First commissioners meeting

I was invited to go to a commissioners meeting this week to talk about TLAB. It was also the first time the teen library advisory board was invited to talk about what TLAB to the high ups. I had to present something. The teens had to present something. No powerpoint presentation. Mind you, this was happening really fast. We were given 30 minutes to speak, and this was my first time speaking in front of the big guns. Now, talking in front of teens and youth is fairly easy for me, but talking in front of a room full of adults is something I get nervous about. Oh, and it was going to be televised. It is one thing doing storytime live, but for there to be a record of my presentation somewhere in the cloud…worrisome.

I write, and write, and try to think of stories as a way to talk about how I re-started up TLAB. If I had visuals, it would help illustrate my stories, so I brought along a folder. Good thing I enjoy talking lots and lots of pics of every teen program I’ve done!

Then I practiced, and practiced, and it felt like I was going in for an interview. I wasn’t sure what questions the stakeholders were going to be asking, but I knew I better be somewhat prepared. I felt so bad for the teens because it turned out that they only asked the teens questions! They did great though, like I knew they would, and I hope the commissioners’ meeting was a good experience for them as it was for me. Some support. Some advice. Another first, for me and TLAB.