Schedule - Session Descriptions

All sessions are listed below in alphabetical order by session title. Please click on the right hand link for the Schedule to see a schedule-at-a-glance of all sessions. 

“Nothing About Us Without Us”: Open Source, Consortia & Trust‑Building Models… | Brianna Hoffman
Tribal, small, and rural libraries share challenges rooted in limited funding, geographic isolation, aging technology, and the need to build community trust. Grounded in the principle of “Nothing About Us, Without Us,” learn how Jamestown S’Klallam Tribal Library utilizes open-source platforms, grant funding, community partnerships, and consortia to find solutions to these challenges. Participants will leave with practical and scalable approaches for using partnerships and utilizing existing resources to support library services and update technology without significant costs, duplicating efforts, or overextending staff while recognizing that none of these efforts will be successful without first building trust within the community. 

“Yes, let's do this!” and “Ugh, no. Do I have to?”: Creating GenAI Literacy Programs for Your Community | Stacey Wedlake
Libraries are under increasing pressure to support their communities in understanding the implications of the rise of Artificial Intelligence in everyday life. In this session, researchers from the University of Washington will work collaboratively with attendees to co-design programs that address the challenges and opportunities of AI. We will also review the basics of Generative AI and ways to increase your community’s GenAI literacy. In addition, attendees gain access to programmatic resources that have been produced through a collaboration between libraries and UW’s Center for an Informed Public (CIP) and Technology and Social Change Group (TASCHA). 

“Your Library, Your Impact” Phase 1: From Messy Metrics to Data Mastery (26.92) | Jan Kuebel-Hernandez
Learn how to transform messy, fragmented library data into a clean, credible foundation for impact storytelling beyond an infographic. This session highlights the behind-the-scenes work powering Your Library, Your Impact—an interactive dashboard and AI insights tool to be released Summer 2026—by focusing on practical strategies for auditing, cleaning, and aligning data with institutional goals. Participants will gain approachable methods for simplifying datasets, ensuring user privacy and intellectual property, and preparing metrics for future visualization and advocacy in an AI context. Designed through a graduate student partnership for under-resourced libraries, this scalable, low-cost approach helps librarians position the library for high-impact marketing and decision-making.

A Weird & Wonderful World of Circulating Unusual Library Materials | Keith Darrock
Camping gear, bear canisters, musical instruments, craft kits, projectors, tools, and so many more non-traditional library materials are all popular at the small Port Townsend Public Library. Learn how to get started with building, storing and maintaining your own unusual library materials collection. This session will share what we’ve learned over the last ten years, plus look at what other libraries are doing in our region with this growing trend.

Amplifying Community Voices with Zines  | Sara Peté
In this workshop we will discuss what zines are and how zine workshops can create a joyful space for creativity, community building, uplifting community voices, intergenerational connection, and fun. In the process of working together on a collaborative zine on the theme of “library joy,” participants will experience how easy, rewarding, and fun it can be to amplify the voices and creative visions of our community members while simultaneously strengthening the bonds between us. We’ll learn together by doing. Materials will be provided for all participants to create at least one zine page. Content might include text, drawings, and/or collage made from materials provided. After the workshop copies of the completed zine will be mailed to all contributors.

Between the Stacks: Civic Storytelling at the Library | Michael Bowman
In January 2024, the Office of the Secretary of State’s Civic Engagement Program embarked on a project to record, transcribe, and share the “civic stories” of a diverse group of Washingtonians. After more than 50 recordings- 7 of which were animated into 2-minute shorts- we aim to support local community groups and libraries to host civic storytelling programming.

In this interactive session, participants will learn about the scope of the project, listen/watch and discuss an animated civic story, engage with program materials, and share/listen to a civic story of their own. In addition, a limited number of participants will have the opportunity to check out one of OSOS’ civic storytelling toolkits for use in library programming or circulation.

