Join us December 6-8 for the 2024 SLJ Summit: “All Together Now.”
Convening in Raleigh, NC—live and in person—the Summit will assemble school library leaders and community stakeholders to consider the challenges and opportunities surrounding major topics in the profession, from applying AI in library services and mentoring the current generation of school librarians, to the finer points of collection development in divisive times.
Rooted in SLJ’s award-winning coverage at the convergence of K–12 and libraries, the Summit—now in its 20th year—welcomes the community to gather in an especially critical moment for the profession, and the students and families that you serve.
Over the two-day program:
This year, attendees will get a chance to take the mic in lightning sessions, fast-paced five-minute presentations on a topic of their choice.
More details will be released as our program develops, so keep an eye on your inbox. In the meantime, take a look at last year's packed program to begin planning your trip. See you in Raleigh!
Please note: Space is limited at this event, so if you've registered and cannot attend for any reason, please let us know.
No-shows exact a cost for planners, sponsors, presenters, and most importantly your peers - there's always a waitlist for this event.
By notifying us, you open a spot for a fellow librarian to attend the SLJ Summit, which remains free, thanks to our sponsors.
Who should attend: school and district level librarians, library leaders and K-12 administrators.
Hotel information: Hotel reservation information will appear on your confirmation after registering.
Interested In Sponsoring? Please contact Advertising Director Roy Futterman: rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com
Friday, December 6, 2024 - Pre Conference Events
12:00 PM Tours
3:00 - 5:00 PM | Focus groups
5:30 - 6:30 PM | Welcome reception
Saturday, December 7, 2024
8:00 - 9:30 AM | Focus groups
8:15 - 9:45 AM | Breakfast
8:30 - 9:45 AM | Registration
9:45 AM | Welcome
Kathy Ishizuka, Editor in Chief, SLJ
10:00 - 10:45 AM | Keynote
10:45 - 11:00 AM | Break
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM | Beyond Talking Points: Smart Inoculation and Strident Mitigation through Active Participation
(Presentation, followed by small group discussion)
In the current social and political climate, school library leaders must become experts in education policy and public policy - as well as experienced actors in the legislative, post-legislative, and rules-making processes - in order to thrive. The difference between the states is stark, and each state is its own political ecosystem. In states experiencing great challenges to education policy, our community needs new skills and approaches to preventing or blunt the next crisis. In states where the discourse is less fraught, our community should be leveraging opportunities for positive education policies. EveryLibrary Executive Director John Chrastka will lead a workshop session that is focused on helping you and your colleagues begin to review, evaluate, and engage a state-specific and state-relevant strategy for the next legislative session.
Speaker:
John Chrastka, Executive Director, EveryLibrary
12:15 - 1:00 PM | Lunch
1:00 - 1:45 PM | Restorative Practice
The library welcomes all students, it’s a core principle. So how do we achieve this? In this session, learn practical actions and activities, including circulation circles; collection development; and strategies to address reading trauma. Included, too: suggestions on using/adjusting language to bring administrators on board with equitable library programming in these divisive times.
Speakers:
Julie Stivers, Upper School Librarian, Carolina Friends School, Durham, NC, 2023 School Librarian of the Year
Julia Torres, Public Teen Librarian, Denver, CO
2:00 - 2:45 PM | Breakout Conversations | Session 1
2:45 - 3:00 PM | Break
2:45 - 3:45 PM | Family Ties: Drama, Trauma, and How Family Stories Shape Young People’s Identities (author panel)
From graphic novels to YA, these titles (and their authors) explore all types of families and the ways children survive and thrive because (or in spite) of them.
Speakers:
Jennie Liu, author of Girls on the Line and The Red Car to Hollywood (Lerner/Carolrhoda Lab)
Natalie Lloyd, author of A Snicker of Magic and The Witching Wind (Scholastic)
Jandy Nelson, Printz winner and author of I’ll Give You the Sun and When the World Tips Over (Penguin Young Readers/Dial)
Jose Pimienta, author of Twin Cities and Halfway to Somewhere (Random House Graphic)
Sherri L. Smith, author of Flygirl and Pearl: A Graphic Novel (Scholastic)
3:45 - 4:30 PM | Autographing session
5:00 - 6:00 PM | Cocktail party
Sunday, December 8, 2024
8:00 - 8:45 AM | Breakfast
8:45 - 9:15 AM Keynote
9:15 - 9:45 AM | Community + the Library
Speaker:
Amanda Chacon, librarian, H. M. Carroll Elementary in Houston, TX, 2024 School Librarian of the Year
9:45 - 10:30 AM | AI in the Library
Learn about AI education tools and how to use them within a broader conversation of the technology and its value amid concerns. The presentation will be followed by a workshop on using those tools.
