This is a ticketed event. Only registered Teen Services Development Day attendees will be able to attend. Debut author Delali Adjoa joins Valerie Tagoe to discuss The Free Verse Society, writing for teens, the experience of launching a debut novel, and the power of language in finding yourself and connecting with others. Registrants will be added to this event in SCHED based on ALA... See More →
Delali Adjoa was born in Togo to Ghanaian parents but grew up in Canada, where she traded sunny cottons for wool tuques and snowsuits. She has been chasing warmer weather ever since. Delali writes fiction centered on identity, freedom, and family, and loves the American South for the stories it... Read More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered attendees will be able to attend, as space is limited.This full-day preconference takes attendees to Buffalo’s nearby neighbor, Rochester, for a library and museum tour! Attendees will begin the day at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, with a tour of the facilities and light refreshments. In the late morning, attendees will receive a... See More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered Teen Services Development Day attendees will be able to attend. Each year, the Alex Award honors ten outstanding books published in the past year for adults but with high teen appeal; there is also a "longlist" of an additional twenty vetted titles. While the award is intenteded to help librarians recommend adult books for more mature teen readers, it... See More →
Cathy was a teacher librarian in Connecticut, at all levels at some point in her career. She spent the 17 up to her retirement in 2018 at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk, CT. Following her (ha-ha) "retirement," she has been a presenter for the Bureau of Education and Research... Read More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered Teen Services Development Day attendees will be able to attend. Planning and leading programming for tweens is essential for bridging the gap between the storytime crowd and older teens. Welcoming and creating space for tweens is essentially to maintaining lifelong library users. Learn about creating engaging tween programs that will help these young... See More →
Dania is the Assistant Director and Teen Librarian at the Baldwinsville Public Library in New York. She loves leading crafting programs for tweens and teens and encouraging them to showcase their unique talents through art. She also focuses on fostering partnerships and connections... Read More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered Teen Services Development Day attendees will be able to attend. Are your teen programs missing their target audience? If you've ever planned an event, only to have low (or no) attendance, you're not alone! This session will focus on designing programs that actually appeal to teens by centering their interest, removing barriers to participation, and... See More →
Prairie is a Youth Services Assistant that focuses on teen programming, outreach, and marketing. They’ve spent the past few years building up teen engagement (and turning the library into a space teens actually want to hang out in). They’re especially interested in creative programming... Read More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered Teen Services Development Day attendees will be able to attend. In recent years, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library's Central Library experienced disruptive behavior and occasional conflicts among teen patrons--symptoms not of 'problem teens' but of unmet needs. This session shares the practical evolution of Central Library's new Teen Space--from... See More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered Teen Services Development Day attendees will be able to attend. Manga (and anime) has become mainstream. However, whether librarians are catering to the otakus or the casual readers, it's best to have a foundational knowledge ourselves to blend with student recommendations and what's appearing in pop culture while adhering to our district's collection... See More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered Teen Services Development Day attendees will be able to attend. Generative AI tools are transforming the way people search for, process and create information. But what role can these tools play in libraries, where trust, equity, and access are all central values? This session will explore how children's and youth services librarians can teach patrons... See More →
Assistant Library Director, North Miami Public Library
Georgette Spratling serves as the Youth Services Librarian and Assistant Director at the North Miami Public Library in Miami, FL. She is also a PhD student at Simmons University's School of Library and Information Science, where she holds the position of Dean’s Fellow for Diversity... Read More →
This is a ticketed event. Only registered attendees will be able to attend, as space is limited.This half-day preconference, facilitated by Buffalo’s Western New York Book Arts Center, located just two blocks from the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, will provide two hands-on crafting experiences:Bookmaking: Simple Techniques - Participants can expect to learn about various bookmaking structures and... See More →
Looking for new ways to grow your teen audience and deepen their engagement with the library? Learn about three unique program offerings at the Middle Country Public Library - Friday Teen Night, Media Teens and Teens Tech 4 Good - that continue to evolve in response to the needs of teens in the community. Discover how year-round programs, offered in both formal and informal learning settings, help... See More →
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the current state of the world? This program will uplift you and provide concrete examples of ways youth services librarians involved in the Sustainable Libraries Certification Program are providing learning opportunities to children and teens in their communities to empower both library staff and the audience they serve to become leaders in sustainable thinking.... See More →