Books for the Chronically Online | Christine Ma Kellams
How can books compete with TikTok? Psychology Today columnist (of the blog "Confessions of the Chronically Online") and novelist Christine Ma-Kellams discuss the role of fiction in the era when everyone appears to be glued to their phones. This session will cover the two-way relationship between books and social media, including recent book releases inspired by viral online trends as well as an unpacking of how books themselves are driving trends from book retreats to BookTok. 

Breaking Up with the Nonfiction Dewey Decimal System | Ginny Trufan
A high school library has overhauled their nonfiction section, about 4,300 books, to make it easier for students to browse for books, according to interest and by topic for research papers. Learn how to move past the outdated Dewey Decimal System and organize your collection to suit your needs through the process that one high school library developed. The steps taken, challenges and benefits, and final categorization system will be shared for attendees to use as a starting point for their own collections. Handouts and Q & A time provided.

Building Writing Programs That Thrive in Libraries | Mary Boone
This practical, idea-rich session equips public and school librarians with tools to launch or reinvigorate writing programs for children, teens, and adults. Participants will leave with adaptable program models, low-pressure writing strategies, inclusive facilitation techniques, and ready-to-use prompts that remove barriers for reluctant writers. Learn how to design engaging formats, foster confidence, and measure success beyond attendance. Attendees will gain clear frameworks, planning checklists, and actionable next steps to launch a writing program—no extra budget or prior writing experience required.

CAYAS Story Time Idea Swap | Anna Morrow
Join us for a collaborative session with library staff who serve young children. Share story time and other programming/services ideas, ask each other questions and get advice, and be in community with like-minded folks. 

Connecting Communities | Sam Helmick, ALA President
Join ALA President, Sam Helmick, to explore the role of libraries in connecting communities by strengthening relationships and encouraging engagement. The talk highlights how libraries continue to serve as essential spaces for connection in evolving community landscapes.

Cultivating AI‑Literate Communities | Brianna Hoffman
Libraries are increasingly asked to help communities understand and use AI responsibly—often with limited time and training. This session introduces the AI Safety Awareness Project and its train-the-trainer opportunities designed specifically for library staff. Participants will get a sneak peek at an interactive workshop focused on practical, community-centered AI literacy and safety. The session will also highlight how The Seattle Public Library is currently partnering with the organization, offering a real-world example of how libraries can integrate AI education into public service work.

D&D as Therapy: Outcomes from a Pilot at Echo Glen Children’s Center | Sara Jones and Russell Roe
The panel will discuss a pilot project at Echo Glen Children’s Center Library for Therapeutically Applied Role-Playing Games (TA-RPGs) operated in collaboration with Save Point Behavioral Health, the Office of Secretary of State, Washington Department of Children, Youth, and Families and the State Library. The goal of the projects was to provide group-based, therapeutic services utilizing TA-RPGs with customized content to work with participating players in collaboration with EGCC mental health staff.  The pilot documented significant benefits to participants, but the project faced many challenges, and the panel will discuss the challenges and opportunities in library settings for incarcerated individuals. 

Delighting in the Difficult: Finding Joy in Challenging Times | Melody Sky Weaver
Library professionals have a right to experience delight and joy in their lives and work! Joy is an attitude that defies circumstances and an intrinsic muscle that can be developed. This interactive and engaging presentation will focus on creating joy by living beyond fear, spreading kindness like biodegradable glitter, and the joys of being uncomfortable by sharing stories and tools developed from 20 years of public library work as a lifelong optimist and positivity champion.  

Evergreen Extravaganza! | Jodi Kruse
Come and get a lightning fast look at the new nominees for the Evergreen Teen Book Award and the Evergreen Graphic Novel Award.  You'll also discover the Evergreen Reading List as a curation tool, a teen engagement opportunity, and a preview of what the next year's nominees are going to be.

Expanding Library Collection Using the Cite Black Women Principles
The library at Seattle Central College, in collaboration with the English Department, undertook a project starting in 2023 to incorporate the critical praxis and principles of the Cite Black Women collective into our work.

