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Audience: All clear filter
Wednesday, October 28
 

9:30am EDT

Preconference Morning Session - Navigating Conflict with Empathy: Looking for the Win-Win
Wednesday October 28, 2026 9:30am - 11:15am EDT
Conservatory
We all have lenses through which we see the world, which help our brains sort information and make meaning out of the world around us. However, when we’re stressed, busy, or in conflict with someone, we often forget to consider that everybody else is doing the same thing, and our views might not align. In this participatory and practical session, we’ll examine our own filters and consider how they impact our perspectives. We’ll also discuss strategies to infuse a more empathetic mindset into your work and life in order to better navigate difficult interactions and work toward transforming conflicts into win-win situations. 
Speakers
avatar for Jenny Kobiela-Mondor

Jenny Kobiela-Mondor

Library Strategist, Midwest Collaborative for Library Services
A love of learning and passion for people led Jenny Kobiela-Mondor from journalism to libraries and now to the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services. In her role as a library strategist on the Engagement, Consulting, and Training Team, Jenny works with library staff and administration... Read More →
Wednesday October 28, 2026 9:30am - 11:15am EDT
Conservatory
  Preconference

11:15am EDT

Preconference Morning Session - Tech and Values Activity
Wednesday October 28, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Conservatory
Join Common Sense Media facilitator, Jennifer Ehehalt, in this introductory activity that will help us examine the relationship between technology use and our core values. 
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Ehehalt

Jennifer Ehehalt

Senior Regional Manager, Common Sense Media

Wednesday October 28, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
Conservatory
  Preconference

1:00pm EDT

Preconference Afternoon Session - Tech and Values: Helping Students Align Tech with What Matters Most
Wednesday October 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Conservatory
Students’ digital lives are deeply tied to their mental health and educators play a powerful role in helping them thrive. In this interactive discussion, you’ll reflect on how tech may or may not align with your core values, then explore Common Sense Media's all new K-12 Digital Literacy and Wellbeing curriculum, including lessons, videos, and activities that reflect the information landscape students are actually navigating.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Ehehalt

Jennifer Ehehalt

Senior Regional Manager, Common Sense Media

Wednesday October 28, 2026 1:00pm - 2:30pm EDT
Conservatory
  Preconference

2:30pm EDT

Preconference Afternoon Session - Idea Exchange
Wednesday October 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grande 2 & 3
The Idea Exchange is a free-flowing, conversation generating, resource collecting session where participants roam from table to table to learn from one another’s expertise and leave with practical ideas you can adapt in your own practice and setting
Wednesday October 28, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grande 2 & 3
  Preconference
 
Thursday, October 29
 

7:45am EDT

Welcome & Costume Contest
Thursday October 29, 2026 7:45am - 8:00am EDT
Grande 2 & 3
Welcome to MASL 53! We hope you will enjoy the conference this year and participate in our costume contest celebrating our theme, "All Characters Welcome." Dress up as your favorite character. Judges will roam during the welcome and opening keynote to decide the winners. Winners will be announced during lunch on Thursday. 

Thursday October 29, 2026 7:45am - 8:00am EDT
Grande 2 & 3
  Networking
  • Interest Level All

8:00am EDT

Opening Keynote with Lauren Mobley
Thursday October 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Grande 2 & 3
Library as the Lead: Main Character Energy
In a time when schools are navigating challenges, change, and constant demands, the library has the power to lead the story. In this inspiring and energizing keynote, attendees will explore how school libraries can move beyond supporting roles and step fully into the spotlight as the heart of the school community. Through storytelling, practical examples, and a celebration of student-centered library leadership, “Library as the Lead: Main Character Energy” challenges librarians to embrace bold advocacy, intentional programming, inclusive collections, and authentic relationships that position the library as essential to student success. Participants will leave encouraged to own their impact, amplify their voice, and lead with the confidence, creativity, and “main character energy” their schools need now more than ever.

