Are you attending the 2026 ALSC National Institute in October? We’d love to have you consider writing guest posts for the ALSC Blog about what you are learning and experiencing!
Category: Conferences/Meetings/Institutes
Small Library, Big Conference: A Rural Librarian’s First ALA
As someone still new to the library profession, I had no idea what to expect from my first ALA Annual Conference. Being selected as a recipient of the 2026 Penguin Random House Young Readers Group Award made attending this milestone event possible. While I was incredibly grateful for the opportunity, I also felt pressure to make the most of every minute.
Reflections from ALA Annual 2026: Supporting Youth Impacted by Carceral Systems
I just returned from ALA Annual 2026, and what a whirlwind it was! It was wonderful to reconnect with old friends, meet new colleagues, and come away inspired by the incredible work happening in libraries across the country.
ALSC Presidential 2025-2026 Term Wrap-Up with #ALSCJOY: A Year in Action
It is with #ALSCJOY and profound gratitude that I concluded my term as 2025-2026 President of the Association of Library Service to Children (ALSC) at the extraordinary 2026 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago where we celebrated 150 years of ALA.
Play. Learn. Connect. Save! – Early Bird Rates End July 10
Your chance to save on 2026 ALSC National Institute registration ends this Friday, July 10! Join children’s, teen, and school librarians from across the country for three days of professional development, networking, and inspiration in Buffalo, New York, October 1–3.
Kid approved! Conferencing with a kid and picking out books at #alaac26
This year, I am traveling with my nine-year-old reader at ALA annual, so on conference day one I picked up my badge and purchased a child’s pass at the registration desk (only available in person), and additional tickets for her to attend some of the events on my schedule. I opted to find a local babysitter for the first day, to give myself time to settle into the conference, and so my daughter could explore the city.
Bilingual programs beyond storytime
When an #alaac26 session starts with all attendees waving colorful scarves to a welcome song, you know you will leave more energized than you walked in. As one of the last sessions of this 4-day conference, this was key for myself and over 40 other attendees to stay until the very end.
#ALAAC26: Songbird in the Light and a Room Ready to Listen
A child can be celebrated at home and still lose confidence in a school hallway. Billy Porter’s ALA Annual Main Stage appearance featured Songbird in the Light, written by Porter with Chris Clarkson and illustrated by Charly Palmer. The picture book follows a child whose voice is loved at home, mocked at school, and strengthened through the encouragement of a choir teacher. The conference program described the book as a story about learning to love yourself.