The N.H. State Library, in cooperation with the office of Congressman Charles Bass, is pleased to present an extraordinary opportunity for New Hampshire public, school, and academic librarians, trustees, and/or staff and spouses.

Be among the first 40 New Hampshire librarians to traveL to Washington, D.C. on Thursday, September 16, 2004 to visit the Supreme Court building and a "behind the scenes" at the Library of Congress, and don't forget our luncheon with Rep. Bass, and a photo opportunity on the steps of the Capitol Building.

We will be traveling on Southwest Airlines, with an early morning flight, leaving Manchester Airport around 6:30 a.m. and arriving at BWI Airport about 7:50 a.m.. After arriving at BWI we will ride the bus to the MARC train station (about $10.00 round-trip) and arrive at Union Station in the heart of downtown Washington at about 8:45 a.m.. From there it's a short walk up to the Capitol Building, where we will have a meet and greet with Rep. Bass and have our pictures taken. Our return flight (the same day) will be from BWI at approximately 8:00 p.m. arriving back at Manchester Airport between 9:00 and 9:30 p.m. These times are approximate based on past programming experience.

I will be calling Southwest to make group reservations in late May or early June to reserve 40 seats, and will be able to let you know the price of the tickets at that time. Including air and train fare, we suggest individuals budget a minimum of funds to cover any unforeseen expenses, souvenir shopping and/or food expenses. For those who have never gone before, but have thought about going, it is a very exciting and fun filled experience. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at 271-2932 or e-mail darlene@library.state.nh.us. Of course, if you would like to join our group, and stay the weekend in Washington, you will have to make your own air reservations. I will let you know our flight number if you let me know you want to join the group in Washington.

There is a lot of walking once we get to Washington, so be sure to wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes. I recommend sneakers or something that will give you good support.

If you wish to take advantage of this unique educational and collegial experience, please e-mail me at darlene@library.state.nh.us with your name, phone number, library, and e-mail (for those school and academic librarians be sure to send me a summertime e-mail address) and I'll put your name on my list. Remember, just because you've asked for more information, does not mean you are committed to going. That happens when we purchase tickets. If you have questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

~ Comments from past NH Librarians' Day participants ~

"The tour and workshop at the Library of Congress was interesting and helpful. Their Memory Project is "awesome," I have shared it with several staff members who were very impressed with its depth and breadth."

Elsie Domingo
Dover Middle School

"The N.H. Librarians' Day in Washington, D.C. was a wonderful experience for me. Meeting other librarians from around the state, school and public from all levels, was an enriching experience. Greet and meet time with Rep. Bass gave the important message that our libraries and librarians are valued as an integral part of education and society. The photo was a lovely keepsake. I enjoyed the tour of the Botanical Gardens, and a brief walk on the mall. A guided tour of the Library of Congress was the highlight for me. The richness of history and art and its contents was inspirational. It was a long, exhausting day, but most valuable and rewarding. Thanks for including me. I hope to have the opportunity to go again."

Eileen Culkin
Inter-Lakes Jr/Sr High School
Meredith

"At day's end I wondered if the address and arrangements were deliberately planned or a coincidence in the way Mother Nature so often manages, effortlessly. The Congressman graciously provided us entrance to the newly restored Arboretum complete with plants and species native to America. While our senses were still tingling with the sounds of exotic birds, the smells of complimenting plants and flowers were the gentle touch of mist and humidity, Congressman Bass sat us in the warmth of the noonday sun. There on the steps on the House building, he shared with us his obvious pride in successfully saving one of the oldest trees on the Capitol Campus.

Barbara Miles
Library & Archives of N.H.'s Political Tradition
N.H. State Library, Concord