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Caring for Our Collective - 2026 VLA VLACRL Annual Conference
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Tuesday, October 20
 

9:00am PDT

Creatures on Duty: Integrating Bioactive Terrariums in the Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Learn how to use bioactive terrariums in community engagement.
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
  General Session, Programming

9:00am PDT

Draw the Eye, Drive Circulation: Visual Tricks to Make Displays Move
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
It’s not judging a book by its cover, just visual design! Draw the eyes with simple tweaks to create cohesive book displays.
Speakers
SG

Sophia Geron

Collection Manager, Chesterfield Public Library

VP

Virginia Phelps

Chesterfield Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
  General Session

9:00am PDT

From Van to Victory: Strategies from 5 ‘Library on the Go’ Outreach Models
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Explore five innovative Library on the Go mobile outreach models from Central Rappahannock Regional Library and learn key strategies for providing service to underserved communities, including identifying needs, evaluating locations, and managing logistics, staffing, and materials.
Speakers
avatar for Darcie Caswell

Darcie Caswell

Youth Services Coordinator, Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Darcie Caswell has been dedicated to the education of young people for over 20 years, first as a teacher and now as a librarian. As Youth Services Coordinator for the Central Rappahannock Regional Library, Darcie’s passion is creating opportunities throughout our region for children... Read More →
avatar for Tracy McPeck

Tracy McPeck

Director of Adult Services, Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Besides the obvious (what I'm reading), I could talk for days about adult programming and outreach, AI literacy, library leadership, my cats, the beach, and the best season ever (autumn). I've been in libraries since 2010, after managing retail for a decade (including bookstores... Read More →
KF

Kiley Filipovic

Central Rappahannock Regional Library
JM

Jenny McGee

Central Rappahannock Regional Library
MB

Makayla Benavides

Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
  General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

9:00am PDT

Out in the South: Listening for Local Histories
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
The Tidewater Queer History Project's new podcast, Out in the South, uses oral history interviews, archival audio footage, and historical records to chronicle queer life in Southeastern Virginia. This presentation will include a short podcast listening session, and podcast creators and researchers will discuss how to make local history accessible to communities through archival research and storytelling.
Speakers
CR

Cathleen Rhodes

Old Dominion University

IO
KW
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
  General Session, Exploring Careers

9:00am PDT

Programming for Adults with Developmental Disabilities
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
The library is for everyone! In addition to being a “third place”, public libraries can provide specialized programming with the needs of adults with developmental disabilities—and their caretakers—in mind. This session discusses programming successes, challenges, and how to market to and partner with this segment of our community.
Speakers
avatar for Kelsey DuQuaine

Kelsey DuQuaine

Library Program Specialist, Virginia Beach Public Library
I provide programming for adults, including multiple recurring groups.Adults with Disabilities Social Hour - Various activities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Adults with Disabilities Game Day - Games and puzzles for adults with intellectual and developmental... Read More →
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
  General Session, Programming

9:00am PDT

shiFt happens: Supporting Staff During Rapid System Changes
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
When policies change faster than training can keep up, staff can feel overwhelmed and disconnected; so this session gives library leaders quick, practical ways to communicate clearly, support their teams in real time, and keep morale strong—so staff feel included, confident, capable, and ready to serve, even in constant change.
Speakers
avatar for Shannon Hull

Shannon Hull

Library Branch Manager, Pamunkey Regional Library
HM

Heather Maury

Chesterfield Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
  General Session, Leadership and Management

9:00am PDT

When Teens Run the Library: A Case Study
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
Go beyond busywork and give your teen volunteers career prep and high-level community service with a teen leadership council! Using one library's example, explore how you can enlist responsible teens, shape their ideas, and equip them to run programs. When you give responsible teens responsibility, their creativity will amaze you!
Speakers
ES

Elizabeth Stinnette

Loudoun County Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT
  General Session, Programming