Are you struggling to find engaging books that are developmentally appropriate for young teens? Where have all the 12-15 year old protagonists gone? They've moved to middle grade, a category traditionally targeted at 8-12 year olds, and its time to talk about why. This interactive session explores the shifting landscape of literature for younger teens, including the recent aging up of middle grade... See More →
Catherine and Erica work with teen services at Arapahoe Libraries, Catherine as supervisor of Teen Services and Erica as a teen services librarian. As part of their work with ALD, they maintain a robust schedule of booktalking visits with local schools and also manage their district’s... Read More →
Catherine and Erica work with teen services at Arapahoe Libraries, Catherine as supervisor of Teen Services and Erica as a teen services librarian. As part of their work with ALD, they maintain a robust schedule of booktalking visits with local schools and also manage their district’s... Read More →
Many neurodivergent people (those with brain differences affecting processing, like autism and ADHD) love comics and graphic novels, and visual mediums support literacy, especially for those with learning differences. However, typical comic conventions are often sensory nightmares, with crowded, loud and bright convention centers creating a hostile or outright exclusionary environment for... See More →
Booktalking is an important part of active programming for tweens and teens. Join Scot Smith as he discusses the hows and whys of booktalking. Included in this fast-paced and informative session are techniques to motivate reluctant and potential readers, different styles of booktalks, and recent research about adolescent literacy.
Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee--Knoxville
Scot Smith is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee. Before changing careers, he worked in school libraries for more than 25 years. He served on the 2018 Printz Award committee and has read for the jury of the Schneider... Read More →
Angie Thomas is the author of the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling Nic Blake and the Remarkables series, The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Concrete Rose as well as Find Your Voice: A Guided Journal for Writing Your Truth. She is also a coauthor of the bestselling collaborative novels Blackout, Whiteout, and Breakout. A former teen rapper who holds a BFA in creative... See More →
Angie Thomas is the author of the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling Nic Blake and the Remarkables series, The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Concrete Rose as well as Find Your Voice: A Guided Journal for Writing Your Truth. She is also a coauthor of the bestselling... Read More →
Angie's books will be available for purchase onsite at the National Institute bookstore, including Nic Blake series, The Hate U Give, and 2026's Breakout (co-authored with Dhonielle Clayton, Tiffany D. Jackson, Nic Stone, Ashley Woodfolk and Nicola Yoon).
Angie Thomas is the author of the award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling Nic Blake and the Remarkables series, The Hate U Give, On the Come Up, and Concrete Rose as well as Find Your Voice: A Guided Journal for Writing Your Truth. She is also a coauthor of the bestselling... Read More →
Join Barbara Irwin, PhD, Tony Buttino Sr, and Pam Johnson, PhD, as they discuss their book, Creating Reading Rainbow: The Untold Story of a Beloved Children’s Series. The story of Reading Rainbow is very much a story of humble beginnings and perseverance. This General Session will focus on this beloved children’s series, including answer the question: “how did a public television station in... See More →
Professor Emerita, Department of Communication, Canisius University
Barbara Irwin, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita of Communication at Canisius University in Buffalo, New York. Specializing in media studies, she taught courses in media and children, public broadcasting, and media literacy, among many others. Irwin worked as a Reading Rainbow Project Assistant... Read More →
Tony Buttino Sr. is best known for his leadership in the creation of the Emmy award-winning Public TV series Reading Rainbow. Most of his forty years of working at WNEDTV (now Buffalo Toronto Public Media) were spent utilizing and marketing instructional television (ITV) as a teaching... Read More →
Pam Johnson, Ph.D., is the former Executive Director of Ready To Learn at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a school readiness initiative developed in partnership with PBS KIDS, leading children’s content producers, researchers, and America’s public media stations with... Read More →
Professor Emerita, Department of Communication, Canisius University
Barbara Irwin, Ph.D., is Professor Emerita of Communication at Canisius University in Buffalo, New York. Specializing in media studies, she taught courses in media and children, public broadcasting, and media literacy, among many others. Irwin worked as a Reading Rainbow Project Assistant... Read More →
Tony Buttino Sr. is best known for his leadership in the creation of the Emmy award-winning Public TV series Reading Rainbow. Most of his forty years of working at WNEDTV (now Buffalo Toronto Public Media) were spent utilizing and marketing instructional television (ITV) as a teaching... Read More →
Pam Johnson, Ph.D., is the former Executive Director of Ready To Learn at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a school readiness initiative developed in partnership with PBS KIDS, leading children’s content producers, researchers, and America’s public media stations with... Read More →
This discussion session is intended to present current trends in literacy and provide a space to discuss literacy and literacy programming in libraries.
