Association of Jewish Libraries

Conference 2022: Together Again!

Shalom Safranim and Friends!

Here is your weekly conference update to keep you informed about the upcoming AJL conference, June 27–29, 2022, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Philadelphia Resources

Philadelphia has something to offer everyone. Below are some resources to help you get started.

Philadelphia Tourism

• Independence Visitor Center (599 Market Street). In the heart of Independence Mall.
• Visit Philadelphia. Official visitor website for Greater Philadelphia.
• Philly PHLASH Downtown Loop: An inexpensive on-and-off bus route to help you explore.

Jewish Philadelphia

Congregation Mikveh Israel and B'nai Abraham Chabad, both within walking distance of the conference hotel and venue, offer a variety of weekday and Shabbat services; be sure to call ahead.

• Congregation Mikveh Israel (44 N. 4th Street)
• B'nai Abraham Chabad (527 Lombard Street)
• Shelter, Food, and Service Resources (B'nai Abraham Chabad)
• Jewish Genealogical and Archival Society of Greater Philadelphia (Visit them in our Exhibit Hall!)

Kosher restaurants closest to our hotel (or visit Keystone-K for more options):

• Goldie Falafel (1911 Sansom Street; 10 minute drive), IKC certification, vegan
• Su Xing House (1508 Sansom Street; 9 minute drive), IKC certification, vegan
• Star of David Kosher Grill (942 Montgomery Ave, Narbeth, PA; 25 minute drive), Keystone-K certification

Important Reminders

Those of you who have already registered for AJL Conference 2022: Together Again! should have received an email last week with reminders about Socio, meals, and volunteering, as well as other helpful information. Please review that email in full, while we share again some of the most time-sensitive items.

• The Socio app contains the entire conference schedule, session descriptions, presenter bios, information about our sponsors, and easy ways to connect with other attendees. Be sure to sign in and create your profile BEFORE the conference. Complete instructions for signing into Socio and creating a profile were emailed on 5/18 or can be accessed at https://conta.cc/3M6ELbE.

• So that we can ensure the appropriate size meeting room and enough chairs for each session, please indicate on the Socio Schedule which sessions you are most interested in attending by clicking on the small plus sign to the right of each session (it will change to a check mark). This will also create your own personal agenda for the conference. Don't worry—you can change your preference at any time! We just want to get an estimate of how many people are interested in each session.

• There are four entrée choices at the Awards Banquet on Tuesday night: Honey Dijon Salmon; Stuffed Pepper with Quinoa, Vegetables & Tofu; Grilled Vegetable Stack Over Couscous; and Pasta Primavera with Vegetables. So that our caterer can be prepared, please indicate your preference on this form: https://forms.gle/i7UjA5bQUAFKbxyv5. If you do not fill out this form by Thursday, June 9 (9:00 am Eastern time), you will receive a salmon dinner.  

• AJL is an all-volunteer organization and we need your help to make our conference run smoothly. If you are able, please sign up for one or more volunteer shifts at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e4fa9a82ea6f9c70-2022.  

Be sure to ...

• View the updated preliminary program.

• Register on our conference webpage; check the instructions to add tours or additional meals to your cart.

• Order a boxed kosher dinner for Monday night if you'd like one (not included in conference registration). During or after registering, select "Monday Boxed Kosher Dinner (veggie wrap, chips, fruit, dessert)" via the ticket dropdown menu on the conference webpage.

• Visit the AJL Zazzle store for Conference 2022 T-shirts, mugs, notebooks, and more!

• Bring proof of vaccination to Philadelphia. Out of concern for the safety of our conference attendees and guests, everyone attending must be fully vaccinated. You will be asked to show your ID and proof of vaccination at the registration table, so please be prepared (take a photo of your vaccination card, upload it to a vaccination passport app, or bring it with you.)