R10 2026 Library Conference

R10 2026 Library Conference

8:00am CDT

Check-In

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am CDT

Please check in for your conference bag and goodies. This also will mark your attendence for CPE credit.

Friday September 11, 2026 8:00am - 8:30am CDT

Check-in/Registration

8:30am CDT

Welcome & Keynote

Friday September 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Lisa Hancock is a conflict resolution specialist and sought-after guest speaker whose work promotes dispute resolution, problem-solving, team building, and decision-making. Lisa received a Master of Arts in Dispute Resolution from SMU. She is an adjunct professor at SMU, Dallas College, and ACU's Duncum Center.In 2007, she founded Restorative Communications to create courageous spaces for people...
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Friday September 11, 2026 8:30am - 9:15am CDT

Keynote

9:30am CDT

A Year of Programs (Passive and Active)

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Collin - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

We all want to have amazing programs for our Middle School and High School students, but sometimes budget and lack of time get in the way. This presentation will offer ready to go ideas with downloadable resources and purchase lists (mostly all affordable) so that your library can be full of both active and passive programming! There are monthly ideas, crafts, activities, and more. All ideas have...
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Speakers

Allyssa Loya

Library Media Specialist; Speaker, Rockwall ISD

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Collin - 1st Floor

District Session

9:30am CDT

Genrefy it!

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Ellis - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Why to genrefy and how: Genrefying your library can significantly enhance the user experience by allowing patrons to easily discover authors and books that align with their interests. It simplifies the process of finding favorite titles without the need to recall specific authors' names, among other benefits. This professional development session will guide you through utilizing Follett's tools...
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Speakers

Christy Willis

Librarian, Duncanville ISD

Christy Willis is a school librarian in Duncanville ISD with 30 years of experience in education. She began her career teaching Social Studies in Grand Prairie ISD, followed by international schools in Haiti, South Korea, Italy, Guatemala, and Egypt before continuing her work in Duncanville... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Ellis - 1st Floor

District Session

9:30am CDT

Open Book Club (OBC): For Teachers Who Read

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Dallas - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Teachers are readers, too. Come learn about Open Book Club (OBC), a literacy-centered professional learning community where educators read books of their choosing and reflect on how their reading experiences can strengthen classroom instruction. This introductory session includes an overview of OBC, time for questions, and an opportunity to sign up for future meetings. Plus, attendees will be...
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Speakers

Moriah Georges

Founder & Reader in Chief, Educators' OBC

Moriah is the founder of Educators' OBC, an RLA teacher, and an avid reader who enjoys connecting people with stories.

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Dallas - 1st Floor

District Session

9:30am CDT

Beyond the Bookshelf: Building Courage, Connection, and Resilience Through Storytelling

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Grayson - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

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...
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Speakers

Reba Perkins

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Grayson - 1st Floor

Vendor

9:30am CDT

Collection Development Strategies

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT

Hunt - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

TBD

Sponsors

Bound to Stay Bound

North Tx Sales Rep, BTSB, Bound to Stay Bound Books

Friday September 11, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am CDT
Hunt - 1st Floor

Vendor

10:40am CDT

ChatGPT & Chill: Top 10 Power Moves for Librarians using AI or ChatGPT

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT

Collin - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Speakers

Kezia Griffin

Library Media Specialist and Campus Asset Manager, Dallas Independent School District

I’m Kezia Griffin, a Library Media Specialist and Campus Asset Manager who loves connecting students, teachers, books, technology, and creative ideas. I’m passionate about building a school library where students feel welcome, reading is celebrated, and teachers see the library... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT
Collin - 1st Floor

District Session

10:40am CDT

Don't Fear the Media: Using Social Media to Build Your Library Brand & Grow Readers

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT

Hunt - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Your library has a story to tell — and your patrons are already scrolling. Learn how to build a library brand and connect with readers using today's most active platforms: Instagram, Bluesky, Threads, YouTube Shorts, and more. Walk away with a content framework, platform-by-platform strategies, and a ready-to-use posting plan for promoting your library, your programs, and the books your students...
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Speakers

Deborah Zeman*

HS Librarian, Hebron High School/Lewisville ISD

Deborah Zeman is a high school librarian at Hebron High School in Lewisville ISD. She serves as Chair of the TLA Spirit of Texas Reading Committee and Publisher Liaison for the Young Adult Round Table for Texas Library Association, and has held leadership roles with TxASL and ALA... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT
Hunt - 1st Floor

District Session

10:40am CDT

Every Light Bulb Needs a Connection

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT

Dallas - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Every student possesses the inherent potential to shine (the Light Bulb), but that potential remains dormant without intentional pedagogical "wiring." "Every Light Bulb Needs a Connection" is a transformative guide for K-12 educators that redefines the library not as a place for information delivery but as a hub for high-voltage learning experiences. Attendees will learn how to transform...
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Speakers

