Gearing Up for the 2024 SLJ Summit: Inspiration, Connection, and Heroes

I'm Loving the Sgt. Pepper's Feeling of the Summit!

I'm so excited to share that I'll attend and present at the 2024 School Library Journal (SLJ) Summit in North Carolina! This event is one of the year's highlights for library professionals, bringing together passionate advocates and creative thinkers.

The Summit is about collaboration, learning, and fresh ideas—everything that makes libraries a key part of education today. I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on and hear about the amazing things my fellow librarians and educators are doing.

The Thrill of Connecting

One of the best parts of the Summit is connecting with others who share a passion for learning and storytelling. These events always lead to conversations that stick with you—sparking new ideas, building partnerships, and reigniting the love for what we do.

I Can't Wait To Meet Mychal!

Of course, there’s one person I’m especially looking forward to meeting: Mychal Threets. His work as a librarian and advocate has been nothing short of inspiring. Whether it’s his innovative programs or how he brings stories to life for diverse communities, Mychal embodies what it means to be a modern library hero. The fact that my presentation will follow directly after his session makes this experience all the more special!

It Was a Pleasure To Hear John Speak About His Incredible Book Louder Than Hunger Earlier This School Year at The Book Stall in Winnetka, IL

Another highlight will be reconnecting with John Schu, a tireless champion of the power of stories to transform lives. John’s passion for connecting kids with books and helping educators nurture a love of reading is unmatched. Having learned so much from him in the past, I’m eager to hear his insights again and to soak up the energy he always brings to every event.

Meeting Kathy Ishizuka in 2016

I look forward to seeing Kathy Ishizuka, the School Library Journal editor, and meeting in person Kara Yorio, the woman behind the summit. I am also eager to meet Steve Tetreault face to face and reconnect with Captain Library, Tom Bober!

Presenting with Elissa Malespina: AI in the Library

I’m honored to present alongside the incredible Elissa Malespina on the timely and transformative topic of Artificial Intelligence in the Library. Our session will explore practical ways AI can enhance library services, empower educators, and engage students.

But it doesn’t stop there. Elissa and I will also co-facilitate a hands-on workshop where participants can explore the AI tools and resources we highlight in our presentation. This will be an opportunity for attendees to not only try these tools but also engage in meaningful discussions about the evolving role of AI in libraries and education.

A Lineup of Library Luminaries and Inspiring Sessions

The SLJ Summit is packed with amazing speakers and sessions designed to inspire us and challenge how we think about our work as librarians. Along with my own presentation, here are a few sessions I’m especially looking forward to:

Science of Reading vs. Joy of Reading

• Librarians may not teach reading, but we do inspire readers. This session will explore how libraries can participate in the Science of Reading movement while still nurturing a love of reading.

Facilitators: Jonathan Hunt (San Diego County Office of Education) and Kerry Townsend (Columbia Public Schools)

Advocacy in Action

• With the ongoing fight for the freedom to read, this session will offer practical tips and resources to help us advocate effectively and make a difference.

Facilitators: Carolyn Foote (Texas FReadom Fighters) and Kathy Lester (Michigan Association of School Librarians)

Insight into Weeding and Collection Development

• Weeding and collection development are always hot topics in our field. I look forward to brainstorming strategies and exploring best practices during this engaging discussion.

Facilitator: Steve Tetreault (W.R. Satz Middle School and Holmdel High School Complex)

Marketing the School Library

• Marketing goes beyond advocacy—building awareness, engaging stakeholders, and showcasing the immediate benefits of our library programs.

Facilitators: Tom Bober (Clayton, MO) and Donna Gray (New York City School Library System)

With such a dynamic lineup, I’m excited to learn new strategies, sharpen my advocacy skills, and gain fresh perspectives on today’s libraries' challenges and opportunities.

Join Me on This Journey

As the Summit draws closer, I’ll share snippets of my preparation and behind-the-scenes moments here and on social media. Follow along as I pack, practice, and navigate the excitement (and nerves!) of presenting to such an inspiring group.

The 2024 SLJ Summit promises to be a career highlight—not just for what I’ll take away but also for what I hope to give back. If you’ll be attending, let’s connect! If not, I’ll share insights from the sessions, so stay tuned.

For more details about the event, visit the official SLJ Summit 2024 website.

Here’s to a memorable experience filled with learning, growth, and connection. Let the countdown begin!

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