My name is Macy Kinney, and I'm the children's librarian at the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion, MA where I serve ages 0-12. I'm the co-chair of the Early and Family Literacy committee and look forward to meeting folks and discussing literacy in the library at our literacy discussion... Read More →
Today's library landscape demands continuous evolution to creatively and efficiently meet the changing needs of readers. Yet, many non-fiction collections remain rooted in 19th-century systems. This session shares the journey of transforming an outdated, oversized elementary non-fiction collection into a dynamic, accessible resource organized using an innovative bucket system. By transitioning... See More →
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... See More →
Kidlit Author, WNDB Mentee 2019, SCBWI NM E/I Lead
Laurel Goodluck - writes picture books with modern Native themes that reflect Native children's cultural experiences and everyday life showing Native children that they have a perspective that is unique and powerful. Charlesbridge will release Laurel's debut picture book, Forever... Read More →
Research shows that children 0-3 years need playful activities with a responsive caregiver to develop language, executive function, foundational STEM knowledge, and more. At this session, discover Big Playdates, a model program offered in libraries across the U.S. and Canada where parents and caregivers learn simple, language-boosting play activities they can do with everyday materials, from... See More →
Since the 2016 premiere of the Netflix series Stranger Things, the interest in Dungeons and Dragons has been at a 30-year high. Role Playing Games (RPGs) like D&D are a natural fit for library programming. They support literacy goals through innovative, collaborative storytelling and world building. RPGs encourage reluctant readers to use their creative imagination and critical thinking skills to... See More →
Across New York State, libraries and PBS stations are teaming up to spark curiosity, creativity and a love of learning among children and families. The session celebrates how these trusted community partners are working together to support joyful, educational experiences that extend beyond books and screens. Designed especially for children's librarians, this session highlights intentional... See More →
Children's Services Consultant, Monroe County Library System
Talk to me about building a love of reading from the very beginning! I’m passionate about early literacy, creative parent engagement, and making meaningful community connections that help children and families thrive. Whether it’s sharing ideas for family literacy programs, growing... Read More →
Director of Education Television and Public Broadcasting, New York State Education Department
I spent 15 years in public broadcasting working to support educators, families, and learners! Now, as part of the New York State Library at NYSED, I'm able to bridge the excellent work of all of our state's public media stations and that of public libraries. Together we are better... Read More →
Many libraries across the United States and Canada have implemented programs where certified therapy dogs visit libraries to listen to children read. The idea of incorporating therapy dogs into public library reading initiatives stems from research showing how animal companionship positively impacts mental health, emotional well-being, and learning outcomes in children. These programs may... See More →
This discussion session is intended to serve as an opportunity for those attendees looking for clarity on current legal issues. Information on current legal trends and resources from the Office for Intellectual Freedom will be shared, then the conversation will be opened up for attendees to share their concerns and strategies. Participants are welcome to ask questions and discuss what they are... See More →
Establishing and maintaining art programming at your library can feel overwhelming. Budgets can be tight, spaces limited, and audiences unpredictable. In spite of these challenges, you can present programs that serve the needs of your community. Learn how we created inspiring, enriching, intergenerational, hands-on art experiences that explore a diversity of techniques, styles and media, along... See More →
Children's Librarian II, Santa Clara County Library District
Tamara Palmer is a Children’s Librarian with the Santa Clara County Library District, has a Bachelor of Arts in Multiple Subjects and a Teaching Credential from Humboldt State University, and an MLIS from San José State University. Prior to her 16 years as a librarian, she was... Read More →
Children's Librarian, Santa Clara County Library District
Kyla Wong has been a children’s librarian for Santa Clara County Library District for 10 years now. She has a Bachelor’s in Architecture degree from UC Berkeley and MLIS from San Jose State University. She enjoys hosting storytimes for all ages, arts and craft programs, book clubs... Read More →
