The TLA PLACEMENT CENTER is a fabulous place to volunteer at the conference.

Volunteers are needed to help at the placement center during the conference and to critique resumes. Be sure to fill out the Volunteer Form and check off Placement Center or contact Jeff Levy, UNT - 940.565.2013 for more information.

There are all kinds of fun adventures to be had in Dallas but I’m always partial to eating in some of our great restaurants. This week’s restaurant review is concentrated in the Deep Ellum area. When I worked at Dallas Public Library we loved to go to Deep Ellum to eat because it cost only $0.50 to park. What a bargain!

12-27 Note: I just found out that the Deep Ellum area no longer charges for parking during the lunch hour. That really is a bargain.

One of my fav’s is Omega’s - 2713 Commerce Street, 214-744-6842. This small, family run TexMex restaurant is on the north side of Deep Ellum. They actually put spices in their food. This isn’t one of those chain restaurants. I always order the fajitas but they have some other delicious dishes. If they are still operating like they did at the old location, they won’t bring you a check; you pay at the counter and just tell them what you ordered.

The Angry Dog - 2726 Commerce St, (214) 741-4406, www.angrydog.com. Great place if you like hot dogs. And the burgers are pretty yummy too - some would say the best in Texas. It’s basically a bar with some tables and it’s crowded. There’s usually a line at lunch.

There are several stipends available for the conference. Check out these sites and see if you qualify:

Automation & Technology Round Table

Laura Edwards TLA Conference Scholarship Stipend

Escue Annual Conference Stipend

Genealogy Round Table

Public Libraries Conference Stipends

Today's post is from Viki Ash at San Antonio Public Library:

Looking for something to do in between work, family chores, and holiday shopping? Why not let somebody else wrap the presents while you apply for TLA's Laura Edwards Stipend?

The Edwards Stipend is awarded to first time TLA attendees to help offset conference costs -- and TLA dues if necessary. The stipend is given to as many as four librarians who serve children in school or public libraries. Full details and the stipend application are available at the TLA website. Applications must be emailed or postmarked no later than December 19.

If you are an experienced TLA conference-goer, please assist us by forwarding this message to a new librarian you know.

Happy Holidays -- and get those applications in the mail!