10:00am PDT

Autism and Access: A survey of the modern library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
The presentation will cover Autism Spectrum Disorder in libraries with a focus on access and equity.
Speakers
DM

David Mercer

Fairfax County Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Neurodiversity

10:00am PDT

Beyond Referral: Caring for our Communities
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
“What happens when someone needing help walks into my library?”: a practical panel on social support models, staff care, and community partnerships.
Speakers
MS

Marina Shafran

Fairfax County Public Library
SI

Sandra I. Mattos

Chesterfield – Colonial Heights Department of Social Services
JH

Jeremy Hanes

Suffolk Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

10:00am PDT

Big Events, Big Feels: Starting and Evolving Large Scale Events with Staff Care in Mind
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Don’t panic and bring a towel! Attend this panel style presentation to hear more practical advice, self-care tips, and burnout busters for planning recurring events on a small (think job fair) and massive (think con level) scale from librarians who have lived through it (and come back for more!)
Speakers
avatar for Sharon Moores

Sharon Moores

Library Technician, Prince William Public Libraries
Library technician at Dumfries Library (Prince William Public Libraries). Former journalist and assistant managing editor of news, Middle East and European editions, at Stars and Stripes newspaper. Former artist liaison and event planner with Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. BA in... Read More →
RN

Rosanne North-Jack

Youth Services/Teen Librarian, Prince William Public Libraries
avatar for Maddy Barnes

Maddy Barnes

Youth Services Librarian, Prince William Public Libraries
AW

Andréea Whitley

Prince William Public Libraries
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Caring for Our Collective

10:00am PDT

From Collection to Community: A Model for Library Partnerships
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Learn how a public library partnered with a community organization to create a sustainable, anti-bullying initiative through books, storytimes, puppet programs, and meaningful community collaboration.
Speakers
AP

Alicia Phinney

Youth Services Director, Williamsburg Regional Library
CG

Corinne Garland

Historic Area Religions Together
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

10:00am PDT

Lessons from VA250: Establishing Partnerships, Commemorating the Past, and Recognizing Your Local Heritage
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
VLA Local History Forum presents ideas for historical programmimng around VA 250.
Speakers
EC

Erin Creighton

Central Rappahannock Regional Library
JS

Jeffrey Stainbrook

Central Rappahannock Regional Library
AG

Amanda Green

Hampton Public Library
SM

Shannon Marrero

Chesapeake Public Library
MK

Mary Kitiyakara

Prince William Public Libraries
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Exploring Careers

10:00am PDT

Rowing in the Same Direction: Public Library and Indie Bookstore Partnerships
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Hear from a librarian and a bookseller about their successful partnerships, including tea parties, walking audiobook clubs, historical presentations, and more!
Speakers
KB

Kara Balcerzak

Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery
avatar for Morgan Strassner

Morgan Strassner

Outreach Librarian, Shenandoah County Library System
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

10:00am PDT

Rowing in the Same Direction: Public Library and Indie Bookstore Partnerships
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
Have you been wanting to pitch a partnership to your local indie bookstore? Hear from the Shenandoah County Library System and Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery about their successful (and less successful!) joint events, including tea parties and walking audiobook clubs. You’ll also learn strategies for approaching your local bookstore.
Speakers
avatar for Morgan Strassner

Morgan Strassner

Outreach Librarian, Shenandoah County Library System
KB

Kara Balcerzak

Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

10:00am PDT

Storytimes from the Heart: Performing, Educating, and Staying True to Yourself as a Library Programmer
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
In this panel, we’ll be providing strategies and examples of staying true to yourself while delivering storytimes and programming as a whole
Speakers
KE

Kelvin Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries
ET

Emily Todd

Suffolk Public Libraries
TE

Tyler Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries
DO

Deborah Owen

Suffolk Public Libraries
Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT
  General Session, Programming

11:00am PDT

…Are Things Weird Yet? You Said They Would Be!: AI Futures, the Evolving Information Landscape, and Libraries
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Is AI changing the information landscape forever, as the internet did? If so, how should libraries react?