This session explores how school and public librarians can create more welcoming, culturally responsive library environments that foster reading motivation and a sense of belonging for young Black males in grades K-12. Drawing from recent dissertation research featuring narrative interviews with seven Black men recounting their library experiences, this program will examine the critical role that... See More →
The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library's Grosvenor Room (Special Collections Department) and Explore & More - the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Children's Museum have partnered to create dynamic genealogy programs for children and families of diverse backgrounds. This collaboration bridges the gap between library resources and play-based learning, inviting participants to connect across generations,... See More →
2026 marks the 30-year anniversary of the Pura Belpré award for Latiné children's literature. Since the creation of the award, hundreds of books have been honored that celebrate and affirm the Latiné cultural experience. But how diverse is this representation of the Latiné experience? Do these titles offer opportunities to empower all individuals in the Latiné community? This session answers... See More →
This program will introduce methods, strategies, and artifacts for teaching information literacy through the lens of children's literature. In the last ten years, critical thinking skills have become increasingly important, and the age at which mis/disinformation exposure begins moves up with every technological innovation. Therefore, librarians and educators who work with children have a greater... See More →
Health Sciences Librarian, Western Kentucky University
I have a Bachelor of Arts in English with a Creative Writing Concentration as well as a Master of Science in Information Sciences from the University of Tennessee, where I worked as a student library assistant in Special Collections. I was an assistant librarian at Holmes Community... Read More →
After years of declining, the number of children, some as young as 10 years old, and teens incarcerated in the United States started climbing in 2022. These youth are disproportionately BIPOC, disabled, LGBTQ+, and male. Largely invisible and isolated before, during and after their incarceration, they are easy to overlook. Find out how you can reach youth impacted by incarceration. Learn about... See More →
Manager, System Adult Outreach Services, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
Improving the condition of humankind in a small, yet meaningful, way.
As a dedicated librarian with a multifaceted career spanning adult outreach, small business support, and children's services, I bring a wealth of experience in fostering community connections and promoting information literacy. From managing branch libraries to coordinating adult s... Read More →
Life happens in all of the spaces we create. Early literacy spaces are the foundation of a strong library, strong community, and strong economy. We have the ability to shape the future direction of our world; are we on the right track? Join us as we dive into the social and cultural impacts of illiteracy, understand the themes post-pandemic, create action steps to move forward, and integrate... See More →
In recent years, librarians, educators, book creators, politicians, and other adults have increasingly discussed issues of intellectual freedom and young people's right to read. Following on the heels of these discussions, more books have been published for children and teens about intellectual freedom, often with a focus on book challenges and bans. Books addressing this topic have expanded not... See More →
In 2025, several Westchester County (NY) non-profit organizations and the County government joined forces to launch a "Disconnect to Reconnect / D2R" initiative to help families disconnect from their digital screens and reconnect with each other and society through play and other 'engaged' activities. Monthly newsletters, public screenings of the documentary, 'Playing for Keeps: The Upside of... See More →
Director of Development, Westchester Library System
Director of Development for Westchester Library System in the Hudson Valley region of New York, raising awareness and dollars to advance equity in Westchester County. My work is built on a foundation of collaboration and partnerships with local government, community-based organizations and our 38 independent member libraries. Since... Read More →
During the 2025-2026 school year, the Rochester City School District began an initiative to enhance news literacy education in the classroom. A cohort of librarians and educators conducted a year-long needs analysis to identify how best to support teachers and help students think more critically about the news they consume. In this session, we will share insights from our participation in the News... See More →
Librarian on Assignment, Rochester City School Library System
I have been a Librarian in the Rochester City School District for 30 years. My interests are cataloging, AI ethics, and News Literacy. My personal interests are traveling and quilting.
