When I began writing this message last Saturday, the old adage "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" kept popping into my head. In fact, I just kept typing that phrase over and over again. Two days later, I realize that the weather temporarily clouded my memories of my term as President of ACRL WA. Saturday was a gloomy day dominated by wind and rain. Today, as the sun shines bright, one word continues to pop into my head - Hooray!

Hooray …

… I met so many interesting librarians from Washington and Oregon. I look forward to many future meals and collaborations with you.

… I had the pleasure of working with some truly wonderful colleagues who not only helped organize the conference, but listened to my ideas and turned them into better realities, worked through the registrations until the early morning hours, and answered my last minute pleas to bring the handouts that were left in the photocopier in Seattle, bring speakers so everyone could hear the videos ….

… ACRL WA hosted a fall conference that was not only fun, but provided everyone with opportunities to share their knowledge and expertise in many areas of librarianship ranging from collection development to instruction.

… I played a new game that I can't wait to take to the Fall 2006 conference in Menucha. (You will have to attend the conference to share in the fun!)

I am sure there are more Hoorays in me, but you get the idea. As my term comes to an end, there is still plenty to do. The outgoing and incoming board members will meet in May to further develop the Webmaster board position description, discuss ways to increase membership in our association, and begin planning for the many conferences to be held in the Puget Sound region (2007 ALA Midwinter conference, 2008 WA and OR joint fall conference, and 2009 ACRL National conference). There is still room on our agenda, so please contact me if there are issues that you would like me to bring before the board.

Okay, I cannot resist one last Hooray for the members of the Washington State chapter of ACRL for it is each and every one of you that makes this such a pleasant and rewarding professional organization. I look forward to continuing my participation and seeing all of you in October 2006 at Menucha.

Jessica Albano, outgoing President