13-16 June 2024
Our second week continued with the long-awaited trip to Chicago.
Chicago, known as the “Windy City,” boasts a stunning skyline along Lake Michigan, rich cultural diversity, and world-renowned architecture. It’s a vibrant hub of arts, music, and culinary delights, making it a unique and dynamic American metropolis.
It was both enlightening and enjoyable 2-day journey for us. We took a train and arrived in Chicago early in the morning. According to schedule our first stop would be American Library Association (ALA) Headquarters, but on our way to there we had a chance to stop by the Chicago Public Library Cultural Center, a beautiful building with rich history and architecture.
Visit to ALA HQ and meeting with Mr. Michael Dowling, the Director of the International Relations Office of the ALA was accompanied by an information session and a tour to ALA Offices. It was interesting to get insights into the history of the ALA and know about its current organizational structure, also membership options for international libraries and librarians, attendance opportunities to ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition and other issues.
Later on that day we visited the University of Chicago, one of the oldest universities of the State of Illinois. Tour to Joe+Rika Mansueto Library guided by the library staff members Andrea Twiss-Brooks and Seth Vanek was followed by an information session about UChicago Center for Digital Scholarship delivered by Cecilia Smith, Director of the Center.
The next day was also rich with visits and experiences. First we took a famous Chicago L (elevated) train to go to the office of Amp Agency, one of the reputable marketing agencies in US. Ms. Liz Aviles, the Senior Vice-President delivered information session about the Strategy and Cultural Insights of the Agency, past and current projects, success stories and upcoming plans.
Last visit of the Chicago trip was to the Chicago Public Library, which was founded in 1873. General library tour and tour to YOUmedia Lab were guided by library staff members Christian Reynoso and Gregorio Rodriguez.
Chicago Public Library amazed us with variety of resources, different activities and services for all age groups, specially for kids and teens.
Between the visits and after the daily scheduled program we tried to see around in Chicago as much as we can.
Why Chicago trip was so memorable for me?
After 8 years of separation, I finally reunited with my mentor Martha Speirs, the former Dean of Library and Information Services, ADA University, who travelled from Boston to Chicago to meet with me. It was a very warm, insightful and productive meeting. We discussed my progress on Associates Program, identified areas for improvement, and had a talk about future plans. Afterward, we explored Chicago together, enjoying its iconic skyline, vibrant neighborhoods, and cultural landmarks. We also took the Chicago architecture boat tour which added a delightful and enriching dimension to our weekend.
Overall Chicago trip was very productive for me in terms of professional development and meeting with new people and also seeing the person who is dear to me.
Looking forward to the third week of the program, I returned back to UICU campus.