National Institute 2026: Full Schedule

10:15am EDT

Friday October 2, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Limited Capacity seats available

This discussion session is intended to present current trends in literacy and provide a space to discuss literacy and literacy programming in libraries.

Moderators

Macy Kinney

Children's Librarian, Elizabeth Taber Library

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 →

Josie Schneider

Central Youth Services Manager, Kansas City Public Library

Friday October 2, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Discussion Session

12:45pm EDT

Legal Issues in Libraries Discussion Session

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott

Limited Capacity seats available

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 seeing in their communities, though this event does not serve as official legal advice.

Moderators

Eric Stroshane

Associate Director of the Office for Intellectual Freedom, American Library Association

Friday October 2, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Discussion Session

2:15pm EDT

Librarians with Disabilities Discussion Session - Us to Us: A Nothing About Us Without Us Conversation

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott

Limited Capacity seats available

A unique panel conversation with Librarians with Disabilities. Our panel will cover topics including accommodations, disclosures, trust and distrust.

Moderators

Carol Kowalik-Happy

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 →

Chelsey Lonberger

Manager, System Youth Outreach Services, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

Friday October 2, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Discussion Session

3:45pm EDT

LGBTQ Library Staff Discussion Session

LIMITED

Friday October 2, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT

Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott

Limited Capacity seats available

This discussion session is intended to serve as an opportunity for LGBTQ+ identifying librarians to connect.

Moderators

Alec Chunn

Youth Librarian, Multnomah County Library

Elisa Gall

Librarian

Friday October 2, 2026 3:45pm - 4:45pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Discussion Session

10:15am EDT

Discussion Session Library of One

LIMITED

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT

Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Patricia Mumau

Children's Services Coordinator, Lee-Whedon Memorial Library

Saturday October 3, 2026 10:15am - 11:15am EDT
Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Discussion Session

12:45pm EDT

BIPOC Library Staff Discussion Session

LIMITED

Saturday October 3, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT

Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott

Limited Capacity seats available

This discussion session is intended to serve as an opportunity for BIPOC-identifying librarians to connect.

Speakers

Shamika Fusco

Library Director, Livonia Public Library

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 →

Saturday October 3, 2026 12:45pm - 1:45pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Discussion Session

2:15pm EDT

Discussion Session: Children's Services Management

LIMITED

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT

Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott

Limited Capacity seats available

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.

Speakers

Kristi Dougherty

Library Director, Amherst Public Libraries, Buffalo & Erie County Public Library

Saturday October 3, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm EDT
Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Ellicott 2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202, USA

Discussion Session

10:15am EDT

12:45pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

3:45pm EDT

10:15am EDT

12:45pm EDT

2:15pm EDT

Get help with the event