The Cite Black Women principles state:
1. Read Black women's work
2. Integrate Black women into the CORE of your syllabus (in life & in the classroom).
3. Acknowledge Black women's intellectual production.
4. Make space for Black women to speak.
5. Give Black women the space and time to breathe.
(http://www.citeblackwomencollective.org/our-principles.html)

We developed curriculum and a mini library collection based on these principles, and we will use our presentation time to discuss the project as a whole and talk with a little depth about the collection development process.

From Idea to Action: Using AASL Standards in School Libraries | Sarah Logan
The new AASL standards for libraries, librarians, and learners are here!  This session will begin with an overview of the AASL standards, highlighting changes from the first edition to this newly revised edition.  Then we will break into grade-level-alike groups to translate standards into actionable "I can" statements to use with your learners.  Participants will leave with a more concrete understanding of the new AASL standards and how to use them in library instruction.

From Library Card to Career: Streamlined Access to Living Wage Credentials | Joyce Abbott
Your library can provide free courses, practice tests, and certification exams, including free proctoring for your patrons through the Washington Certification Portal. Offering this service used to be labor intensive to libraries, but now it takes ZERO staff time to offer this to your cardholders! With one simple connection to your ILS, your cardholders can access free courses, practice tests, and get their free exam, including free proctoring, all automated and administered by state library staff. You get the credit and the stats without administering another service. Learn how easy it is from the libraries who have already signed up!

High School Book Club! | Lightning Talk
Our High School book club prioritizes reading for pleasure over academic performance, offering students a low-stakes environment to engage in a popular title alongside their peers. By removing the pressure of grades and mandatory completion, this book club fosters fun and spirited literary discussions that often bridge into deeper important conversations. It balances a relaxed atmosphere—complete with snacks (lots of snacks!)—with a 'spoiler-friendly' approach that encourages deep engagement with the text.

Law 4 Librarians: Current Cases | Brenna Shanks
Join Washington's ALA Law 4 Librarians trainers for a review of current court cases whose outcomes impact library work.

Law 4 Librarians: First Amendment Basics | Brenna Shanks
Law 4 Librarian trainers will give an overview of First Amendment philosophies and laws. Discussion will include how these impact library work, for both public and school libraries. Current cases will be discussed. Q&A and scenarios also available.

Leveraging Public Library Archives for Public History Programs | Carlos Pelley
Attendees will gain insights into how to utilize archival collections to create public history programs for a diverse range of audiences. This presentation includes a section on how we executed our plans, outlining steps to develop a public history program tailored to your library's goals. I have created various historical presentations and programs for different audiences, including high school students, college-level education majors, post-graduate medical residents, classroom teachers, and general adult groups.  By leveraging the archival resources available at your library, you can foster community buy-in, which may lead to increased community engagement, donations of rare and unique local historical materials, and future collaborations. These efforts can help establish your library as a cornerstone for community collaboration, akin to cultural heritage institutions. 

Make It Local: Culture, Community & Resourceful Library Programming | Ary Esparza
Discover how to use the resources you already have, from your personal lived experiences to the forgotten supplies in your storage room, to create fun and meaningful programs. Learn how to navigate community partnerships and design creative programs inspired by cultural traditions and local interests. We'll explore how to adapt these programs for libraries of any size and share outreach tips for promoting library services. We'll end with interactive stations where you can try past program activities and take home new ideas.

Meeting Makers in the Middle: Hands‑On Craft Programming to Engage Youth | Heidi Bush
Never before has there been such a need for the youth to do hands-on crafts. Crafts encourage creativity, build patience, develop problem-solving skills, lift self-esteem, and foster connections across the community. Engaging tweens and teens in a craft can be challenging, time-consuming, and expensive. Using tried and true crafts with illustrated how-to handouts, participants will gain a treasure trove of programming ideas to utilize all year long. Craft projects highlighted include those matched to library celebrations as well as popular books students love to read. Crafts are divided into 15-minute and 60-minute sessions. Activities are geared toward middle school students, however most can be adapted for both elementary and high school library patrons.

