity to recharge your battery as an outreach staff member. We are so thankful for the opportunity and experience of coming together as a larger outreach community, to support and learn from others who TRULY understand what we each do in outreach services. While each member of this large outreach community serves in a variety of organizational structures and roles back in our home libraries, we all serve in outreach and have a common passion to ensure that our community members are able to receive library services and resources regardless of where they are located. 

I want to thank Cathy Zimmerman for her leadership and guidance as our Executive Director; to Brittany Peacock for her passion and energy as our 2023 President; and to each member of our Board of Directors who bring their unique and valuable gifts to the table, without which we would not be able to be the cohesive unit that we are. I also want to thank each of you; for those whom I have been able to meet and visit with, and to those of you that I look forward to meeting and visiting with in the near future. All of you are an invaluable part of my journey in this organization and in outreach.

Dear ABOS Vendor Family,

On behalf of the ABOS Board of Directors, the entire ABOS membership and myself, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for another wonderful conference. Your participation, generous support and helping hands are a wonderful part of our conference experience. We could not imagine a conference without you. Here's to a job well done!! See you all in Indy in 2024.

Cathy Zimmerman, Executive Director

St. Charles City-County Library among 215 libraries nationwide to conduct digital literacy trainings funded by PLA Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, supported by AT&T

Making Lemonade When You Have Lemons

What do you do when your mobile services vehicle is a complete lemon? Ever since we received our Winnebago Bookmobile in 2019, it seems we have had nothing but issues with it. There always seems to be some kind of problem or broken feature, ranging from broken door latches to broken air conditioners to broken windows to leaking battery acid that started corroding through the vehicle frame. One time, our bookmobile (or as we affectionately call it, “the brokemobile”) was out of commission for over a month because there were issues with the coolant system and the parts were on back order for several weeks.

Out & About Newsletter

Brought to you by the ABOS Communications Committee

To submit a story for the next issue, email communications@abos-outreach.com