Proposal for RBMS Preconference

Tuesday, June 25 – Friday, June 28, 2013

2013 Annual Conference, Chicago, IL: Thursday June, 27 – Tuesday July 2, 2013

St. Anthony Falls, Downtown Minneapolis

See also: http://www1.umn.edu/wishyouwerehere/

Please note that much text contains links to organization and event websites.

The Minneapolis-St. Paul area, collectively referred to as the Twin Cities, is renowned for its

cultural and recreational opportunities and beautiful natural surroundings.

The Twin Cities are best known for their rich natural environment. Each season offers ample

opportunity to explore the natural world in a variety of contexts. Twin Cities' parks and lakes

are extensive with 136,900 acres of parkland and 950 lakes in the metro area alone. Hiking,

fishing, swimming, golfing, snow shoeing, boating, or evening walks around Lake Harriet are all

popular and accessible activities for any visitor.

Additionally, the metro area offers a wide selection of cultural and entertainment

offerings. There are several public museums, private art galleries, music and arts festivals,

historic theaters that offer drama, comedy and music, and a plethora of cuisine options suitable

for even the most discerning pallet.

If sports are your preferred form of recreation there are a variety of options. As a spectator you

have it all. Each major professional sport is represented in the Twin Cities: Vikings,

Timberwolves, Wild, Twins, Lynx and Thunder. The University of Minnesota teams are another

possibility, and so is the St. Paul Saints, a minor league baseball team that is a local favorite for a

summer evening of fun.

The Twin Cities also offer extensive opportunities to shop for many uniquely Minnesotan goods

and services. Downtown Minneapolis has two million square feet of retail, one of the highest

concentrations of shops in any city its size. The Nicollet Mall and the Uptown area are two of

the most popular and well known shopping districts. For pure shopping power, there is no better

fit than the nation's largest shopping center, the Mall of America.

In 2010 Minneapolis was named the best bicycling city in the US.

June weather in Minneapolis/St. Paul

In summer, June through September, visitors to Minneapolis will enjoy hot weather and a humid

climate. July is the hottest month of the year in Minneapolis, with plenty of sunny weather and

daytime temperatures of around 28°C / 83°F. Summer weather may be wet at times and heavy

showers can occur.

Proposed Schedule

Note: the following represents a suggested base draft. At an August 2010 meeting,

representatives from other academic and cultural-heritage organizations around the Twin Cities

expressed interest partnering to support the preconference. These organizations are: the

Minnesota Center for Book Arts, the Minnesota Historical Society, the University of St. Thomas,

the College of St. Catherine, Carleton College, Rob Rulon-Miller Books, the Ampersand Club,

the Bakken Library and Museum, and the Guthrie Theater. Both the Minnesota Historical

Society and the Guthrie Theater have expressed interest in hosting a reception, with a special

performance of some sort for our guests suggested by the latter.

The proposal described here keeps programming and receptions located in downtown

Minneapolis and on the nearby West Bank campus of the University of Minnesota. Possibilities

do exist for programming in St. Paul and those may be considered.

Tuesday June 25, 2013

Arrival day, registration, booksellers’ showcase, tours, workshops, opening reception

(ABAA)

Possible optional (organized) activities:

Workshops at the Minnesota Center for Book Arts: In 2007 MCBA offered 4

optional, half-day workshops for attendees of the SHARP conference: Printing

on the Iron Hand Press – Instructor, William Myers; Japanese Papermaking –

Instructor, Jeff Rathermel; Paper Marbling – Instructor, Lin Lacy;

Bookbinding– Instructor, Gary Frost. Workshops were all offered 10 am to 12

noon and repeated 2 pm – 4 pm, allowing for interested attendees to take two.

Cost was $25 per workshop.