Of Love and Monsters | Anna Stapley
Tails and talons and tentacles, oh my! Sharpen your claws and get ready to dig into monster romance! From the classics, to closed door low spice, to open door full spice books, together we will explore the wide range of monster romances that are growing more and more popular. We’ll look at a wide variety of our favorite established tropes, what’s trending on social media platforms, and so much more. Prepare to immerse yourself in the fun and very non-serious world of the sexiest monsters imaginable! There will be discussions on why-choose appendages, knotting, and a wide variety of unusual creatures for everyone to enjoy. This will be LGBTQIA+ friendly.

Participatory Design in Practice: Intergenerational LGBTQIA+ Co‑Creation | Alana O'Neill
KCLS librarians will share their experience using a co-design/co-creation model to create an intergenerational LGBTQIA+ event with community partners. Participants will learn about the co-design process, including the challenges and successes the planning team encountered along the way, and understand the value of a co-design methodology to empower the communities libraries serve. Participants will then go through a mock co-design process through small group discussions.

Public Library Division Unconference | Carol Ellison
Jump into this open and unstructured discussion of topics relevant to the important work that public library workers do, and where we're heading in the future. Session content will be decided on and delivered by the attendees. Join us to share your ideas, to participate in the conversation, or simply to absorb peer wisdom.

Public Library Statistics and the Real World | Kathleen Sullivan
Every year, U.S. public libraries report basic statistics about their operations, services and use. How much of libraries' challenges and triumphs show up in those statistics? Do the statistics capture what the community wants to know? This session will examine the annual library survey through the lens of real-world situations that libraries and communities are navigating now, from budgets to book challenges to AI. We'll talk about what statistics can do, what they can't, and what it means for annual reporting. 

Reframing Classification: Culturally Responsive Changes to LC from a Tribal Library Perspective | Maureen Stewart
Library of Congress Classification and Subject Headings shape how information is organized and discovered, yet they often misrepresent Tribal Nations through outdated and inaccurate language. This session explores how a Tribal library has implemented culturally responsive changes to LC classification and subject headings to improve findability while centering Tribal sovereignty, self-identification, and community needs. From a Tribal library perspective, the presenters will share practical strategies for identifying problematic headings, balancing local modifications with shared cataloging systems, and documenting changes for long-term sustainability. Attendees will gain actionable insights into equity-driven metadata practices that support respectful access and representation.

So THIS is Librarianship | Nicole Hahn
This session explores what it’s like to be new—or new again—as a public librarian, whether you’re a recent graduate, career switcher, or longtime professional starting fresh in a new role or place. Regardless of preparation or years in the field, each workplace brings unique duties, workflows, and community cultures that can’t be fully anticipated. Through shared stories and guided discussion, participants will reflect on surprises, challenges, and successes from their early-career or new-to-role experiences, revealing what that learning curve looks like in practice. Attendees will leave with practical insights from peers, a stronger sense of professional community, and reassurance that uncertainty is a normal part of growth in librarianship.

Stop Working in Silos (School + Public Partnerships) | Ryan Dempsey
Through collaboration with public libraries and adjacent schools districts in Central Oregon, collections have been updated, checkouts are up and more students are actively participating in local and state reading initiatives. Furthermore, by working together and not in silos, public and school librarians are creating new regional conferences that allow librarians scattered across large swaths of Central and Eastern Oregon greater access to professional development, whether those opportunities are in person or online.      

Story‑Led STEM Labs: Bringing Nonfiction Alive in the Library | Mary Boone
Let’s talk about the ways in which recent kids’ books can supercharge your STEM and STEAM programming! Read Up Periscope! by Jennifer Swanson and make periscopes from milk cartons. Make DIY bouncy balls to go with Sarah Albee’s new book Bounce!: A Scientific History of Rubber. Participants will test out a handful of fun science and engineering activities for kids PLUS, they’ll leave with ready-to-use book-to-activity pairings, complete with simple supply lists, and a flexible framework for building inquiry-rich events that spark curiosity. Perfect for librarians seeking fresh, high-impact programming that blends story, science, and wonder.

