Welcome again Book Buddies and reading enthusiasts! This month, TheRomerReview website gladly present you with the happenings regarding the gathering of Black librarians, and quite a few authors and readers who support the dissemination of books. We're committed to bring you timely and informational input so that your reading pleasure would be guaranteed. Thus, in this issue all the previous staples return, including The Muse Online: A Literary Column featuring the article, 'Awestruck Among The Literati', a satirical ditty from the Moderator. Our feature Author of The Month is Alicia Singleton, author of the book Dark Side Of Valor. Be on the lookout too, for the next installment of TheRomerReview Newsletter.

As we embark into the beginning of a new millennium, the opulent challenges and opportunities that face African-American communities and those of African descent will ultimately be centered on the digital divide, and being able to close the gap that exist with access to technology or lack of same. With the aforementioned firmly in mind, The Black Caucus of the American Library Association (BCALA) convened in Ft Lauderdale, Florida recently to hold their fifth national conference at the Broward County Convention Center.

This year's gathering places emphasis upon the theme of 'Access", and whether access can be attained to balance the electronic and technological scales. If you attended the conference you were able to join your colleagues and friends at workshops and training sessions, meet new and exciting authors; visit the various literary exhibits, and attend breakfasts and luncheons. They pulled out the stops and really gave a good rendition of southern hospitality but with a tropical twist! A taste of the Caribbean was evident while dancing to the steel drums at the Caribbean Show & Dinner Dance, and a special night out stompin' at the Savoy. To top it all off the week ended with a bang with a cruise to the Bahamas. To those that wondered what transpired, I will take you through each day and end it with my take of the events as I spent time with three lovely authors (Tracy Price-Thompson, Rita Coburn-Whack, and Christine Young-Robinson).

BCALA CONFERENCE DETAILS: CLICK HERE

DID YOU MISS SOMETHING? Review past issues here.