The 2001 Conference, convergence, will be held in beautiful Spokane, Washington, a city of great libraries, parks, bookstores, shopping, and restaurants.

• See below for important hotel information.
• The advance registration deadline has passed.  Register at the regular rates prior to the conference to guarantee tickets for the Mystery Evening and optional meals.
• Program information updated March 20.  Exhibit information updated March 13.  Please note changes in Keynote, below.

• Ray Suarez of PBS's The NewsHour, Friday evening banquet speaker
• Keynote breakfast speaker John Berry, LJ Editor-in-Chief via videotape* and Evan St. Lifer, LJ's Senior Editor for News & Infotech
• Author Marge Piercy, speaking at the Thursday evening dinner
• Wednesday's Mystery Evening with the Mystery Division, dessert and champagne (sponsored by the Gale Group)
• Annual WLA Awards Luncheon
• New Member Reception
• Thought-provoking programs
• ALA, CAYAS, and WLFTA breakfasts
• Interest Group business meetings
• Exhibits with the latest and greatest library wares
• Internet Cafe to help you keep up with your e-mail

* In late February, Mr.Berry was involved in a serious automobile accident. He regrets that his back injury precludes him from airplane travel. We will present his videotaped comments, which will be expanded upon (in person) by Mr. St. Lifer.

Check out the preconferences, programs, and special events!

Hotel reservation information and instructions are available on the 2001 Conference Registration page. Please note that to get conference rates, reservations must by made by phone.

The West Coast Grand is fully booked for the night of Friday, April 6 as are most other hotels and motels in the Spokane area due to a major convention beginning the following day.

The hotel has a waiting list for that night.  To place you name on the waiting list, call the hotel directly at 509-326-8000.  Please contact the Convention and Visitors Bureau's Visitors Center for assistance in finding other accommodations on that date: 509-747-3230.

More information about the WestCoast Grand Hotel at the Park is available on the West Coast Hotels web site.

Photo courtesy of WestCoast Hotels

... and be sure to bookmark this site for updated program, event, and registration information.

Your 2001 Conference Committee-

• Merri Hartse (Spokane Public Library), Coordinator: mhartse@spokpl.lib.wa.us
• Louise Saylor (Retired), Program Co-chair: 71077.2772@compuserve.com
• Claudia Parkins (Spokane Community College), Program Co-chair: cparkins@scc.spokane.cc.wa.us
• Joy Neal (North Central Regional Library), Preconferences: jneal@ncrl.lib.wa.us
• Mike Wirt (Spokane County Library District), Local Arrangements: mwirt@scld.lib.wa.us
• Dolly Richendrfer (Spokane Public Library), Public Relations: drichendrfer@spokpl.lib.wa.us
• Konny Thompson (Gonzaga University), Treasurer: thompson@its.gonzaga.edu
• Lynn Red (Washington State Library/Rainier School), Exhibits: lred@statelib.wa.gov
• Bruce Ziegman (Fort Vancouver Regional Library), Fundraising: ziegman@fvrl.lib.wa.us