Speakers
avatar for Lauren Mobley

Lauren Mobley

School Library Media Specialist, Promise Career Institute High School

Thursday October 29, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
Grande 2 & 3
  Keynote
  • Interest Level All

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Branding Yourself to Connect
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Vanderbilt
This session is for librarians who are done being invisible and ready to be intentional. We’ll dig into how your presence -- not just your collection -- shapes student relationships, staff collaboration, and the overall vibe of your library. The goal? To help you define a persona that’s authentic, recognizable, and sustainable (no fake enthusiasm required), then translate that into small, consistent moves that make you the person students seek out -- not just the place they’re sent. 
Speakers
avatar for Joy Currie

Joy Currie

Everett High School Librarian, Lansing Schools
I have been an educator for 31 years, and I have been a school librarian for most of the last 19 years. I've worked in libraries K-12, public libraries and at the college level. I am currently the librarian at Everett High School, a 7-12 building in Lansing. Outside of work, I love... Read More →
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Vanderbilt
  Sessions

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Diversity by Design: Building Inclusive Book Collections
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Conservatory
A collection that reflects our diverse world takes thought, data, and intentional action. In this practical and engaging session, participants will explore tools and strategies for assessing gaps in their library collections and transforming them into spaces that authentically represent and affirm all students. Learn how to use diversity audits, circulation data, and student feedback to guide collection development decisions while balancing curriculum needs and student interests. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas for building inclusive collections, increasing student engagement, and creating a library where every student feels seen, valued, and connected through books.
Speakers
avatar for Lauren Mobley

Lauren Mobley

School Library Media Specialist, Promise Career Institute High School

Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Conservatory
  Sessions

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Media and AI Literacy That Meets Students Where They Are
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 1
Deepfakes. AI-generated images. Viral misinformation. Algorithmic rabbit holes. If your digital citizenship unit was built more than a year ago, it's missing half the story. Join Jennifer Ehehalt, Sr. Education Manager, Common Sense Media's as she showcases the all new classroom-ready news & media literacy collection -- including lessons, videos, and activities that reflect the information landscape students are actually navigating. You'll explore strategies for helping students think critically, practice digital empathy, and find their civic voice online. We'll also tackle AI literacy head-on: what students need to understand about how AI creates, curates, and sometimes distorts the content they encounter every day. Walk away with free resources you can use tomorrow & the confidence to lead conversations your students are already having without you.
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Ehehalt

Jennifer Ehehalt

Senior Regional Manager, Common Sense Media

Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 1
  Sessions

11:15am EDT

Shoptalks: MAMSA
Thursday October 29, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
West 3
Meet with fellow MASL members to discuss school library issues related to your grade/interest level. 
Thursday October 29, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
West 3
  Networking
  • Interest Level All

11:15am EDT

Shoptalks: Paraprofessional
Thursday October 29, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
West 2
Meet with fellow MASL members to discuss school library issues related to your grade/interest level. 
Thursday October 29, 2026 11:15am - 12:00pm EDT
West 2
  Networking
  • Interest Level All

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - Computational Thinking Meets Literacy: Hands-on Pathways to Empower Learners
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 3
Computational thinking is an essential literacy that helps students develop the problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative skills they need to navigate an increasingly complex world. School library media specialists are uniquely positioned to bring these concepts to life through literature, inquiry, and meaningful learning experiences. In this interactive workshop, discover how engaging read-alouds and quality children's literature can become powerful entry points for teaching computational thinking concepts such as decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithms. Through hands-on activities and cross-curricular connections, you'll explore practical strategies for weaving computational thinking into literacy instruction, storytime, research, and maker experiences.
Speakers
avatar for Judy Bowling

Judy Bowling

Instructional Technology and Library Consultant, Wayne RESA
Judy Bowling currently serves as an Instructional Technology and Library Consultant at Wayne RESA. Prior to this role, she served as a classroom teacher, technology specialist, library media specialist, and Media & Technology Coordinator in Livonia Public Schools. With a Master of... Read More →
avatar for Laura Gabrion

