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Thursday, October 29
 

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Book Battle Ideas for Fun and Collaboration
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 3
This session will provide ideas for implementing district-wide and cross-district book battles in your school. Librarians from Kalamazoo and Grand Haven will share how collaborative book battles stretch time, budgets, and staff power across districts. Discover practical tools, shared resources, and creative strategies that make statewide reading competitions more joyful, efficient, and accessible. You will also learn how Ann Arbor Public Schools’ library department transformed the Great Lakes Great Books Award, presented annually by the Michigan Reading Association, into a district-wide book battle accessible to every elementary student. Come to this session to learn how your school can collaborate and have fun with book battles!
Speakers
JL

Jill Lansky

Kalamazoo Public Library
avatar for Maggi Rohde

Maggi Rohde

School Librarian, Ann Arbor Public Schools
K-2 Librarian for 20 years, actor, parent, queer + trans.
avatar for Yasmeen Anis Shah
LC
KJ
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 3
  Sessions

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 - Collaborative Cultural Lit Project
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 2
This project is designed as a multidisciplinary approach to teaching either the Inter-War Period of the 1920s and 30s; or the immediate post-WWII period of the 1940s and 50s. Within this project, the student reads and breaks down a book of their choice from the time period using skills from their ELA and history classes. Synchronously, the student is learning the content of that time period in their history class. Through learning about the time period, while reading the book, the student is able to use their historical lens to understand how the book reflects the cultural norms, morals, values, fears, and struggles of the time, while simultaneously having said culture reflected within the book. 
Speakers
avatar for Tonya Colvin
Thursday October 29, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
West 2
  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

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - Booktalk Bonanza: Elementary and Middle School
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Conservatory
Join Alexa, Kelly, and Julia as they book talk their favorite books of the past year. We'll share our most-loved books to help you build your collections and your own TBR list. We will cover everything from picture books to middle grade books, representing diverse experiences and a wide range of genres. 
Speakers
avatar for Julia Reynolds

Julia Reynolds

Elementary Librarian, West Ottawa Public Schools
avatar for Alexa Lalejini

Alexa Lalejini

Library Media Specialist, Rockford Public Schools
avatar for Kelly Boston

Kelly Boston

School Librarian
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Conservatory
  Sessions

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

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - SIFTing Across Disciplines
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 2
The focus of this session is source evaluation using the SIFT method. This four-part method was developed by digital literacy expert Mike Caulfield to evaluate online content. When applied across disciplines, it can provide students with useful cross-curricular, consistent skill development to determine if information can be trusted as credible and/or reliable. Students can (and should) use this method even when facing non-academic online content. Attendees will gain ideas about incorporating digital media such as TikTok videos, X posts, Instagram Reels, blog posts, and articles from periodicals. Attendees will walk away with examples, templates for SIFT analysis documents, and an understanding of how to level this type of instruction. 
Speakers
avatar for Larissa VanderZee

Larissa VanderZee

Teacher Librarian, Traverse City Central High School
Thursday October 29, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
West 2
  Sessions

3:15pm EDT

Breakout Session - Booktalk Bonanza: Middle and High School
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Conservatory
Join Alexa, Kelly, and Julia as they book talk their favorite books of the past year. We'll share our most-loved books to help you build your collections and your own TBR list. We will cover everything from middle grade books to young adult books, representing diverse experiences and a wide range of genres. 
Speakers
avatar for Julia Reynolds

Julia Reynolds

Elementary Librarian, West Ottawa Public Schools
avatar for Alexa Lalejini

Alexa Lalejini

Library Media Specialist, Rockford Public Schools
avatar for Kelly Boston

Kelly Boston

School Librarian
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Conservatory
  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 - Mirrors, Windows, and Student Voice: Building Inclusive Collections by Empowering Students
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Vanderbilt
Centering student voice in collection development fosters belonging, strengthens reader engagement, and builds collections that better reflect the communities they serve. Join me to explore a library unit that guides students as they examine their own identities, learn about Bishop's concept of mirrors and windows, evaluate representation within the existing library collection, and recommend new titles for purchase. The unit as a whole is best suited for elementary librarians with regular class time, but the shared resources and strategies are adaptable for any age or group of students.
Speakers
avatar for Amy Grant

Amy Grant

Elementary Media Specialist, Dexter Community Schools
I am a media specialist working on a fixed schedule in a 3rd & 4th grade building. This year is my 6th in the library and my 28th in teaching overall. Prior to becoming a librarian, I taught middle school English, U.S. History, and reading support.
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Vanderbilt
  Sessions

3:15pm EDT

Breakout Session - VW eLabs: Integrating Digital Fabrication to Meet AASL Standards and Boost Learning
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
West 3
Spaces with digital fabrication tools support inquiry, design thinking, and real-world problem solving -- core competencies of modern school libraries. This practical session demonstrates how introducing digital fabrication tools in the library aligns directly with AASL School Library Standards, increases student engagement, supports classroom learning goals, and fosters school and community partnerships. Through four real-world project stories, attendees will see concrete examples of curricular integration, community collaboration, and strategies for developing a supportive learning environment for students and adults. Participants will also get a chance to play with some of the tools we use.
Speakers
avatar for Carrie Betts

Carrie Betts

Media Specialist, MAME Board Member, Birmingham Public Schools
TW
JP
MW
Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
West 3
  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
 

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

1:00pm EDT

Breakout Session - Beyond the Library: Whole-School Library Programs
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Conservatory
This presentation explores how schools can build a culture of reading through intentional, school-wide programs that go beyond the library walls. It highlights strategies that encourage the entire school community to engage with reading. Participants will learn about initiatives such as reading challenges, cross-grade activities, and celebrations that motivate consistent reading habits. The session also provides practical ideas for sustaining enthusiasm for reading throughout the school year.
Speakers
avatar for Kelly Hincks

Kelly Hincks

School Librarian, Detroit Country Day Lower School
I am the librarian at Detroit Country Day Lower School in Bloomfield Hills, MI. I have worked as a librarian for the past 15 years. I was a classroom teacher for four years before that. I have worked in charter, public, and private schools. My favorite thing about being a librarian... Read More →
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Conservatory
  Sessions

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 - Bring a Problem, Leave with a Plan: Secondary Library Problem-Solving Circles
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Vanderbilt
Come with one real school library challenge and leave with practical solutions. In this interactive session, participants will join small groups to share problems, ask clarifying questions, brainstorm strategies, and build realistic action steps. Whether your challenge involves student engagement, teacher collaboration, scheduling, collection development, AI, advocacy, or library management, you will benefit from the collective wisdom of your peers. Bring one problem. Take one solution, or several. 
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Lambert
Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Vanderbilt
  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

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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