Part 3 of a series on the changes in the information landscape, ongoing since 2024! No previous session attendance necessary.
Speakers
CF

Collin Fitzsimmons

Chesterfield Public Library
CJ

Carolyn Jensen

Chesterfield Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session

11:00am PDT

Beyond Accommodation: Building Neurodivergent‑Affirming Academic Library Workplaces modation: Building Neurodivergent‑Affirming Academic Library Workplaces
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
This session explores how academic libraries can better support neurodivergent employees through inclusive workplace design, communication practices, and use of emerging technologies – including AI.
Speakers
MR

Megan Reichelt

University Libraries, George Mason University
Megan Reichelt is the Theater, Dance, and Women and Gender Studies Librarian at George Mason University. She received her Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from Catholic University in 2015 and her bachelors in Drama in 2006. Her areas of interest include instruction... Read More →
avatar for Crystal Boyce

Crystal Boyce

Health & Biosciences Librarian, George Mason University
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session, Neurodiversity

11:00am PDT

Bringing Zine Fest to the Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Learn tips and tricks for creating a festival at your library.
Speakers
avatar for Kris Eldred

Kris Eldred

Virginia Beach Public Library
BC

Bria Coles

Virginia Beach Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

11:00am PDT

Growing Knowledge by Growing an Audience: Leveraging social media engagement for education and inclusivity
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Situated in current research, this session explores two librarians' efforts to use a combination of humorous and educational social media content to make the library more accessible to patrons.
Speakers
KL

Kate Lynch

Hampden-Sydney College
DI

Dawnelle Ion

Hampden-Sydney College
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session

11:00am PDT

Is Your Amygdala on Fire? Caring for Brains for Collective Good
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
This session will present practices to promote brain health and thus physical and mental health.
Speakers
NC

Nan Carmack

Old Dominion University
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session, Caring for Our Collective

11:00am PDT

Leadership Isn't What You Think: What People Experience at Work
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Leadership is often taught through models and frameworks, but this session explores what leadership looks like in everyday work, where trust, accountability, and clarity are shaped in moments people remember.
Speakers
avatar for Reagen A. Thalacker

Reagen A. Thalacker

Public Library Consultant, Library of Virginia
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session, Leadership and Management

11:00am PDT

Lockdown! Writing Your Emergency Procedures
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Norfolk Public Library branch library staff write, revise, and practice their own branch emergency lockdown procedures aligned with municipal policies, including Avoid-Deny-Defend, to keep everyone safe.
Speakers
avatar for Sean C. Bilby

Sean C. Bilby

Library Collection and Support Services Administrator, Norfolk Public Library
TB

Thomas Brooks

[email protected], City of Norfolk, General Services- Security Division
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session, Leadership and Management

11:00am PDT

Reading Buddies: Big Readers, Little Readers, Lasting Impact
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
Books, buddies, and a big impact! Learn how to create a teen mentorship program with a lasting impact in your community.
Speakers
EH

Ekaterina Hutchison

Virginia Beach Public Libraries
AD

Anna DeVoe

Virginia Beach Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT
  General Session, Programming

1:00pm PDT

Adult Storytime
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Yes, you read that right. When was the last time you've been to a storytime for yourself? Like...as an adult? Never? Great! Now's your chance!
Speakers
KE

Kelvin Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries
TE

Tyler Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries
ET

Emily Todd

Suffolk Public Libraries
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Programming

1:00pm PDT

Breaking the Barrier: Actionable Resources and Staff Training for Robust ELL Programming
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
See how Loudoun County Public Library serves their English learning patrons and get ideas for how to grow your own programs by engaging resources that may already exist in many communities.
Speakers
AF