Just in time for Halloween! Join comics enthusiast Scot Smith, a renown scaredy-cat when it comes to horror, as he discusses the genre of hum-ror, that mixture of dark fantasy and humor, in recently published graphic novels for children and tweens. Middle grade readers frequently enjoy scary graphic novels with ample comic relief sprinkled throughout the story. This presentation will cover why... See More →
Assistant Professor of Practice, University of Tennessee--Knoxville
Scot Smith is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Information Sciences at the University of Tennessee. Before changing careers, he worked in school libraries for more than 25 years. He served on the 2018 Printz Award committee and has read for the jury of the Schneider... Read More →
The hidden superpower of middle management isn't authority--it's influence. While directors navigate budgets and board relations, and frontline staff connect with patrons, middle managers are the vital connective tissue that transforms vision into reality, bridging reference desks and technical services, youth programming and collections, circulation and community outreach. This session... See More →
In the United States, the amount of time available for children for free play is on the decline, especially for children living in poverty. Unsurprisingly, and in line with ALSC's 2019 National Research Agenda, libraries have been investing in programs and spaces for children's play. Youth Service librarians recognize the importance of play for promoting children's language and literacy skills,... See More →
Associate Professor, School District/ Higher Education
Peter is Associate Professor of STEAM Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research focuses on the design of maker-based learning, professional communities and research practice partnerships. Peter enjoys playing soccer, euchre and drinking hot cocoa with his fam... Read More →
Professor, University of Wisconsin-Madison Information School
I currently teach courses on young adult literature, multicultural literature for children and young adults, pedagogy, informational divides, and online participatory cultures. I have conducted research on children’s media cultures, focusing on issues of gender, play, literacy... Read More →
I am an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Information Equity, Diverse Communities, and Critical Librarianship track at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. My work focuses on understanding the public library as an informal... Read More →
Escape rooms are in and traditional book clubs are out - so what happens if you turn your book club into an escape room? The 'Escape Room Book Club' has been a monthly success at Loudoun County Public Library in Virginia since January of 2021, originating as an online program before morphing into an in-person program in the public library as well as an elective course at a local school. Designed... See More →
Teen Services Librarian, Loudoun County Public Library
I started my career in an academic film library before moving to public libraries in 2020. From 2016 - 2021, I also served as the (volunteer) event planner for two annual weekend-long youth leadership events, where my task was to create/implement engaging activities in between speakers... Read More →
In an era of heightened censorship and book challenges, school librarians are increasingly called to make principled collection development decisions that balance intellectual freedom, professional ethics, and community expectations. This session presents findings from a recent doctoral dissertation exploring how school librarians apply ALA's Core Values and Code of Ethics to guide their work in... See More →
Most library school programs prepare youth services and school librarians to engage and excite readers about books, but not always to understand the science of how children learn to read or the specific needs of those with reading and learning disabilities. This session bridges that gap, inviting librarians to consider what they do not know about literacy instruction, decoding, and reading... See More →
Executive Director, Strategy & Partnerships, Teach My Kid to Read
I started Teach My Kid to Read when my daughter struggled to learn to read, and I saw how inequitable it was to learn to read. My background is in educational publishing and education, but I'm passionate about supporting libraries so that all children can access resources and strategies... Read More →
Teaching Assistant Professor, University of South Carolina
Dr. Valerie Byrd Fort is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the School of Information Science at the University of South Carolina. A former elementary school librarian, her work focuses on diverse children’s literature, school libraries and intellectual freedom. Byrd Fort is a recipient... Read More →
Looking for ways your library could improve its resources for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers? Want to be a part of improving literacy in your community? Start with the babies! Adding toys and tubs to your library system requires money and time, but it's a worthwhile investment in your youngest patron population. The Springfield-Greene County Library District has built a unique collection of... See More →
Youth Services Support Associate, Springfield-Greene County Library
Jennifer Wardlaw is the Youth Services Support Associate at Springfield-Greene County Library, where she primarily manages the district's toy collections. Before joining the library system, she spent 15 years in early childhood education.
Outreach Services Manager, Springfield-Greene County Library District
I am a big believer in the power of the public library to enrich the lives of children and families. I am an avid reader and love getting book recommendations from other readers. I have rarely met a dog I didn't like. Show me a picture of your dog or tell me about a great book you... Read More →
Every year brings a cornucopia of distinguished children's books beyond what wins the Newbery and Caldecott Medals, and there are a number of awards that recognize different types of excellence. In this session, you'll learn about some of those awards from book award committee veteran and reviewer Adrienne Pettinelli. Then you'll do hands-on activities to examine some 2026 award contenders and... See More →
Adrienne Pettinelli is the director of the Henrietta Public Library. Before becoming a director, she spent most of her career in children's services, and she has served on several book award committees, including the Caldecott Committee and the Boston Globe Horn Book Awards. She's... Read More →
This discussion session serves as an opportunity for children’s library staff from small or rural communities - who are often the only children’s librarian on their staff, or one of very few serving a large community - to discuss issues and trends in their work.
