Welcome all to the state capital of Helena and the 2019 MLA Conference! I hope you share my enthusiasm for this year’s event and its theme of “Going the Whole Way.” As you know, the face of librarianship is transforming in this modern world: the needs of our patrons is expanding and the role that libraries play within their communities changes rapidly too. We now do so much more than what we were traditionally assigned; but whether we function as quasi-lawyers, quasi-social workers, quasi-day care providers, or quasi-therapists, we are still entirely champions of the communities we serve and the people who walk through our doors. I hope you enjoy the fabulous programs we have lined up for you for 2019. Please plan to attend all the events that on the slate: the welcome receptions, tours, division gatherings, awards ceremonies, the MLA business meetings, the keynote and author luncheons, and, of course, the Cates scholarship fund-raiser and silent auction. Thank you so much to conference planners Debbi and Doug and to our local conference committee of Stephan Licitra and Mary Ann George. Get ready for some fun in Helena, Montana!