Student “Centered” Learning in Library Instruction | Elizabeth Roberts
Are you looking for unique, engaging ways to teach your students in your limited library schedule? Participants will learn by engaging in centers that were created with independent, active learning in mind. These lessons ask students to practice library and information skills in small groups at centers. Learning those skills by DOING. Each activity can be completed in 10-15 minutes and still have time for check out. Complete units to be shared: Find it in the Library, Research It, and WCCPBA Makers. We will end the session with time for workshopping your own curriculum into center ideas.

Tabletop Role‑Playing Game Showcase (Full‑Day Pre‑Conference)  | Sara White, Vicki Franklin, Mary Lubbers, Haley Cole, Russell Roe, Hannah Tauriainen, Kaitlyn Severais, Tien Triggs
For the past two years, libraries around Washington have been implementing creative and innovative Tabletop Role-Playing Game (TTRPG) programs and services using Washington State Library funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. Join this full day showcase to learn about the value of TTRPGs in libraries, hear from library staff who are using them with their communities, and experience the joy of collaborative storytelling games.  Participants will gain the knowledge and inspiration to bring the magic of Tabletop Role-Playing Games back to their own communities, or expand and level-up existing services in exciting new ways. 

We'll have presentations in the morning and time to play games in the afternoon! There will be a break for lunch on your own from around noon to 1 pm. Everyone is welcome to come for all or part of the preconference session!

Tabletop Role‑Playing Games in Secondary Schools  | Sara White
Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) are an incredible way to boost Social Emotional Learning (SEL), leadership skills, empathy, executive functioning, and more -- but how do you incorporate this incredible resource into a school setting? In this session, you will have the opportunity to learn from three school librarians who are incorporating Tabletop Role-Playing Games into their work with students in varying ways. Whether you've never experienced a TTRPG, are new to TTRPGs in a school setting, or consider yourself an expert, you will take away new ideas to start from scratch or level-up your school TTRPG services. 

Tabletop Taste Test | Sara Jones
Come try out tabletop role playing games (TTRPGs) for a variety of age groups, interests, and experience levels. We will have multiple game genres represented, including role playing, world building, and storytelling. Game facilitators will be available to run games and answer questions. There will also be games and books to peruse, gaming crafts, accessibility resources, refreshments, and other TTRPG-related takeaways. Please come ready to join in the adventure!  

Tackling Tough Health Topics: Navigating Conversations Through Literature | Kirby Larson
Every day, librarians engage with young people who are dealing with chronic conditions. Representation is a powerful way to feel seen and understood. This session, led by mother-daughter writing team Kirby Larson and Quinn Wyatt (co-authors of GUT REACTION), explores a wide-range of books that help kids by saying it’s okay to talk, even about the embarrassing stuff. Participants will leave with book recommendations, as well as questions and resources to help shape conversations that not only support those living with health challenges, but also foster greater understanding, empathy and kindness in all library patrons.

The Great Migration: How We Switched Our ILS… | Caitlin Hunsaker
In 2024, the Walla Walla County Rural Library District knew we needed a new ILS. In 2025, we made the journey. Join our Cataloger, IT Director, and Branch operations Coordinator in discussing how we decided to switch from SirsiDynix and Enterprise to Koha/Bywater and Aspen and what the journey looked like from start to finish: breaking the news to all our staff, training, data migration, website updates, and more. Whether you're planning your own migration or haven't even considered what a new ILS could mean, we think you'll learn from our mistakes and triumphs alike.

True Story! Towner Award Nominated Nonfiction Picture Books Combine Facts with Fun!  | Lisa Steudel
Join members of the WLA Towner Award Committee as we announce the 2027 Towner Award Nominees! We will explore these nonfiction picture books through the lens of the 5 Kinds of Nonfiction. You will leave this session with tools to teach nonfiction as well as the facts about why having great nonfiction in your library is more important than ever!

