June 29, 2006 | New Orleans

If you were Downtown this past week it felt so good to see convention delegates in mass numbers walking the streets, shopping, eating (spending money) and having fun.

The American Library Association's annual conference was a huge success in more ways than one. Besides the normal benefits to an association to have a smooth and successful event, it was so beneficial to our tourism economy. Additionally, with 17,000+ delegates returning home and spreading their fun experiences, we expect to have a multiplying affect for a long time to come.

Many delegates also jumped right in to lend a hand in actually rebuilding some of the area's libraries damaged in Katrina.

What else can we say but "thank you" and God Bless all of you!