On Halloween weekend, I had the opportunity to attend the annual California Library Association (CLA) conference in scenic Pasadena. Public, school and academic library staff from around the state gather each fall to learn about new library trends, upcoming book releases, and customer service techniques.

But, for me, one of the best moments of this year's conference was the inauguration of Kim Bui-Burton, Monterey Public Library's director, as CLA President. Among her duties for the next year are planning the annual conference and working with statewide committees to advocate for a variety of library services, resources and scholarships. Kim has worked in local libraries since she was a teenager, and for her hard work, she deserves the honor of leading the California association for one year.  

After she received the gavel (see above, Kim is on the right), she spoke excitedly about her hopes for the future of libraries and the need for librarians and community residents to work together in strengthening library services at every level. She also read one of her own poems about her Vietnamese heritage.

The Monterey Bay region and California are lucky to have such an energetic and creative library leader. Congratulations and good luck!