This presentation shares the practical realities of building trust-based partnerships with disability communities, including the commitment to provide consistent services over months before gaining community trust, and how word-of-mouth eventually brings people from over two hours away because they feel genuinely welcomed. We'll examine micro-level implementations (ASL storytimes, sensory bags,... See More →
Tess is a public librarian who specializes in early childhood services and outreach. She does around 20 in library early childhood programs a month and 5 outreach visits. She was a member of the 2026 Randolph Caldecott Committee and is currently a member of Oklahoma's Sequoyah... Read More →
This session spotlights a romance book club designed to center Black teen girls and other teens of color by celebrating love stories that reflect their lived experiences, dreams, and identities. Rooted in the belief that reading for pleasure is both a literacy strategy and a form of resistance, the romance book club uses contemporary YA romance novels to foster community and culturally responsive... See More →
Youth services prepares you for managerial roles with an existing skill set that can be cultivated for advancement. Learn which skills to polish, what professional development to look for, and how that all can be spun into an employment narrative.
In coordination with the celebration of the Sibert Award's 25th anniversary, this session will focus on how nonfiction books invite curiosity, inspire inquiry, and support literacy and pleasure reading. Attendees will learn how to evaluate nonfiction, develop strong collections, promote nonfiction in their libraries, and connect readers with quality nonfiction texts. The program will also... See More →
School Librarian and Tech Integrator, Falmouth Middle School
Cathy Potter is a middle school school librarian and technology integrator at Falmouth Middle School in Maine. She chaired the 2022 Sibert Award Committee and served on the 2018 Newbery Committee and the 2014 Sibert Committee. Cathy is a National Board Certified Teacher, and she recently... Read More →
At the 2024 ALSC National Institute, staff from Multnomah County Library shared their successful model for Rainbow Storytime. This year, Denver Public Library joins them to share how that model can be adapted to any community to offer thriving LGBTQIA+ programming for kids and families. Come learn how we proposed, planned, presented and expanded identity-supporting storytimes explicitly... See More →
Youth Services - Outreach Administrator, Denver Public Library
Hello! I’m all about building community spaces where everyone can feel like they belong. I’ve spent two decades working with families across the U.S. and Latin America, and these days, I’m at the Denver Public Library dreaming up inclusive programming while wrapping up my MA... Read More →
I love storytime more than most other library things. I get to provide storytimes and other programming for youth of all ages, connect youth and families to library resources, and I feel really lucky that she sometimes gets to wear pajamas or costumes at work. Outside of the library... Read More →
Santa Clara County Library District embarked on a multi-year initiative to reimagine children's spaces by centering play and engaging staff. A two-year design process spanning seven locations integrated staff input, local community influences, and research in child development and early literacy to create inclusive play spaces that support children of all abilities and their caregivers.To ensure... See More →
I’ve worked in libraries for 15 years. I currently serve as the director of a rural library in Livonia, New York. My experience is in children’s and outreach services. I advocate for diverse and inclusive collections and equitable library services, I often bring my own seat to... Read More →
In June of 2022 the Censorship campaign came to St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana. While this cultural phenomenon had been happening and continues all across the country, the St. Tammany Parish Library experience has been unique. There have been as many twists, turns, political intrigue, violence, triumphs, and heartbreak as any multi-season drama series on Netflix. This case study outlines the... See More →
In the age of AI and smartphones, critical thinking skills can be missing in the daily diet of the brains of our children and teens. Just like kids need to eat their vegetables to stay physically healthy, they need routine exposure to critical thinking skills like decision making, problem solving, analyzing, observing and more to stay sharp when dealing with the influx of digital media they... See More →
Young people live in the age of the digital flood, a tsunami of mis/dis/partial/compelling information. What can nonfiction books offer as guideposts, life rafts, islands of safety in the storm? Our panel of award-winning creators and a Sibert chair offer librarians some answers. Engagement: What makes an author's work compelling, an artist's images both clear and exciting, a design inviting?... See More →
Please ask me about my passions: research, narrative nonfiction, children, cooking, vegetarianism, walking, New York City, social justice, history, humor, dogs, and dark chocolate.
Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Rutgers University, School of Communication and Information
Marc Aronson won the inaugural Sibert medal for Sir Walter Ralegh and the Quest for El Dorado; he also edited an initial honor book, Judd Winick’s Pedro and Me, and the 10th medal winner, Tanya Lee Stone’s Almost Astronauts. The author or co-author of over 25 highly honored... Read More →
Pages to Purpose is a reading and service initiative that challenges students to transform their reading experiences into catalysts for action. Instead of leaving stories on the page, students connect what they read to real-world issues such as food insecurity, neurodiversity, or the environment, and then join together in hands-on service projects that make a tangible difference in their... See More →
This session will provide practical, actionable strategies for library professionals to better support neurodiverse children ages 0-12. Attendees will learn about key resources and best practices for creating sensory-friendly library environments, including the use of quiet zones, sensory kits, and other accessible design elements. Participants will also explore ideas for inclusive,... See More →
Assistant Supervisor - Child and Family Library Services, Arapahoe Libraries
Erin has worked and had trainings from the Autism Community Store for the past few years to make sure that everything we share and provide at Arapahoe Libraries is correct. Erin worked with the Autism Community Store to develop Arapahoe Libraries' sensory bags and kits. Erin also... Read More →
Children often say, "I like books with photos because then I know it's real," but most informational picture books feature illustrated artwork. In this fast-paced, interactive session, award-winning nonfiction author Melissa StewartDemonstrates how to enrich read alouds and storytimes by sharing photos andDescribes ways photos, videos, and webcams can engage young researchers and energize young... See More →
Nonfiction author and researcher, Children's Book Author
Melissa Stewart is a leading voice in children’s nonfiction, with more than 200 science books to her name. Known for her meticulous research and engaging voice, she helps readers explore the natural world in titles like the ALA Notable Whale Fall: Exploring an Ocean-floor Ecosy... Read More →
Join fellow children's services and library managers for a discussion session for all things management. This session is intended to be a space for children's services and library managers to discuss issues in their work; raise questions; and share tips and successes.
Yes, you heard right - math, it's for babies! Early math is one of the strongest predictors of later school achievement and research has demonstrated that we can start supporting children's math development from day one. Babies and toddlers need repeated exposure to early math precursors (attribute, comparison, change, and patterns) in order to support their later mastery of early math... See More →
I am an Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Information Equity, Diverse Communities, and Critical Librarianship track at the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Library and Information Studies. My work focuses on understanding the public library as an informal... Read More →
As hubs of lifelong learning, libraries are the near perfect place to ignite curiosity, creativity and connection. Family programming offers fun opportunities to model this while empowering kids and their grownups to learn and grow together... and with their community. Intergenerational games and activities also provide rich tools for traditional, developmental, and social-emotional learning. In... See More →
Rates of homelessness for families with children are increasing more than for any other population in the United States. Housing instability and homelessness is known to have serious, long-term impacts on children's physical, emotional, and educational well-being, including disruptions to their learning and school attendance. Libraries can be an important resource for families at-risk of or... See More →
Associate Professor, Graduate School of Library and Information Studies, Queens College, CUNY
I am an associate professor at the School of Information Studies (QCSIS), Queens College, the City University of New York. Before joining the faculty I was a public and academic librarian for more than twenty five years. I completed my PhD at SUNY, the University at Buffalo, where... Read More →
Are your STEAM programs feeling a little stale--or too overwhelming to even begin? Whether you're short on time, staff, or funds, this session offers practical, scalable solutions for revitalizing your library's STEAM programming. This workshop will walk participants through a variety of hands-on, kid-tested STEAM projects that range from quick, low-cost setups to more elaborate (but still... See More →
In 2022, we saw an influx of tweens refusing to use the Teen Room in our library. In May 2024, our Tween Space was built inside of our Children's Room. What happened in those two years? How much did it cost? How is it used now? What does our tween programming look like? Find out at this info session!
Have you ever wanted to write or illustrate your own children's book? Or do you wonder how books go from ideas, to paper, to a literary agent or editor, to a printer, and then to your school or library? Come to this crash course in children's writing and illustrating for publication, brought to you by members of Rochester Area Children's Writers and Illustrators (RACWI)!
I write picture books and middle grade books for children. When I don't have myself chained to my desk, typing furiously, I read and watch all the horror I can get my hands on. I also work as a nurse practitioner and spoil my two cats daily.
