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 been tested in my own high school library, so we will discuss what students responded to and the lessons I learned along the way!
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 and data to effectively genrefy your library collection. If you are considering transforming your library's organization to better serve your patrons, "Genrefy It!" is the ideal course for you.
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 →
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 entered to win door prizes!
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 →
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 can't put down.
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 →
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 their Libraries into hubs for CONNECTING learning by supporting teachers in creating experiences that enable students to creatively demonstrate their mastery in different ways.
Through the lens of the "CIRCUIT" framework, attendees will be challenged to rewire traditional systems into engaging instructional learning experiences that prepare students for creating deep, lasting connections that empower students to become Critical Thinkers, Adaptable Problem-Solvers, and Confident Leaders.
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 toolkit of "tips and tricks" to increase daily efficiency and reduce burnout.
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 →
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.
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 strategies to gamify your library space and curriculum. Participants will learn how to move beyond traditional lectures to create immersive experiences that stick.
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 strategies to gamify your library space and curriculum. Participants will learn how to move beyond traditional lectures to create immersive experiences that stick
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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 strategies to gamify your library space and curriculum. Participants will learn how to move beyond traditional lectures to create immersive experiences that stick
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 toolkit of "tips and tricks" to increase daily efficiency and reduce burnout.
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 →
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 protecting the rights of the community you serve. There will be interactive activities and opportunities to share your experiences, ask questions, and connect with librarians.
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 →
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 always align with how students naturally search for and engage with information.
In this session, Tiffany Matlock shares an innovative, reader-centered zoning system designed to simplify nonfiction organization and enhance accessibility. Developed and refined in Princeton ISD libraries, this approach groups nonfiction titles into intuitive “zones” based on reader interests and real-world topics, making browsing more natural, engaging, and meaningful for students.
True to the conference theme, this system demonstrates the “power” of school libraries to go beyond traditional structures and create spaces where students feel confident exploring, discovering, and learning. The system has also been carefully adapted to align seamlessly with vendor genre settings, ensuring that implementation is both practical and scalable without requiring extensive recataloging.
Attendees will gain insight into the development process, practical strategies for transitioning from traditional shelving, and tips for maintaining consistency across collections. Whether you're looking to increase circulation, foster student independence, or reenergize your nonfiction space, this session will provide actionable tools and inspiration.
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 amplify advocacy efforts, foster collaboration, and position your library as an essential hub for learning.
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 stations and collaborative community walls, learn how to create library environments that invite participation, promote autonomy, and align with inquiry-based learning goals. Walk away with ready-to-go ideas, adaptable templates, and inspiration to turn every corner of your library into a launchpad for student growth.
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 →
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 opportunities, interactive displays, reading celebrations, author visits, grant writing opportunities, makerspaces, student clubs, and meaningful community involvement. Walk away with creative, manageable ideas that elevate your library from a place students visit to a place students connect, create, learn, and belong.
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 →
(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