Organized tours of local collections and museum, TBD

Additional tour opportunities individuals can explore on their own, arrival day or

throughout the week (walking distance from downtown hotels):

Mississippi River Boat Tours

The “Magical History Tour” – Segway tours of the Mississippi Riverfrom

and Historic Mill City Ruins

Mill City Museum

James J. Hill House

Hill Library at St. John's University

Kierkegaard Collection at St. Olaf and Special Collections at Carleton

College, Northfield, MN

Conservation lab and storage facilities at Minnesota Historical Society

Schubert Club Museum

General Mills Archives

Minnesota Public Radio Headquarters

TPT – Twin Cities Public Television Many of these and others listed below under “Entertainment”

Wednesday June 26, 2013

Full day of programming at hotel, evening reception at the Guthrie Theater

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Full day of programming on the campus of the University of Minnesota or at the

conference hotel. In either case, possible reception on campus; restaurant night, organized

evening tours or events. Alternate reception venue: the Mill City Museum.

Possible U of M Site Options

Plenary session in 3M auditorium or other campus theater

Day of small sessions, possibly Blegen Hall

Reception and exhibit viewing in Andersen Library

Friday, June 28, 2013

Half day of programming at hotel, leave for Chicago; additional tours

1. Conference Venue Downtown Minneapolis offers a large number of hotels and easy walking and public

transportation to a wide array of restaurants, museums, parks, and the Mississippi Riverfront.

The preconference meetings would take place at the hotel selected and attendees will be allowed

to spend their evening time exploring the city’s dining and entertainment options with perhaps

some group dining or outings planned as optional events.

The second full day of the preconference could possibly take place on the Minneapolis campus

of the University of Minnesota, approximately 1 mile from the main downtown hotel district and

serviced by a good bus system, though shuttles would likely be recommend for timely and

comfortable transportation for preconference registrants. Andersen Library has a room that could

serve one to three small sessions. For any plenary sessions we would likely want to look at the

theater located in the Carlson School of Management, located near Andersen Library on the

West Bank of the Mississippi River. Other buildings on the West bank could provide rooms for

other sessions, or we could consider rooms in Coffman Memorial Union, a short walk across the

Washington Avenue Bridge and past the Weisman Art Museum.

Weisman Art Museum, on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota –Twin Cities campus, designed by

Frank Gehry (addition, also designed by Gehry, currently under construction)

Possible venues on U of M Campus:

Elmer L. Andersen Library (reception): http://andersen.lib.umn.edu/policies.html

3M Auditorium, Carlson School of Management:

http://www.csom.umn.edu/page4983.aspx

Blegen Hall Classrooms (page includes map of West bank):

http://www1.umn.edu/twincities/maps/BlegH/

Coffman Union Theater: http://www.sua.umn.edu/reservations/coffman/spaces/theater

“Block E” entertainment complex (near Target Center and Target Field) seen in the middle. Graves 601

Hotel to the right.

2. Accommodations

Hotels

While most attendees will stay in the conference hotel, there are also a number of convenient

higher- and lower-cost options available, depending on individuals’ preference for cost or

amenities. Please see attached list.

Dormitories

Dormitory accommodations may be available on the Minneapolis Campus of the University

of Minnesota. University of Minnesota Conference & Event Services:

http://www.uces.umn.edu/

3. Transportation to and from Minneapolis

Airport

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP) is not part of any city but is nestled among

several. The airport is surrounded by Minneapolis, St. Paul and the suburban cities of

Bloomington, Eagan, Mendota Heights and Richfield.

MSP has one airfield with four runways and two terminal buildings - theTerminal 1-

Lindbergh and Terminal 2-Humphrey -each with adjoining parking ramp facilities. Travelers

who need to transfer from one terminal to the other use the light rail transit service. There is no

pedestrian access between the buildings.

One-way airfares between Minneapolis and Chicago have come down significantly in recent

years. By plane the trip is approximately 356 miles and takes about 1 hour. One-way airfares on

Southwest (researched June 2010) were about $160.00 with some fares as low as $69.00.

Train Travel, Minneapolis to Chicago

Amtrak

Passage on the Empire Builder from the Amtrak Station in St. Paul to Chicago’s Union

Station depart at 7:50 am and arrive at 3:55 pm. (8 hr. 5 min.). Fares researched June 2010

were $99.00 and $128.00.

Bus Travel, Minneapolis to Chicago

Megabus

Megabus to Chicago service picks passengers up in downtown Minneapolis, near to

preconference hotels. Travel times and fares researched June 2010 were:

Departs 7:00 AM Minneapolis, South 3rd St. & Chicago Ave.

Arrives 3:00 PM Chicago, Union Station S Canal St south of Jackson Blvd.

$24.00

Departs 11:30 AM Minneapolis, South 3rd St. & Chicago Ave.

Arrives 7:30 PM Chicago, Union Station S Canal St south of Jackson Blvd.

$15.00

Departs 5:00 PM Minneapolis, South 3rd St. & Chicago Ave.

Arrives 1:15 AM Chicago, Union Station S Canal St south of Jackson Blvd.

$20.00

Departs 10:30 PM Minneapolis, South 3rd St. & Chicago Ave.

Arrives 6:30 AM Chicago, Union Station S Canal St south of Jackson Blvd.

$15.00

Greyhound

Research conducted June 2010 show that bus trips via Greyhound, bus terminal also

downtown Minneapolis, were between 8-1/2 and 10 hours in duration and cost $28.00 (web

only), $30.00 (advanced purchase) and $63.00 (standard fare).

4. Local Transportation from the Airport

Light Rail Transit

Light Rail Transit offers service directly to downtown Minneapolis. Trains run every 7 or 8

minutes during peak hours and every 10 to 15 minutes at other times of the day. From the

airport, trains can take you to the Mall of America in about 11 minutes and to the

Warehouse District in downtown Minneapolis in about 25 minutes. If you have a layover

and plan to take the train away from the airport, please allow time to travel and return.

Tickets are sold at vending kiosks at the rail stations.

Light rail fares for adults are $2.25 during rush hours (Monday through Friday, 6 to 9

am and 3 to 6:30 pm) and $1.75 at other times.

Reduced fares are available for seniors, children and persons with disabilities.

Children 5 and under ride free.

For more information, visit the Metro Transit website, www.metrotransit.org/light-

rail.

No ticket is needed to travel between airport terminal stations.

Taxicab Service

Taxicab service is available at both terminals.

Terminal 1-Lindbergh

Taxi service at Terminal 1-Lindbergh is accessible via the Tram Level (Level T). Signs

direct passengers one level up to the taxi starter booth, where airport staff will assist

passengers in obtaining a taxi.

Terminal 2-Humphrey

At Terminal 2-Humphrey, taxi service is available at the Ground Transport

Center, located on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp directly across from the

terminal building.

Fares

Downtown Minneapolis is approximately 16 miles from the airport, with fares averaging

$34-$44. The distance to downtown St. Paul is approximately 12 miles and fares average

$28-$34.

All taxi fares are metered at a rate of up to $2.35 per mile and include a $3.00 trip fee that

is added to the final metered fare.

Shuttle Vans

Shared Ride Services – In Town

Shared ride service to and from the airport is available from SuperShuttle.

Ticket counters are located in the Terminal 1-Lindbergh Ground Transportation

Atrium, accessible via the terminal's Tram Level. Follow the signs to the appropriate

escalator or elevator up. Advance reservations are highly recommended.

Shuttles drop off travelers near the Green and Gold parking ramps across from the

Lindbergh Terminal. From there, you can take an escalator or elevator down to the

terminal's Tram Level (Level T) or up to a skyway to Ticketing.

Travelers arriving at Terminal 2-Humphrey can call for pick up at the Super Shuttle

kiosk in the Ground Transport Center, located on Level 1 of the Purple parking ramp

across from the terminal building.

Reservations: 612-827-7777 or 612-713-7488

Fax: 612-713-8999

E-mail: mspsales@supershuttle.net

Web Site: www.supershuttle.com

Scheduled Services

Scheduled bus, van and limousine service is provided by several companies at the

Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Ticket counters are located in the Ground

Transportation Atrium, one floor up from the Tram Level (Level T) in Terminal 1-

Lindbergh. Advance reservations are highly recommended for out-of-town service.

Please contact the individual companies directly for rates, routes and other information:

http://www.mspairport.com/GroundTransportation/van-and-shuttle-services.aspx

Car Rentals

Terminal 1-Lindbergh*

On-airport rental car counters at Terminal 1-Lindbergh are located on the second and

third levels between the Blue and Red parking ramps. Passengers can take the

underground tram to the Blue and Red parking ramps and then take an elevator to the

second or third floor.

Terminal 2-Humphrey*

At Terminal 2-Humphrey, on-airport rental car counters are located in the Ground

Transport Center on the ground level of the Purple parking ramp directly across from the

terminal building.

*All on-airport rental car companies have counters at both terminals.

Alamo 1-800-327-9633

Avis 1-800-831-2847

Budget 1-800-527-0700

Dollar 1-800-800-4000

Enterprise 1-800-325-8007

Hertz 1-800-654-3131

National 1-800-227-7368

Off-Airport Car Rentals

Shuttle buses to the off-airport car rental companies are accessible from the Terminal 1-

Lindbergh Transit Center, between the Blue and Red parking ramps. From the Tram

Level, take the underground tram to the Transit Center. Take an escalator or elevator up

one level.

5. Local Public Transit, Downtown Minneapolis

Metro Transit Buses

http://www.metrotransit.org/

In addition to Light Rail Transit, Metro Transit also manages an extensive bus system

that can easily transport visitors to other parts of the city for dining and recreation and

between dormitories and the conference hotel. Many dining and entertainment options,

however, will be in easy walking distance.

Taxis

Taxicabs are also plentiful in the downtown area.

Bicycling

Nice Ride Minnesota Bicycles are available for short term rental from 65 locations around Minneapolis, many

downtown and on or near the campus of the University of Minnesota.

6. Entertainment Opportunities

Organizations of Similar Interest

Minnesota Center for Books Arts a part of Open Book

Museums & Galleries

Are museums and galleries more your taste? If so the Twin Cities have a community tradition of

supporting the arts and have several venues which showcase that support.

Mill City Museum and Mill Ruins Park

The Walker Art Center

The Bakken Museum

The Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum at The University of Minnesota

Science Museum of Minnesota

Minnesota Children's Museum

Bell Museum of Natural History at the University of Minnesota

Minnesota Museum of American Art

Minnesota Historical Society

Mill City Museum (along the banks of the Mississippi River)

Walker Art Center

Minneapolis Sculpture Garden

Music, Clubs & Concert Halls

The level of musical artistry in the Twin Cities is extraordinary, featuring more than 18

professional music organizations, and 25 community music groups. The area is also home to

many bars, nightclubs, and concert halls featuring a wide range of live music.

Orchestra Hall - A Minneapolis landmark for live classical music

St. Paul Chamber Orchestra - Internationally renowned

The Minnesota Opera - Featuring national and international acts

The Dakota Bar and Grill - Live Jazz nightly

The Artists Quarter - Quaint, intimate jazz club

Famous Dave's - BBQ and Blues First Avenue (site of the Prince movie Purple Rain)

Other Attractions

Target Field Baseball Stadium – Minnesota Twins Baseball

Target Center – Minnesota Lynx WNBA Basketball

Downtown Minneapolis Tours

Mississippi River boat tours Magical History Tour

Downtown Minneapolis and Nearby Shopping

In 1967 the city's principal shopping area, Nicollet Mall, was converted into one of the

country's first pedestrian malls. The traffic-clogged street was replaced with a wide

roadway for buses and taxis only. Sidewalks were widened and turned into a shady,

flower-filled boulevard. This 12-block area is home to hundreds of shops, theaters,

department stores, restaurants, and offers a wide selection of produce at the farmer's

market.

The "Warehouse District" houses several galleries, antique shops, and night

clubs. Located near the Target Center, the area is composed of many of Minneapolis's

oldest standing buildings that have been converted from industrial to commercial

properties.

Located just outside downtown Minneapolis, Calhoun Square and the surrounding area

are collectively referred to by locals as "Uptown". The area offers upscale and urban

shopping, dining, entertainment, and cafes.

The Mall of America is the nation's largest indoor retail complex. From the largest

indoor theme park in the country, to more than 400 specialty stores, major department

stores, Legoland and UnderWater Adventures, there is enough to keep you busy for a

week. It offers plenty to do, see, and eat with a variety of dining options, bars, and a

fourteen screen General Cinema theater.

Twin Cities Booksellers

Minneapolis

James & Mary Laurie Booksellers, Fine used, rare and out of print (Downtown,

Minneapolis) - ABAA

Magers & Quinn, new used and rare (Uptown, Minneapolis)

Wild Rumpus, Children’s (Linden Hills, Minneapolis)

Once Upon a Crime, Mystery (Uptown, Minneapolis)

True Colors, Feminist (South Minneapolis)

Uncle Hugo’s and Uncle Edgar’s, Science Fiction and Mystery (South Minneapolis)

St. Paul

Rulon-Miller Books, Americana, Language, Literature, Voyages & Travel, Fine, Early &

Unusual Printing, (Summit Avenue, St. Paul) - ABAA

Midway Books, Used and rare (Midway, St. Paul) - ABAA

Red Balloon, Children’s (Grand Avenue, St. Paul)

Sixth Chamber, Used (Grand Avenue, St. Paul)

Guthrie Theater (along the banks of the Mississippi River)

Theater

The Twin Cities are second only to New York City in the number of theater seats per capita.

Minneapolis alone is home to 30 live theaters.

Actors Theater of Minnesota

Ballet of The Dolls

Brave New Workshop, founded by

Dudley Riggs in 1958

Bryant-Lake Bowl Theater

Center for Independent Artists

The Chameleon Theatre Circle

Chanhassen Dinner Theatres

Chaska Civic Theatre

Cheap Theatre

Children's Theatre Company

Corcoran Park Players

Cross Community Players

Dream Lab Theatre

Ensemble Productions

Ethnic Dance Theatre

Eye Of The Storm

15 Head

Frank Theatre

The Gaia Collective

Galumph Interactive Theater

Gilbert & Sullivan Very Light Opera

Great American History Theatre

The Guthrie Theater

Hardcover Theater

Hauser Dance

Heritage Theatre Community, Inc.

Hey City Theatre

Illusion Theatre

Intermedia Arts

In The Heart of The Beast Puppet and

Mask Theatre

James Sewel Ballet

Jungle Theatre

Lakeshore Players

Lex-Ham Community Theater

Macalester Players

Margolis Brown Company

Mary Worth Theatre Company

Minneapolis Musical Theatre

Minnesota Dance Theatre

The Minnesota Fringe Festival

The Minnesota Jewish Theatre

Company

The Minnesota Opera

Mixed Blood Theatre Company

Nautilus Theater Company

Oh My Productions

Old Log Theatre

Oops Dinner Theatre

Ordway Center for the Performing

Arts

Orpheum Theatre

O'Shaughnessy Auditorium

Pangea World Theater

Park Square Theatre

Patrick's Cabaret

The Penumbra Theatre Company

Pillsbury House Theatre

The Playwrights' Center

Plymouth Playhouse

River's Edge Playback Theatre

Rosetown Playhouse

Shakespeare & Company

Shortened Coffin Productions

The Silly Sisters

The Southern Theatre

South High Theater

Stages Theatre Company

Starting Gate Productions

State Theatre

SteppingStone Theatre

Teatro del Pueblo

Théâtre de la Jeune Lune

The Theater Gallery

Theatre in the Round Players

Theater Mu

3 Legged Race New Theater &

Performance

Triple Espresso

Unraveling Muses

University Theatre

Walker Art Center

Youth Performance Company

June Events in Minneapolis

Twin Cities Book Fair (in 2010 this falls on June 25-26)

Stone Arch Art Festival - this family-orientated festival takes place annually in June on

Father's Day weekend and features a variety of shows and musical performances along

with a vast number of stalls selling food, drinks, arts and crafts

Twin Cities GLBT Pride (in 2010 this falls on June 25-27) - one of the many festivals

held annually at Minneapolis' Loring Park, this gay, lesbian and bisexual pride festival

extends over two days in June and features a parade, information booths, food and drink

stalls and a colorful array of vendors selling various wares

7. Additional Potential Partners

Midwest Antiquarian Booksellers Association

Midwest Art Conservation Center

The American Swedish Institute

Hennepin County/Minneapolis Central Library – Room Rental (pics and prices)

8. Possible Sponsors:

3M

West Publishing

Cargill

General Mills

Fuller Adhesives

ECM Press