On Thursday September 19th fifty-five New Hampshire librarians traveled to Washington, D.C. for a visit and lunch with Congressman Charles Bass. The State Library, along with public, school, and academic libraries were represented. The group arrived at the steps of the Capitol for a photo opportunity with the Congressman, then went on to tour the National Botanical Gardens. Congressman Bass provided lunch at his office and made himself available to speak with individuals.

After lunch, the group headed to the Library of Congress, first touring the Jefferson Building and then going to the Madison Building for a demonstration of the digital library program, presented by Marilyn Parr, Head of the Digital Reference Team. Afterwards there was an opportunity for sightseeing before an evening flight back to Manchester. Many took the time to see more of the Library of Congress while others toured the city.

Theresa Paré, IT Librarian and Supervisor of the Electronic and Government Resources Section at the State Library, called the visit "an excellent opportunity for New Hampshire librarians to visit the Capital and Library of Congress and to realize how they impact the situation here at home."

Dianne Hathaway, Director of the Goffstown Public Library, summed up the trip this way: "Visiting the Library of Congress was like stepping into a cathedral of knowledge. I appreciated meeting the staff and learning about the services they provide in terms of digital resources available to all libraries."

For Jeanette Lizotte, Bow High School librarian, it was the second visit of this nature. "I feel one of the strongest reasons for going on this trip is the camaraderie gained by getting to meet librarians from other library settings...this trip provides the opportunity to exchange ideas and share with each other, while gaining the benefit of learning new experiences. I was most impressed with the tour of the Library of Congress; each time I visit I discover something remarkable of which I had no prior knowledge."

This is the third annual trip of its kind, and this year's attendance was the highest ever. "We look forward to continuing this tradition," said Michael York, State Librarian. "It gives us a chance to meet with our elected officials and see first hand what is going on at the federal level."

After the group arrived home they were asked to send comments negative and/or positive; some of those comments are below -

"It was a fantastic trip. I agree with the suggestion of visiting the Library of Congress first. This is what I was looking forward to the most and I had a hard time staying awake for the presentation, it would be a lot less tiring to stay overnight and I also wonder if it would be possible to cut down on some of the walking by taking a shuttle bus or something. Thanks for a memorable trip. It was wonderful."

"Thank you for your efforts in pulling together a fabulous "professional development" day. I have been telling my K-4 students about the Library of Congress and showing some oversized postcards - it's great when they gasp over the one of the Reading Rooms!"

"I loved the whole day. Great opportunity to meet and talk with other librarians from around the state. I even signed up for my own Library of Congress Card, just to stand in the reading room - awesome - next time the children's room."

"I agree that the Library of Congress should come before lunch to minimize napping. And, yes, an overnight would be nice, but it might rule out some people. It was nice to see so many school librarians. I know it's harder for them to get out, and two days might not be possible for them. I'm sure some folks have mentioned that a larger room for lunch would be nice. It would give Charlie a chance to come around and visit at each table for a couple of minutes. In spite of being totally exhausted and having to get up early Friday to pack for a camping and square dance weekend, I'm really glad I went."

"I had to work on Friday and Saturday - very low functioning due to exhaustion. I will never go to D.C. for one day again. Have the Library of Congress part before lunch and gardens part after lunch and optional. I wish we could have had an option to fly down but fly back Sunday instead, if we wished."

"I do agree that the Library of Congress should have been in the AM. I also think that the time schedule was so tight because time for security checks was not factored in...walking time was however. But to be honest, as a trustee who authorizes the director's time off and the payment for the trip: I do not understand the purpose of the trip. The only part that was worthwhile for librarians was the 45 minute seminar that many people fell asleep in! But to pay over $100 for that when we can do that by teleconference. It seems to me the trip was to make Bass feel good about himself and give him campaign fodder: "Annually I host a trip to DC for librarians from all over the state." While I appreciate his staff taking us around and arranging for our tours - the man is not my congressman and he didn't really have lunch with us!..."

I do hope the majority of the group had a pleasant trip. Granted it was a very long day, my feet will never forgive me I'm sure. Although we had a lot of new faces in the group this year, there were a few repeat folks. Be sure to talk to your professional and non-professional staff about thinking of joining us next year.

Arriving at the steps of the Capitol Building	Lunch with Rep. Bass at the Cannon Office Building
Chatting with Rep. Sununu and Rep. Bass on the steps of the Capitol Building
Two of our library representatives, Janet Angus, Director of the Merrimack Public Library and Pat Heinrich, Chair of the Merrimack Public Library Trustees	Talking with Rep. Bass on the steps of the Capitol Building