Committee members—seated, l to r: Kristen Terbrack, Beverly Thompson (chair), Lowell Handy; standing, l to r: Todd Ferry, Dennis Norlin, Cameron Campbell,  and Zhongwen Jin.

Welcome to Chicago!

The Local Host Committee and the ATLA staff are delighted to welcome you to the Windy City, home of ATLA headquarters! Sixty years ago, 50 seminary librarians came together as strangers and through two brief days together became friends and colleagues, collaborating to bring life to something larger than themselves. Since those humble yet ambitious beginnings, ATLA and the craft of theological librarianship have grown and developed substantially, as this year’s annual conference proves. With more papers, presentations, and roundtables than ever before, the 2006 annual conference is sure to provide something of interest for everyone.

While you’re here, we hope you’ll find Chicago to be, as we do, the perfect blend of big-city culture and small-town friendliness. The Local Host Committee thought you might like to know a few facts about the city so that you feel less like a tourist during your visit: the "Windy City" refers to our politicians, not our weather; in Chicago, we say "pop" and "bag," not "soda" and "sack;" when people take the L, they’re really taking the "el" (for "elevated train").

Your hotel, the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, is adjacent to the famous Merchandise Mart on the North Bank of the Chicago River. The Mart, built in 1930, is the largest commercial building in the world, encompassing over 4 million square feet. Due east of the hotel is Michigan Avenue, famous for the shopping along its Magnificent Mile, the world-renowned Art Institute of Chicago, the lively summer bustle of Grant Park, and the captivating allure of Chicago’s newest attraction, Millennium Park. All in all, Michigan Avenue is a great place for any visitor to begin exploring Chicago.

The conference opening reception takes place in the beautiful offices of Gardner, Carton, & Douglas—just steps away from your hotel; the banquet takes place in the hotel itself. The Local Host Committee has lined up some exciting entertainment for both events.

Excursions on Thursday and Friday will allow you and your colleagues and friends to explore a vast sampling of the cultural events and world-class cuisine that make Chicago great. We hope you’ll consider staying on a few extra days with your family to take advantage of all that this big-city-small-town has to offer.

We can’t wait to see you!

Local Host Committee, 2006 conference

ATLA Staff