Speakers
Todd Burleson, library media specialist, Skokie School, Winnetka, IL
Elissa Malespina, school librarian, New Jersey
10:30 - 10:45 AM | Break
10:45 - 11:30 AM | Breakout Conversations | Session 2
11:30 AM - 12:15 PM | Lightning Sessions
Attendees take the mic in these crowd-sourced sessions—fast-paced, five-minute presentations on a topic submitted in advance by audience members.
12:15 pm | Closing
SPEAKERS |
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Todd Burleson is an accomplished school librarian and author currently serving at the Skokie School in Winnetka, Illinois. With over 32 years of experience in education, he is a certified school librarian who holds both a master's degree and a bachelor's degree in education. Known as the "Willy Wonka of school librarians," Burleson has transformed traditional library spaces into dynamic learning environments, including the creation of the IDEA Lab at Hubbard Woods School, which emphasizes project-based learning in STEAM disciplines. He has presented at conferences around the world, sharing his innovative practices and insights. A lifelong learner, Burleson is continually exploring, reading, and discovering new ways to inspire students and educators alike. Honored as the 2016 School Librarian of the Year by School Library Journal, he remains deeply committed to fostering a love of reading and integrating technology into learning in his current role. |
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Amanda Chacon is a NISE STEM-certified Future Ready Librarian® who also is a LEGO Education Teacher Ambassador, Ozobot Certified Educator, Amazon Future Engineer Teacher Ambassador, and, most recently, was selected as the School Library Journal 2024 Librarian of the Year and a 2024 Library Journal Mover & Shaker. She believes the library is a place where all students are welcome to explore their interests and creativity. #MyLibraryIsNotQuiet! Special interests include how STEAM and literacy intersect and support one another. Amanda has been in education for 20 years and a librarian for 14 years. |
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John Chrastka is co-founder and executive director of EveryLibrary, the national political action committee for libraries, and the EveryLibrary Institute, a public policy and education policy think tan for libraries. Since 2012, EveryLibrary has supported public libraries in numerous funding negotiations, politicized challenges, and over 130 election days, winning over $2.8 billion dollars in stable tax money for libraries. Its SaveSchoolLibraians.org campaigns help ensure the future of school library work, and its FightForTheFirst.org site supports over 100 local and statewide anti-censorship and anti-discrimination campaigns. The EveryLibrary Institute supports funding-focused research and training for library leaders and outreach to the public about librarians. |
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Elissa Malespina is an award-winning school librarian in New Jersey, an educational consultant, and certified special education advocate. She writes The AI School Librarians Newsletter, where she shares insights on leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance library services and educational outcomes. Known for her innovative approach, Elissa has successfully implemented technology-driven initiatives that enrich student learning, such as virtual debates. Her work in educational equity includes a role as a school board member. Elissa is also featured in the book "Trouble in Censorville: The Far Right's Assult on Public Education and the Teachers Who are Fighting Back." Additionally, she runs her consulting company and provides professional development. Learn more about Elissa and her contributions at elissamalespina.com. |
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Julie Stivers is the Upper School Librarian at Carolina Friends School in Durham, NC. Her work has been published in Knowledge Quest, School Library Journal, and YALS. She is the author/editor of Include (ALA, 2022) and a co-author of the upcoming Manga Goes to School (ALA, 2024). As an ALA Emerging Leader, she helped develop AASL’s Defending Intellectual Freedom: LGBTQ+ Materials in School Libraries. She's the 2022 North Carolina School Library Media Coordinator of the Year and the 2023 School Librarian of the Year. Her research and practical interests center inclusive library spaces, culturally sustaining pedagogy, reimagining school book fairs, and exploring the power of manga and anime with her students. |
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Julia E. Torres is a nationally recognized veteran language arts teacher, librarian, and teen programs administrator in Denver, Colorado. Julia facilitates teacher development workshops rooted in the areas of anti-racist education, equity and access in literacy and librarianship, and education as a practice of liberation. Julia's work has been featured on NPR, AlJazeera’s The Stream, PBS Education, KQED’s MindShift, Rethinking Schools, Learning for Justice Magazine, School Library Journal, American Libraries Magazine, and many more. Her co-authored title Liven Up Your Library: Design Engaging and Inclusive Programs for Teens and Tweens is just the first of many forthcoming publications for librarians and educators. |
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Becky Calzada, District Library Coordinator, Leander ISD, TX
Donna Gray, Library Coordinator, NYC school system
Jennifer Sturge, Library Coordinator, Calvert County Public Schools, MD
Jonathan Hunt, Coordinator, Library Media Services, San Diego County Office of Ed, CA
Kerry Townsend, Library Media Coordinator, Columbia Public Schools, MO
Dr. Kevin M. Washburn, Director of Library Programs, DC Public Schools
Liz Phipps-Soeiro, Director of Library Services, Boston Public Schools
Melissa Jacobs, Director of Library Services, NYC DOE
Michelle Jarrett, School Library Supervisor, Osceola County School District, FL
Sarah Steiger, Manager, Libraries & Digital Media, Chicago Public Schools
Tom Bober, District Library Coordinator, School District of Clayton, MO
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