Laura Gabrion

Literacy Consultant, Wayne RESA
Laura Gabrion is an Literacy Consultant for Wayne RESA. In 2017, Laura defended her dissertation in Reading Education with an emphasis on improving student writing. Her current projects and interests involve disciplinary literacy, literacy coaching, family/community engagement, self... Read More →
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 3
  Sessions

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - MeL in the School Library: Powerful Resources for Student Success
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 1
The Michigan eLibrary (MeL) provides every Michigan student and educator with free access to high-quality e-resources that support research, literacy, career exploration, and classroom instruction.  This session will introduce school librarians to MeL’s extensive collection of databases, eBooks, educator resources, and student-friendly tools that support K-12 learning. Participants will learn practical strategies for integrating MeL resources into instruction, reinforcing information literacy skills, and promoting equitable access to trusted information.  Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of the most relevant MeL resources for K-12 settings, ideas for incorporating them into classroom and library instruction, and access to ready‑to‑use promotional and instructional materials.
Speakers
avatar for Sandra Teft

Sandra Teft

Michigan eLibrary (MeL) Coordinator, Library of Michigan
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 1
  Sessions

3:15pm EDT

Breakout Session - Michigan AI and Media Literacy Collections
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
West 2
MASL was a partner with the Michigan Department of Education, MACUL, REMC, Michigan Virtual, and Common Sense Media in developing a set of resources for teaching Artificial Intelligence and Media Literacy.  This session will cover where to find and access these resources and will highlight some of the best resources included.  We will also discuss how school librarians can leverage their expertise in information/media literacy to ensure that Artificial Literacy (AI) considerations are included as our schools begin to adopt AI.
Speakers
avatar for Kathy Lester

Kathy Lester

Adjunct Faculty, Wayne State University - School of Information
Kathy Lester is a Past President of the American Association for School Librarians (AASL), adjunct faculty at Wayne State University and a former school librarian at East Middle School in Plymouth Canton Community Schools in Michigan. She also serves on the ALA Committee on Legislation... Read More →
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
West 2
  Sessions

3:15pm EDT

Breakout Session - What Sixth Graders Told Us About AI at School, Home, and Beyond, And Why It Matters For Your School Library
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
West 1
Since 2022, when OpenAI made widespread access to free, high-speed generative AI tools, educators have grappled with how to adapt, reject, or harness the power of AI in learning.  School librarians are particularly anxious about how generative AI tools are rapidly shifting the information landscape, transforming the research process (or lack of one), and stress-testing our information literacy curricula. We wanted to know what kids themselves thought about AI - so we asked them! In this session, we’ll report on a Spring 2026 survey taken by about 75 sixth graders involved in the Digital Wellness Initiative of the University of Michigan and the Ann Arbor Public Schools. We’ll share what these middle schoolers told us about AI as a tool to promote creativity, efficiency, learning, social relationships, positive mental health, and good grades. The results may surprise you.
Speakers
avatar for Liz Kolb

Liz Kolb

Clinical Associate Professor, University of Michigan School of Education
avatar for Jennifer Colby

Jennifer Colby

Teacher Librarian, Ann Arbor Public Schools
avatar for Kristin Fontichiaro

Kristin Fontichiaro

Clinical Professor, University of Michigan School of Information
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
West 1
  Sessions
 
Friday, October 30
 

7:30am EDT

Author Breakfast with Kyle Lukoff
Friday October 30, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am EDT
Grande Ballroom
Prompts for How to Teach I'm Sorry You Got Mad
Have you used I'm Sorry You Got Mad with your students? Do you want some ideas directly from the author? This session will both provide you with some ideas and will give you a chance to share your own.

