ALA Midwinter Recap and an EPIC Giveaway!

I've had the opportunity to go to numerous bookish events over the years, but I have never been to any ALA (American Library Association) ones. Over the years I have heard many good things, so I decided 2015 was my year! So much of the fun of this conference was in the planning. I am a Florida girl, as you may know. ALA Midwinter 2015 took place in Chicago. In January. You have no idea how many times I heard, "You're to Chicago? in January??" But I pulled out my biggest coat and all my winter gear, and I hopped on the plane Friday evening.

I was lucky enough to be sharing the experience with some amazing bloggers -- Ana from Owl Always Be Reading, Leydy from Once Upon a Twilight, and Danielle from Love at First Page.

My beautiful partners in book obsession.

The event was held at McCormick Place, which is quite large. After grabbing breakfast to eat on the shuttle and then dropping off our coats and luggage at bag check (they would get to know us really well there!), we found ourselves sitting in front of the exhibit hall with about half an hour to spare. Luckily, we were occupied with putting multiple ribbons on our name badges.

How fun are these?!

Right outside the exhibit hall. Photo credit Katie @aloveofbooks.

As I spent the day walking around the exhibit hall, I so impressed with the friendliness of the exhibitors and the other attendees, and the helpfulness of the staff. There was an ALA post office set up in the corner of the exhibit hall and everyone there went out of their way to make sure everyone had what they needed -- and they did it with a fun and cheerful attitude! (I was in the post office so much they came to know me, and it was literally like going back to hang out with friends every time I went back there.)

The exhibitors were also great, and I had many great conversations while I was there. They were really excited the books and it definitely showed. I also had a blast meeting up with old friends and making new ones. A few authors, such as Brighton Walsh, Lisa Bergren, Chloe Neill, were there signing books and audiobooks, and they seemed to be having a great time as well.

Finally, it was really cool to be able to talk with authors about getting their books -- I was excited about getting them and they were excited that I was getting them. 

Now, about that EPIC giveaway...

I'll be heading to Vero Beach in a few weeks to attend the Epic Reads 2015 Winter Tour with Cynthia Hand, Victoria Aveyard, and Jasmine Wargra. I was able to pick up extra copies of Cyntha's book The Last Time We Say Goodbye and Jasmine's book My Heart & Other Black Holes, and I will have the ladies sign them for you! The contest runs until February 18, and you can enter via the Rafflecopter below. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway