National Institute 2026

Modern Indigenous stories belong in libraries every day, not just in November. Native authored books offer the same universal themes of family, friendship, courage, and resilience we celebrate in story time regularly, and span every collection genre for all age categories - from mysteries and fantasy to contemporary, historical, humor and beyond. We'll explore how to make these powerful stories a natural part of your year-round programming and collections. 
This session will equip children's and family librarians with practical strategies to authentically weave Native books into story times, displays, and programming that engage and inspire all families. We'll share interactive activities, book selection tips that prioritize authentic Native voices, and programming ideas that create joyful, meaningful experiences for every child and family in your community. 
Participants will leave with curated book lists and collection development resources, ready-to-use programs, display ideas, and guidance on respectful implementation. 
Native families live everywhere - in urban centers, suburbs, and rural towns, not just reservations - yet we're often overlooked in library collections and programming. These stories matter deeply. Native children deserve to have their identities reflected on library shelves,

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and all children benefit from the cultural richness and diverse perspectives Indigenous voices bring.