School libraries are more than places to check out books—they are spaces where students discover who they are, find hope, and realize they are not alone. In this session, participants will explore how memoirs and personal narratives can be used to foster courage, resilience, empathy, and meaningful student connections. Drawing from my experiences as a registered nurse and author of Truth Be Told, attendees will leave with practical programming ideas, discussion strategies, and engagement activities they can implement to create library spaces where every student's story matters.
Presenter: Reba Perkins Reba M. Perkinsis aregistered nurse, healthcare leader, former board member of her alma mater, North Dallas Academy, and debut memoir author dedicated to empowering others through service and storytelling. With years of experience in healthcare, she has witnessed firsthand the importance of resilience, compassion, and authentic connection. Through her service in education and her work as an author, she believes authentic stories have the power to inspire courage, build empathy, and transform lives. Her memoir, Truth Be Told: A Story of Bravery, Integrity, and Resilience, reflects those values. Reba is passionate about partnering with educators and librarians to create spaces where students feel seen, heard, and empowered through the power of reading and storytelling.
