NEW ITEMS OF INTEREST
"Not again!" said my daughter, when I announced that there was a fire at the library of Alexandria on Sunday. She was thinking of the burning of the ancient library. Fortunately, though, the two incidents have nothing in common. The fire that occurred, and that that was reported on various channels and radio stations, was a minor incident in an office on the fourth floor of the main building of the library. Though people were taken to the hospital for fear of smoke inhalation, no one was hurt. One of our colleagues sent me this new announcement: "A fire broke out Sunday in the sleek, new Alexandria library, sending thick smoke swirling through the building that opened to international fanfare in October. The fire, which lasted about 45 minutes, appears to have been caused by a short circuit in the fourth-floor administrative area of the Bibliotheca Alexandrina — the waterfront site of what was the most renowned library of the ancient world. Authorities evacuated the 11-story building and people were taken to hospitals for treatment for smoke inhalation. 'Everybody is safe, thank God,' said Leila Dowidar, head of the library's grants division."
Amira Nowaira, our co-convener from Alexandria University wrote to Edris and Faiza on Monday: "I was hoping that news of the Library fire would not travel fast and cause you unnecessary worry, but I'm afraid it has. Fire started on the 4th floor in one of the administrative offices, but was immediately contained and everything is now back to normal. I went past the Library this morning and there was absolutely no sign of anything going amiss."
It is interesting how minor accidents, which happen daily and go unnoticed everywhere, are now making the news because of the information technology and, of course, catching our attention (if they happen in Egypt!). Today I spoke with Ms. Dowidar, the assistant to the director of the Library, and she is still amazed at the attention the accident received. She reassured me that nothing has been affected beyond some office space.
It has dropped dramatically--this means that everything will be cheap for those of us using US dollars. The exchange rate given earlier (L.E. 4.50/5 to one U.S. dollar) is no longer accurate. The dollar now is worth about L.E. 6 and rising daily.
Some participants have inquired about donating books to the new library. It would be a very worthwhile gesture if each of the participants brought one or two books to donate to the library, especially since it is now building up its collection. It would even be better if the book you donate is your own! (Obviously no textbooks or books with markings in them.)
Some participants need room-mates.
Please let Melody (Melody-Ann.Yomekpe@notes.udayton.edu) know if you are interested in sharing.
Please provide the following information: 1) Gender; 2) Hotel choice; 3) Working/sleeping hours; 4) Smoking/non-smoking.
REMINDER!!! If you have not paid your pre-registration, please do so ASAP or indicate that you wish to pay on site.
Airfare tickets have to be paid in full by February 10 so that the tickets get issued and sent to you. Please deduct the $400 deposit from your total fare. While the $400 is used to confirm both airfare and hotel reservations, the amount is used toward the airfare for the sake of simplifying payment. REFUNDS WILL BE MADE IF THE CONFERENCE IS MOVED TO DAYTON AS STIPULATED.
Please be aware that if you have not paid your registration fee by February 10 (or indicated that payment will be made on site) your name will not appear in the program.
Please check the sidebar :Visa Information
for an update that includes details about people traveling from different places.
REMINDER!!! To present a paper and to have your name appear in the program you must be a current member of the ALA--that is, you must have renewed your membership or joined for the calendar year 2003. Please contact Robert Cancel: rcancel@ucsd.edu