MASL 53 Annual Conference 2026: Full Schedule

Welcome to #MASL53! We are glad you are here.

You will be able to validate your attendance (Check-In to sessions) using your personal schedule.

9:30am EDT

Preconference Morning Session - Navigating Conflict with Empathy: Looking for the Win-Win

Wednesday October 28, 2026 9:30am - 11:15am EDT

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

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

Conference Strands Advocacy & Leadership, Management & Administration
Interest Level All

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

Jennifer Ehehalt

Senior Regional Manager, Common Sense Media

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

Preconference

Conference Strands Advocacy & Leadership, Curriculum & Programming
Interest Level All

12:00pm EDT

Preconference Lunch

Wednesday October 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm EDT

Conservatory

Wednesday October 28, 2026 12:00pm - 1:00pm 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

Jennifer Ehehalt

Senior Regional Manager, Common Sense Media

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

Preconference

Conference Strands Advocacy & Leadership, Curriculum & Programming
Interest Level All

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

Lauren Mobley

School Library Media Specialist, Promise Career Institute High School

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

Sessions

Conference Strands Curriculum & Programming, Literacy Resources, Management & Administration
Interest Level All

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

Julia Reynolds

Elementary Librarian, West Ottawa Public Schools

Alexa Lalejini

Library Media Specialist, Rockford Public Schools

Kelly Boston

School Librarian

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

Sessions

Conference Strands Literacy Resources
Interest Level Elementary, Middle School

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

Julia Reynolds

Elementary Librarian, West Ottawa Public Schools

Alexa Lalejini

Library Media Specialist, Rockford Public Schools

Kelly Boston

School Librarian

Thursday October 29, 2026 3:15pm - 4:00pm EDT
Conservatory

Sessions

Conference Strands Literacy Resources
Interest Level High School, Middle School

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

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

Conference Strands Curriculum & Programming, Literacy Resources
Interest Level All

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

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

Conference Strands Collaboration, Curriculum & Programming
Interest Level Elementary

9:30am EDT

11:15am EDT

12:00pm EDT

1:00pm EDT

9:15am EDT

1:00pm EDT

3:15pm EDT

9:15am EDT

1:00pm EDT

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