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.

9:15am EDT

Breakout Session - Branding Yourself to Connect

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

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

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

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

10:30am EDT

Newcomers Meet & Greet

Thursday October 29, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am EDT

Vanderbilt

Are you a new MASL member? First time conference attendee? Join fellow MASL members for a brief welcome and meet and greet.

Thursday October 29, 2026 10:30am - 10:45am EDT
Vanderbilt

Networking

11:00am EDT

Past Presidents Meeting & Lunch

Thursday October 29, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT

Vanderbilt

Past presidents of MAME/MASL are invited to attend this annual luncheon. Please be sure to RSVP in advance.

Thursday October 29, 2026 11:00am - 1:00pm EDT
Vanderbilt

Lunch

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

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

Conference Strands Collaboration, Curriculum & Programming, Literacy Resources
Interest Level Elementary

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

Lindsey Dzyngel

Friday October 30, 2026 9:15am - 10:00am EDT
Vanderbilt

Sessions

Conference Strands Collaboration, Curriculum & Programming
Interest Level All

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

Melissa Lambert

Friday October 30, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm EDT
Vanderbilt

Sessions

Conference Strands Advocacy & Leadership, Collaboration, Curriculum & Programming, Management & Administration
Interest Level High School, Middle School

MASL 53 Annual Conference 2026

9:15am EDT

Joy Currie

10:30am EDT

11:00am EDT

3:15pm EDT

Amy Grant

9:15am EDT

Lindsey Dzyngel

1:00pm EDT

Melissa Lambert

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