What a wonderful time I enjoyed in Columbia, SC, at the end of April. I was there for the Richland Library’s annual Augusta Baker’s Dozen Storytelling Celebration, to do a workshop on Creative Literacy Leaders and to participate in Día celebrations.

The photos only begin to hint at the royal treatment I received from the minute I arrived until I departed. Library staff wore badges with my picture, and all were friendly and welcoming. As my visit ended, I thought that my time there had been like a taste of heaven. The weather was perfect, flowers were blooming, librarians were enthusiastic about making all patrons feel welcome, and the librarians were committed and excited about their work. I had the good fortune to enjoy meals at which our conversations were about books, why literacy is so important, how Día can be part of attracting new families, of the need for books by diverse authors, and the need for librarians to enthusiastically use and share such books. I’m deeply grateful to those who coordinated my visit and to all who gave me big smiles.