Allison Forbes

Head of Adult Services at Sterling Library, Loudoun County Public Library
AD

Aryn Dagirmanjian

Loudoun County Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Programming

1:00pm PDT

Caring About the Process: Bridging the Gap between County and Library Processes
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Administrators are people, too; learn direct conversation points, strategies, and plans for fostering essential dialogue and success with supervisors.
Speakers
HP

Haley Painter

Bland County Public Library
CB

Cameron Burton

Bland County Public Library
OC

Owen Cagle

Bland County Public LIbrary
KH

Kari Havens

Bland County Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Leadership and Management

1:00pm PDT

Creating a Community of Joy: Giving Voice and Choice to all Library Workers
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Libraries today urgently need human creativity, so proactively encouraging everyone who works at the library, regardless of job title, to share ideas and solutions, gives employees ownership, motivation and confidence, which results in a more joyful work environment and a more vibrant space for library users.
Speakers
AL

Anne Lindberg

Jefferson Madison Regional Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Leadership and Management

1:00pm PDT

Help! The Book Police are Here: Empowering staff to defend challenges to graphic novels and comics
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
This panel will discuss the tools libraries need to help defend challenged graphic novels and comics, including library policies, staff training, and sources of support.
Speakers
avatar for David Titus

David Titus

Librarian, Ohef Sholom Temple Library
I have a strong interest in Holocaust education. In addition to a large collection of adult and young person Holocaust titles, the Bonk-Rivin Holocaust Collection contains a large selection of graphic novels and comic books on Holocaust topics. Ask me about using graphic novels and... Read More →
KD

Kaitlyn Dwyer

Roanoke County Public Libraries
I am a passionate advocate against censorship. As part of the VLA's Graphic Novel and Comics Forum, I strive to ensure graphic arts materials remain on the shelves. I am also an advocate for video game and console collections in libraries.
JH

Janice Hummel

Loudoun County Public Library
EM

Evan Miller

Prince William County Public Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Intellectual Freedom and Advocacy

1:00pm PDT

History and Genealogy Departments: The Swiss Army Knife of Libraries
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
The Slover
This session explores how local history and genealogy departments serve as powerful institutional ‘multi-tools,’ advancing research support, preservation, public engagement, and operational flexibility.

Please note that this session will take place off-site at the Slover, located approximately 2 blocks from the conference center. Details about where to meet coming soon.
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
The Slover 235 E Plume St Norfolk, VA 23510
  General Session, Exploring Careers

1:00pm PDT

Roll for Ambiguity: Critical Success Strategies for Cultivating Clarity in Ambiguous Roles
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Librarians wear many hats. However, role ambiguity decreases job engagement and increases burnout among library staff. This session will delve into how leadership and staff within public and academic libraries can work together to reduce role ambiguity.
Speakers
SC

Sarah Cauthen

Liberty University
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Leadership and Management

1:00pm PDT

Speak Up for Libraries: Learning to Educate, Advocate, and Lobby for your Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
As we all have learned, no one is better equipped to advocate for libraries than you. This session welcomes introverts, extroverts, and everyone in-between to learn introductory skills to better educate your community on the positive impacts of libraries and advocate for funding and resources, connecting those impacts to stakeholder goals.
Speakers
avatar for Zach Elder

Zach Elder

VLA President Elect, Massanutten Regional Library
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Exploring Careers

1:00pm PDT

The Neuro-Inclusive Collective: Shared Strategies for Regulation and Belonging
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Learn to support diverse nervous systems and replace chronic masking with mutual support, fostering a culture of authentic "library joy" for all staff.
Speakers
avatar for Christopher Fleming
LG

Lauren Garletts (Marie)

James Madison University
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Neurodiversity

1:00pm PDT

We’re Still Standing, What’s Next?! Stewardship in Technical Services
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
Discover how Technical Services staff and stewardship can contribute to community dialogues and support library priorities.
Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT
  General Session, Technical Services
 

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  • Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference
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