**Breakfast is served at 7:30 am with presentation and book signing immediately following. NOTE: This is a ticketed event -- pre-registration/payment is required. 
Authors
avatar for Kyle Lukoff

Kyle Lukoff

Kyle Lukoff is the author of the middle grade novel "Too Bright To See," the Stonewall-award winning picture book “When Aidan Became A Brother,” "Explosion at the Poem Factory," and many more. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more... Read More →
Friday October 30, 2026 7:30am - 9:00am EDT
Grande Ballroom
  Authors

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Engaging with Critical AI Literacies
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 1
What relationship do we want with AI? How can we best incorporate AI - or not - into equitable learning? In this workshop, we'll explore these questions together with activities inspired by Critical AI in K-12 Classrooms by Budhai and Heath. You'll walk away with critical perspectives to incorporate into your own practice, as well as practical strategies to use in your practice.
Speakers
DP
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 1
  Sessions

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - I Will Become a Little Boy: Reading Trans Narratives in Beloved Classics
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Conservatory
Children's books often use metaphors to get at deeper issues of identity. This presentation will consider both contemporary and older examples, and provide a fresh way of looking at a familiar text.
Authors
avatar for Kyle Lukoff

Kyle Lukoff

Kyle Lukoff is the author of the middle grade novel "Too Bright To See," the Stonewall-award winning picture book “When Aidan Became A Brother,” "Explosion at the Poem Factory," and many more. While becoming a writer he worked as a bookseller for ten years, and then nine more... Read More →
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Conservatory
  Sessions

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - MackinVision: The LMS that Welcomes Everyone!
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 3
In this session you’ll discover MackinVision, a cloud-based library and resource management system built for today’s schools. Explore how its student-centered design unifies print, digital, and multimedia materials in one easy-to-use platform. In this demo you will see powerful age and language adaptive tools like STAR, an interface to support visual searching. The Teacher's Library Portal for classroom circulation lets teachers manipulate their classroom libraries. See how MackinVision streamlines library management, supports classrooms, and enhances the student experience. 
Speakers
avatar for Lisa Maharry

Lisa Maharry

Educational Sales Consultant, Mackin Educational Resources
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 3
  Sessions

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Michigan Authors & Illustrators: A Teaching Tool with a Huge Cast of Characters
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 2
Michigan Authors and Illustrators Online is a powerful tool for librarians and teachers to use for teaching and research purposes. This session will strengthen the knowledge of Michigan as a literary resource and provide ways to use this tool within the state curricula standards.This session will demonstrate the usage of MIAI in literary instruction with lesson ideas at various grade levels.
Speakers
JH

Julie Harris

Information Literacy Specialist, Rochester Community Schools
KB
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 2
  Sessions

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Plot Twist: From Research Tool to Everyday Classroom Essential with Gale
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Vanderbilt
Research projects aren't the only place Gale shines. Plot twist: Gale can become one of the most valuable instructional resources in your school. Explore practical, classroom-ready strategies that help librarians partner with teachers across grade levels and content areas using Gale statewide resources. From Claim evidence reasoning (CER) and inquiry to AI literacy, current events, bell ringers, discussion starters, and differentiated instruction, you'll discover ways Gale can play a part of everyday teaching and learning. We'll also highlight additional Gale resources that complement state initiatives. Leave with a ready-to-use Gale Classroom Playbook filled with ideas you can share with teachers tomorrow.
Speakers
LD
Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Vanderbilt
  Sessions

10:15am EDT

Author Speed Dating
Friday October 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
Grande Ballroom

Friday October 30, 2026 10:15am - 11:45am EDT
Grande Ballroom
  Authors

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - Beyond the Stacks: Boosting Impact with REMC
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 2
School librarians are uniquely positioned to drive systemic change, but expanding your reach requires the right support. Discover how to leverage free resources, frameworks, and professional learning from the REMC Association of Michigan to increase your capacity and position yourself as a vital district leader. This session will explore four key ways REMC resources can boost your district-wide impact. Learn how to support administrative staff and teachers with ADA Compliance and Accessibility Toolkits, partner with tech departments using Student Data Privacy initiative and TSES framework, and directly support classroom teachers through project such as Promoting STEM Through Literature (PSTL) and Tabletop Games for Critical Thinking. Attendees will walk away with free toolkits that save prep time, support diverse learners of all ages, and provide an actionable plan to maximize their library's impact throughout the school year.
Speakers
avatar for Melinda Waffle

