I have been spending quite a bit of time visiting branches this last couple of weeks.  It has been a real pleasure to meet you in your areas - and especially to be invited to the inaugural meetings of the Dorset and London branches.  I am keen to meet more of you all over the country - do ask me and I shall try to get to meet you all if at all possible. 

The interesting aspect of these branch meetings is just the obvious benefit and enjoyment all the members get from networking, sharing problems, and just the chance to feel there are other people out there doing the same sorts of things as you are - the sense of isolation is reduced.  This is exactly what SLA is here for - to support you the members in this eminently practical way.  These quotes are from members at a recent branch meeting I attended -

• Thank you so much for making yesterday's SLA meeting possible and for making us all so welcome!
• I rarely meet other librarians so it was a lovely opportunity to meet so many in one room! I found the session very motivating and I left with many ideas and a revived enthusiasm.

Tricia Adams