(via Ramune Kubilius, Northwestern University)
“Rivers of Data, Streams of Knowledge” is the theme of the 2018 HSLI (Health Science Librarians of Illinois) Annual Conference that will take place September 26-28 in Rockford, IL at the newly renovated Cliffbreakers Riverside Hotel & Conference Center. Visit the website to see photos of the hotel, located above the scenic Rock River, and to read about the amenities the hotel offers (complimentary WiFi, a fitness center, and an indoor pool!).
First settled in 1834, a mere 16 years after Illinois became a state, (and 3 years after Chicago was incorporated), the city was originally called Midway, because it was midway between Chicago and Galena. It later became Rockford because of the Rock River’s rocky ford bubbling near the original settlement. Home to universities and hospitals where some of our HSLI members work, Rockford is a wonderful place to visit, with much to see and do. Leave time to explore.
A number of cultural institutions share Riverfront Museum Park campus park real estate not far from the hotel. Rockford Art Museum (RAM) houses a collection of works by Illinois artists and in 2018 began a new Pop-Up Restaurant Series. Discovery Center Museum is a family-oriented museum with a science bent, focusing on geological and life science topics relevant to the Rockford region. Burpee Museum of Natural History is home to a juvenile T. rex named Jane. Locals also recommend visiting the nearby Tinker Swiss Cottage that sits on the limestone bluff overlooking Kent Creek.
Across the Rock River, if time permits, visit Anderson Japanese Gardens, one of the top Japanese gardens in North America. Also consider visiting Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. Since it will be fall, you may also enjoy a 30-minute drive to an apple orchard, such as Edwards Apple Orchard.
More information about the aforementioned and so much more can be found in the site of the Rockford Visitors and Convention Bureau.
As it becomes available, more information about the Conference program and speakers will be posted in the Conference website. For any questions, please contact Eric Edwards, Publicity Chair for the 2018 HSLI Conference Planning Committee, at EEdwards@ilsos.net.