Christopher Reza

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT
Dallas - 1st Floor

District Session

10:40am CDT

Getting and Staying Organized in the Library

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT

Grayson - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform your library from a chaotic, cluttered space into a streamlined hub of knowledge. This session is designed specifically for school librarians seeking a practical, actionable plan to master the unique organizational challenges of the library environment. We’ll cover strategies for mastering both physical and digital organizational challenges. Participants will leave equipped with a...
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Speakers

Marcie Verastiqui

Librarian/Media Specialist, Dallas ISD

Maricela "Marcie" Verastiqui is a bilingual Dallas ISD librarian with over 20 years of experience in education, including 12 years dedicated to the library. Having also taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th dual-language grades, she draws on deep pedagogical expertise to transform her library... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT
Grayson - 1st Floor

District Session

10:40am CDT

To Tech or Not to Tech? Intentional Technology in the Modern Classroom

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT

Ellis - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

In a world where digital tools are everywhere, how do we decide when technology truly enhances learning and when it’s best to go low-tech? This session explores practical strategies for using technology with purpose, balancing engagement with meaningful instruction, and creating intentional learning experiences that empower students without overwhelming them.

Speakers

Brandi Grant

Friday September 11, 2026 10:40am - 11:40am CDT
Ellis - 1st Floor

District Session

11:40am CDT

Lunch & Visit with Vendors - Bingo Game for Door Prizes!

Friday September 11, 2026 11:40am - 1:00pm CDT

Grab a bite to eat (lunch boxes are served in the lobby), then visit the vendors to get your BINGO card stamped for a chance to win fabulous door prizes!

Friday September 11, 2026 11:40am - 1:00pm CDT
Lobby

Lunch & Vendor Visitation Passport Game

1:00pm CDT

Edutainment in the Library

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Grayson - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Edutainment"—the intentional marriage of educational objectives with entertainment value—is a powerful tool for capturing the fleeting attention of modern students. This session explores how to transform the library from a quiet study hall into a dynamic "learning lab" where engagement is the primary driver of information literacy.We will dive into practical, low-budget, and high-impact...
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Speakers

Pamela Beckman

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Grayson - 1st Floor

District Session

1:00pm CDT

Getting and Staying Organized in the Library

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Austin - 2nd Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Transform your library from a chaotic, cluttered space into a streamlined hub of knowledge. This session is designed specifically for school librarians seeking a practical, actionable plan to master the unique organizational challenges of the library environment. We’ll cover strategies for mastering both physical and digital organizational challenges. Participants will leave equipped with a...
See More →

Speakers

Marcie Verastiqui

Librarian/Media Specialist, Dallas ISD

Maricela "Marcie" Verastiqui is a bilingual Dallas ISD librarian with over 20 years of experience in education, including 12 years dedicated to the library. Having also taught 1st, 2nd, and 5th dual-language grades, she draws on deep pedagogical expertise to transform her library... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Austin - 2nd Floor

District Session

1:00pm CDT

Law 4 Librarians

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Dallas - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Legal issues related to the First Amendment, privacy and confidentiality, filtering and CIPA, social media, and the internet are embedded in the work of libraries and what librarians do each day.Learn the basics of these legal issues at this one-day workshop. Presenters will share information on recent case law, legal precedence, and how to check your policies to make sure you and your library are...
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Speakers

Mendy Autry

Director of Compliance & Accountability, Midlothian ISD

With over thirty years of experience in public education and twenty-nine years in working with libraries, Mendy has directed a joint use public library and K-12 school programs for libraries, federal programs, grants, instructional technology, gifted and talented programs, and fine... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Dallas - 1st Floor

District Session

1:00pm CDT

Reimagining Nonfiction: A Reader-Centered Zoning System for Easy Access and Discovery

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Hunt - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

In the spirit of “Beyond the Cape – The Power of School Libraries!”, this session highlights how thoughtful organization can transform the nonfiction section into a dynamic, student-friendly space that empowers independent learning. Organizing nonfiction can often feel overwhelming—for both librarians and readers. Traditional classification systems, while effective for cataloging, don’t...
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Speakers

Tiffany Matlock Blackburn

District Librarian, Princeton HS

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Hunt - 1st Floor

District Session

1:00pm CDT

The Connected Librarian: Using Tech to Lead, Advocate, and Amplify

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Ellis - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Today’s librarians are more than resource managers, they’re leaders, advocates, and innovators! This session explores how to leverage technology and digital platforms to strengthen your professional voice, showcase library impact, and build powerful connections with your school community and beyond. Learn practical strategies for using social media, digital tools, and online networks to...
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Speakers

Brandi Grant

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Ellis - 1st Floor

District Session

1:00pm CDT

We Can't Do It (And We Don't Know Where to Start)... So Let's Set the Stage: Student-Centered Passive Programming That Sparks Voice, Choice, and Curiosity

