R10 2026 Library Conference

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. Perkins is a registered 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.

TBD

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 on colorful, engaging picture books that spark imagination and build early literacy connections. For upper elementary and middle school students, interactive writing workshops provide hands-on opportunities to strengthen writing skills, explore voice, and build confidence as storytellers through TEKS-aligned instruction. For high school students, sessions focus on creative nonfiction essay writing for college applications (Common App and Apply Texas), helping students shape authentic personal stories that stand out in college admissions and scholarship processes.

As a newly accepted artist on the Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) Texas Touring Roster, Angela will share how librarians can access grants that may cover up to half of a performing artist’s fee. Participants will learn about funding opportunities for author visits, storytellers, musicians, and other touring artists, along with practical steps for planning, booking, and following up on visits in ways that are collaborative, budget-conscious, and impactful for students.

The real magic happens when librarians create opportunities students may never have outside of their library—the chance to connect with performing artists, especially authors, discover their own creativity, and begin seeing themselves as readers, writers, and creators with stories worth telling. Participants will leave with practical tools, planning strategies, and adaptable ideas for building stronger partnerships that bring energy, creativity, and authentic connection into the school library space.

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