Anna Russell

ANNA DISCUSSES THE MEMBER BENEFIT SHE VALUES MOST & SHARES HER FAVORITE AALL MEMORY

Anna Russell is the Branch Librarian at the U.S. Courts Library in Anchorage, Alaska.

WHY DID YOU JOIN AALL?

I have always known how important it is to have a network of colleagues sharing ideas. Our profession is specialized enough that it is easy to be aware of AALL. I joined as soon as I entered the profession to gain the collaboration, perspectives, and knowledge that a nationwide association provides.

WHY DO YOU STAY A MEMBER?

The other members and Association colleagues are why I stay a member. Having experience in other nationwide associations as well as state and more localized associations, I think AALL is right-sized. Not too big or too small with the opportunity to make meaningful and lasting relationships.

WHAT ONE MEMBER BENEFIT IS MOST VALUABLE TO YOU?

This is not a fair question! There are different layers of benefits. Some I use weekly, and others happen infrequently but are equally valuable. I guess I would have to say the AALL Annual Meeting is my favorite membership perk to look forward to each year. I am always, always impressed by how much energy and knowledge I gain from at the Annual Meeting.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE MEMORY ASSOCIATED WITH AALL?

I have so many favorite memories. I would have to choose Bryan Stevenson’s keynote talk 2017 AALL Annual Meeting to share as a favorite memory. It was a profound speech that had me in tears, and I will remember it forever.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING OUTSIDE OF WORK?

Being outside. We are raising an Alaskan malamute who will turn two in May 2022. He has a lot of energy, and he helps me look at the world in different ways.

WHAT BOOK(S) ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

Mary Roach’s Fuzz: When Nature Breaks the Law, this is an eye-opener and a fun read.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL/VACATION DESTINATION?

The next place I haven’t been yet. We have tentative travel plans to Singapore, which I am really looking forward too. The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are also on my bucket list. That could be the coolest travel destination.