Melinda Waffle

Professional Learning Coordinator, REMC Association of Michigan
Melinda Waffle, who has a masters in Educational Technology, taught high school before moving into a district technology coordinator role in 2003 which was solely responsible for helping teachers rethink their classroom and curriculum through technology use. After eight years of serving... Read More →
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 2
  Sessions

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - Intellectual Freedom and the Law: A Practical Toolkit for School Librarians
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 3
School librarians are often on the front lines of intellectual freedom issues—yet many feel underprepared when concerns escalate into legal or policy-based challenges. This toolkit-style session grounds intellectual freedom in its legal foundations while keeping the focus practical and school‑appropriate. Participants will explore the constitutional principles, court decisions, and policy structures that shape intellectual freedom in K–12 libraries. Through real‑world scenarios and ready‑to‑use tools, attendees will learn how to respond confidently to challenges, communicate professionally with stakeholders, and protect both students’ rights and their own professional responsibilities. This session is designed for school librarians at all levels and emphasizes what librarians can rely on legally—even when community pressure is high.
Speakers
JM
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 3
  Sessions

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - Starting a Friends of the School Libraries Organization in Your District
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 1
In 2024, a group of parent and community advocates formed the Friends of the Ann Arbor School Libraries to promote equity across libraries, facilitate volunteers, raise money for specific actions, advocate for libraries in the community, and help to address financial challenges. Working with the Library Services Department chairs as well as librarians across the district, the Friends group has since coordinated large-scale, community-wide book covering events, represented and promoted school library programs at broader community events, and increased awareness of and support for school library programs across the district. In this session, parent organizers and school librarians will share lessons learned and advice for starting a similar group in your district, including presenting sample mission statements, by-laws, and legal organization documents. 
Speakers
avatar for Jennifer Colby

Jennifer Colby

Teacher Librarian, Ann Arbor Public Schools
avatar for Rachel Goldberg
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 1
  Sessions

2:00pm EDT

Closing Keynote with Amy Hermon
Friday October 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grande Ballroom
School Librarians Are Leaders
Not by title, but by the trust we earn every day in our school communities, classrooms, and hallways. Let's explore what that looks like at every level of our work: in daily interactions with students, staff, and families; as the trusted colleague other educators turn to; and as the informed voice guiding our buildings through the rapid rise of AI and technology. But leadership doesn't stop at the building door. Michigan's school librarians have a responsibility to carry that same leadership into our professional home, MASL, through committee work, volunteer roles, and active participation in shaping the future of the profession. We already have the skills – what's left is the initiative to answer the call. It's time to fully embrace our role as leaders, both in our school communities and across the profession statewide.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Hermon

Amy Hermon

Featured Presenter, Closing Keynote Speaker, School Librarians United
Library Media Specialist
Wayne State University
Amy Hermon, a library media specialist for more than 18 years, is the host of School Librarians United, a weekly podcast for and by school librarians. During the pandemic she recorded several episodes addressing the challenges of virtual programming in school libraries and provided a platform for presenters whose conferences had been cancelled. The podcast, created by Hermon in 2018... Read More →
Friday October 30, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm EDT
Grande Ballroom
  Keynote
  • Interest Level All

3:15pm EDT

MISelf in Books
Friday October 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grande Ballroom
Come celebrate the big reveal of the 2026 MISelf in Books list. Attendees will learn the purpose for the diverse book list, criteria for book selection, how to access the list, and a highlight of the favorite titles from this year's list. There will be plenty of book giveaways, so be sure to stay for the duration of the conference. 

Speakers
avatar for Lauren Henderson

Lauren Henderson

Media Specialist, Hamilton Elementary School
Lauren Henderson is the Media Specialist at Hamilton Elementary in Troy, Michigan. She has also taught 4th grade and worked as a public librarian. Lauren is passionate about books, making, and inclusion. She enjoys sharing her passion with her team to find opportunities to merge maker-centered... Read More →
AD
Friday October 30, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Grande Ballroom
  Sessions
 

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