Two Peas in a Pod: Podcasting for Community & Oral Histories | Debi Rinehart & Neil McKay
Through the magic of conversation, Debi and Neil cultivate community and create lasting outreach among their library communities. Listen as these experienced podcasters talk about the why and how of library podcasting. What makes a great interview, how to keep the conversation relaxed, what topics and people get the strongest response from the public. If your library has a podcast or is thinking of starting one, you’ll get something out of this chat. Plenty of time for questions and lots of advice, gained from our experiences in Podcasting across the state from each other! 

United for Libraries | Deborah Doyle
Join Debra Doyle from ALA’s United for Libraries to discuss the current opportunities and challenges facing friends, foundations, trustees and advocates to step up in support of our libraries. This panel will include local, state and national allies. Dialog and engagement will ensure that attendees of this 75 minute session will come away with both the rationale and resources needed to boost effective support for libraries. 

WA Do I Read Next? | Sara Peté
Come enjoy a lively review of new and fabulous books written by Washington state authors. A panel of readers’ advisory librarians and WSBA judges/authors will present brief and enticing booktalks for fiction and nonfiction titles you’ll want to share with your patrons. This session is ideal for readers advisors, collection staff, and everyone who works in a library and loves books. Let’s support and celebrate the rich literary landscape of Washington! 

Wacky Wednesdays at the Senior Center! | Sam Harris
Explore how a growing partnership with a local Senior Center supports connections with older adult patrons while meeting community-informed needs -  with a touch of fun! From button making and pool noodle fishing to eBooks and museum passes, learn about the wide variety of programs co-created with library staff and members of the Senior Center. Opportunities inherent in co-creation abound and will be considered along with challenges. Come ready to ask questions, share ideas, and leave with partnership and program ideas for your own library.

Want Your Books to Last Longer? Basics of Book Repair | Kerry Darnall
How do you fix tears? Binding coming loose? Corner of the cover missing? What about sticky pages? Come try your hand at basic book repair, plus learn tips and tricks to keep costs down. You’ll leave with a handout with a list of supplies, plus cheaper alternatives. Interested in preventing damage? We’ll also demonstrate how to laminate paperbacks and how to cover dust jackets. We’ll have samples for you to practice on, but feel free to bring any challenging repairs from your library!

Washington Children’s Choice Picture Book Award 2026 | Alicia Rogers
Come learn about the Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award for K-3rd grade students. We will look at the WCCPBA resources on the WLA website, discuss ways to incorporate this award into your Elementary School Library, and see some of the new books announced for the 2027 WCCPBA Award.

WASHYARG: Review Middle & High School Books | JJ Higgins
Did you know that Washington state has a group of library professionals that review tween and teen books? Learn more about the Washington Young Adult Review Group (WASHYARG) and hear how Washington state public and school library professionals review the newest Middle Grade and High School books. WASHYARG meets three times a year, and members select books provided by publishers to read and review at the next meeting. Members can also join the Evergreen Teen Book Award committee. Interested? Come join us!

Where Are the Dinosaur Books? Creating Youth Centered Collections with CAYAS | Chiara Tomashoff and Eric Stump
Are you searching for fresh, new strategies to help kids and teens find things more easily in your collection? Look no further! Join CAYAS Student Representatives from the University of Washington’s Information School and hear what they’ve learned, both inside and outside of the classroom, about creating youth-centered collections. Their presentation will share international examples of libraries thinking outside the box as well as practicable, small-scale strategies you can implement within budget and time constraints.

WLA Mentor/Mentee Meet‑up | Jessica Widmer
Are you participating in the WLA Mentorship program and want a place to meet up with your mentor or mentee? Looking to connect with other mentors and mentees? Interested in learning more about the program? Join members of WLA's Professional Development Committee for a casual opportunity to network and meet others in the mentorship program. 

Your Call Numbers Suck: Building a Better Fiction Call Number System | Eileen Brigham
Your library's call numbers aren't helping patrons find the books they're looking for. Let's brainstorm a better fiction call number system together to make general browsing and specific searches a better time for everyone. As a result of attending, participants will gain an understanding of what a new basic call number system should include.

 Please direct any questions to the WLA Office at [email protected] or call/text (206) 823-1138.