Miriam on feeling supported by AALL and why she loves the grand canyon
Miriam Childs is the Director at the Law Library of Louisiana, Louisiana Supreme Court in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Why did you join AALL?
I was encouraged to join by Carol Billings, the director of the Law Library of Louisiana when I started in 2003. Her involvement in AALL is legendary. She wanted me to immediately take advantage of AALL’s educational and networking opportunities.
Why do you stay a member?
I continue my membership because AALL is very responsive to the needs of its members. I feel very supported by the opportunities to learn and grow as a professional because of its responsiveness.
What one membership benefit is most valuable to you?
The recorded sessions from prior meetings allow me to continue professional development outside of the annual meeting, and to catch what I missed.
What is your favorite memory associated with AALL?
Hearing Bryan Stevenson as the keynote speaker at the Austin AALL Annual Meeting. I will never forget that. Learning more about Mr. Stevenson’s work really pushed me to become passionate about access to justice.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy the more-than-occasional Netflix binge, spending time with my cats, endless rounds of Solitaire, exploring new wines with friends, and catching up on my magazines. Oh, and shopping for clothes online, though working from home has slowed that down, which is a good thing.
What book(s) are you currently reading?
The Accident of Color: A Story of Race in Reconstruction by Daniel Brook, about the legal and social standing of descendants of free people of color in post-Civil War New Orleans and Charleston, SC; and Behind Enemy Lines: the True Story of a French Jewish Spy in Nazi Germany by Marthe Cohn, who was able to pose as a nurse to elicit information from German soldiers to pass on to the French First Army.
What is your favorite travel/vacation destination?
The Grand Canyon. I had such a sense of freedom and adventure when I visited. I loved learning about the Native Americans who inhabit the area. It’s so beautiful, vast, and fascinating.