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT

Collin - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

What if your library could speak even when you're not there? In this session, discover how passive programming can become a powerful tool for student-centered learning. We'll explore how to design engaging, low-maintenance experiences that put students in the driver’s seat—encouraging voice, choice, and creative exploration. From interactive displays and self-guided challenges to reflective...
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Speakers

Deborah Zeman*

HS Librarian, Hebron High School/Lewisville ISD

Deborah Zeman is a high school librarian at Hebron High School in Lewisville ISD. She serves as Chair of the TLA Spirit of Texas Reading Committee and Publisher Liaison for the Young Adult Round Table for Texas Library Association, and has held leadership roles with TxASL and ALA... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 1:00pm - 2:00pm CDT
Collin - 1st Floor

District Session

2:15pm CDT

Beyond Checkout: Building Library Magic

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Dallas - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Once students are checking out books, what comes next? This session explores the “next level” ideas that transform a busy library into the heart of the school community. Discover practical ways to build a strong reading culture, connect library experiences to curriculum, create innovative programming, and increase authentic student engagement through student voice and choice, leadership...
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Speakers

Terri Harkey

Librarian

Terri Harkey is an accomplished educator and library leader, boasting a Bachelor of Music Education, a Master of Library Science, and Principal Certification. Having retired as a school librarian, she leaves behind a legacy marked by recognition as a finalist for the TCEA Library... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Dallas - 1st Floor

District Session

2:15pm CDT

Beyond the Stacks: Scaling Student-Led Literacy & Specialized Programming

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Grayson - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

(The "Why"): To provide librarians with a blueprint for increasing circulation and student engagement through student-led book clubs, specialized interest groups (Podcast/STEM clubs), and high-visibility digital promotion. Bonus - Hosting Events Checklist

Speakers

LaShonda Roberson

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Grayson - 1st Floor

District Session

2:15pm CDT

The Dynamic Duo: Unlocking the Power of Counselor-Librarian Partnerships

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Collin - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

School counselors and librarians each play a critical role in supporting the whole child. Together, they can expand access to literacy, foster belonging, support social-emotional development, and strengthen college, career, and military readiness efforts. This session will showcase practical collaboration strategies, examples from the field, and planning tools that help turn occasional...
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Speakers

Amanda Knight

Consultant, Region 10 ESC

With 18 years of experience in education, I serve as a Counseling Consultant at Region 10 Education Service Center, guiding over 130 schools in north Texas. I specialize in coaching and professional development, helping school counselors and administrators improve student outcomes... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Collin - 1st Floor

R10 Session

2:15pm CDT

Turning Pages, Touching Hearts, Teaching Children: Planning Powerful Read-Aloud Lessons for K-5 Teachers

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Ellis - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Join me for an engaging session on "Turning Pages, Touching Hearts, Teaching Children: The Impact of the Read-Aloud." This inspiring event will highlight the powerful impact of carefully selected, well-prepared read-alouds on children of all grade levels. Discover the magic of read-alouds, gain insights into choosing the right texts, and learn expert tips for delivering engaging readings that will...
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Speakers

Dr. Pearl Garden

Elementary ELAR Consultant, Region 10

Pearl Garden, Ed.D. is an Elementary ELAR Consultant at Region 10 Education Service Center, where she supports K–5 teachers in strengthening literacy instruction. With 28 years of experience in education, she has served as a classroom teacher, teacher educator, and adjunct professor.Dr. Garden is... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Ellis - 1st Floor

R10 Session

2:15pm CDT

Librarians and Local Authors Unite: Author Visits, Writing Workshops, and Funding

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Hunt - 1st Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Across all grade levels, this session provides practical insight into how author visits and writing workshops can be thoughtfully designed to create meaningful connections in school libraries.Angela Henderson Smith will share a full range of Pre-K through 12th grade ideas for librarians to bring engaging literary experiences into their libraries. For early learners (Pre-K–2), author talks center...
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Speakers

Angela Henderson Smith

Author, Speaker, Writing Coach, Write College Prep, Educator, Angela Henderson Smith

As a selected artist on the Texas Commission on the Arts Touring Roster, Angela Henderson Smith brings engaging, hands-on writing experiences to students across Texas through author visits, interactive workshops, and college readiness programs. Her placement on the Touring Roster... Read More →

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Hunt - 1st Floor

Vendor

2:15pm CDT

Make your ILS Work for You

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT

Austin - 2nd Floor

Limited Capacity seats available

Use data and reports to document everything you do to help you power up your EOY evaluation.

Speakers

Dr. Janie Flores

I am working on a start up idea that will change how teachers and administrators view each other.

Sponsors

Insignia Software

Insignia Software Corporation

Claire Hitchcock

Friday September 11, 2026 2:15pm - 3:15pm CDT
Austin - 2nd Floor

Vendor