Friday Photo: ALA HQ

I’m always surprised when people want a tour of ALA HQ. I’ve honestly never worked anywhere that was more architecturally nondescript. Case in point, the ALA Publishing Editorial and Marketing Offices hallway.

Now, the people, of course, are much more interesting, and if the tour were of individual offices, it might fall a bit closer to being worth the price of (free) admission.

One thing that might startle first-time visitors, though, is how few people work here given how much is accomplished. For example, the offices and cubicles of LITA, ALCTS, and LAMA fit along one short hallway.

The real environmental value of working at ALA HQ is actually the stunningly beautiful downtown location. May is especially gorgeous here in the Cathedral District, as dozens upon dozens of streetside planting areas are filled with tulips in full bloom. The photo below is the St. James Cathedral tower just across the street. So next time you are at HQ, I recommend skipping the tour of the offices and asking for a tour of the neighborhood.

This post marks the first in a series of Friday Photos, not of drab hallways but rather of (we hope) interesting shots of ALA people, offices, or scenes from the neighborhood as we offer a glimpse into our work life here at HQ.