Caring for Our Collective - 2026 VLA VLACRL Annual Conference: Full Schedule

11:00am PDT

TICKETS REQUIRED: Town Point Virginia Fall Wine Festival

Sunday October 18, 2026 11:00am - 4:30pm PDT

Visit Town Point Park at the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront for the 28th Annual Fall Wine Festival. Sampling ends at 4:30 p.m. Tickets required.

Learn more and buy tickets here: https://festevents.org/events/2026/fallwinefest/

Sunday October 18, 2026 11:00am - 4:30pm PDT

Sunday Off-Site Events

1:30pm PDT

FREE - Private Reading Room Tour at the Jean Outland Chrysler Library at the Chrysler Museum of Art

Sunday October 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

Join tour guide and librarian Liz Weir for a private tour of the library collection at the museum. Limit 20 attendees. Registration form coming soon.

Sunday October 18, 2026 1:30pm - 2:00pm PDT

Sunday Off-Site Events

2:00pm PDT

FREE - Collection Highlights Tour at The Chrysler Museum of Art

Sunday October 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Collection Highlights Tour at The Chrysler Museum of Art
Registration form coming soon.

Sunday October 18, 2026 2:00pm - 3:00pm PDT

Sunday Off-Site Events

2:00pm PDT

Early Registration and Badge Pickup

Sunday October 18, 2026 2:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Stop by early registration to get your badge, other important information, and first choice of fun badge ribbons.

Sunday October 18, 2026 2:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Registration

5:00pm PDT

Poster Sessions

Sunday October 18, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

The Invisible Labor of LIS Intern SupervisorsCandice Benjes-Small, William & Mary Elizabeth McDaniel, William & Mary LIS internships benefit students—but what about supervisors? Drawing on interviews with librarians across academic, public, and special libraries, this poster explores the hidden labor of supervising interns, shares hard-won advice for first-timers, and offers practical...
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Sunday October 18, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Poster Sessions

5:00pm PDT

Conference Kickoff - Awards and Scholarship Reception and Cocktail Hour

Sunday October 18, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Join us for a cocktail hour featuring light bites and drinks. Awards and scholarship winners will be recognized at 6 p.m. Come support your colleagues and celebrate the start of the conference!

Business casual attire preferred.

Sunday October 18, 2026 5:00pm - 7:00pm PDT

Special Event

9:00am PDT

Exhibit Hall Ribbon Cutting/Registration and Badge Pickup

Monday October 19, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Join us as we cut the ribbon and officially welcome you to Norfolk! Registration desks are in the rear of the Exhibit Hall - please follow the marked path to form a line. Registration Desks are marked for last names beginning with A-L and another for M-Z.

Monday October 19, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Registration

10:00am PDT

Opening Session and Keynote Address

Monday October 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am PDT

VLA President Nancy Falciani and VLA Conference Chair Kelsey Cheshire welcome you to the Opening General Session of the 2026 VLA Conference!We will honor our Award & Scholarship Winners for all of their hard work and dedication and hear acceptance speeches from VLA 2026 Book Award winners.Our keynote address will be delivered by Kaetrena Davis Kendrick, a leader in collective care practice...
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Monday October 19, 2026 10:00am - 11:30am PDT

Opening Session and Keynote Address

11:45am PDT

Lunch

Monday October 19, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

Check out these local eateries for lunch hour. List curated by the 2026 Conference Committee.Benny Damato’s (Lunch/Dinner)131 Granby St b, Norfolk, VA 23510Sun -Tue: 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.0.1 miles from the conference centerPizza by the slice or a full pie. Named after a US Navy destroyer that served for over 40 years. Online ordering for pickup and delivery available through their...
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Monday October 19, 2026 11:45am - 1:00pm PDT

Lunch

12:00pm PDT

Zen Den

Monday October 19, 2026 12:00pm - Tuesday October 20, 2026 12:00pm PDT

Introverted? Need a break? Stop by the Zen Den to 'get away' and decompress.

Monday October 19, 2026 12:00pm - Tuesday October 20, 2026 12:00pm PDT

Zen Den

1:00pm PDT

Cardinal Cup Author Spotlight featuring Alyssa Colman

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

An author session and Q&A with Cardinal Cup winning author of Where Only Storms Grow, Alyssa Colman

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Author Spotlight

about <br>

1:00pm PDT

All Ages All Access: Building Digital Confidence Through Outreach

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Our presentation will equip library professionals with practical strategies to support digital literacy among patrons of all ages, strengthen community engagement, and enhance technology access for all patrons.

Speakers

Shannon Hendrix

Virginia Beach Public Library

Matthew Ashby

Virginia Beach Public Library

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

1:00pm PDT

Behavioral Agility for Community Care: Supporting Library Workers in Times of Change

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

This interactive workshop equips library professionals with behavioral agility strategies to support community care, manage workplace stress, and navigate ongoing change in public-facing environments.

Speakers

Dr. Kristy K. Taylor

WORxK Solutions, LLC

Dr. Kristy K. Taylor, SHRM-SCP is the founder of WORxK Solutions, LLC and creator of the WORxK Principle™. She is a military veteran, Certified Career & Executive Coach, renowned Workplace Agility Expert, HR Organizational Development Practitioner, international speaker, and best-selling... Read More →

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Caring for Our Collective

1:00pm PDT

Blooming through Burnout: Collective Care in Libraries

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Library workers are expected to keep growing, even in difficult conditions. This session explores how collective care helps staff support one another while planting small, sustainable seeds of library joy in daily work, especially in high emotional areas like teen services. Learn practical ways to build resilience, set boundaries, and create stronger, more supportive library teams.

Speakers

Jennifer Whitley

Branch Specialist, Jefferson-Madison Regional Library

Shelby Newhouse

Jefferson-Madison Regional Library

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Caring for Our Collective

1:00pm PDT

Building Community Connections with New Approaches to Book Clubs

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Book clubs are an essential part of library readers' advisory services, bringing readers together and placing the library at the heart of its community of readers. Learn how you can implement variations on the traditional book group model to reach new readers and connect them with the library and each other.

Speakers

Sue La Paro

Youth Services Consultant, Library of Virginia

I provide comprehensive consulting services, training, and support to Virginia’s public libraries in the areas of school readiness and summer and out of school learning for children, youth, and families.

Barry Trott

Adult Services Consultant, Library of Virginia

Barry Trott is Adult Services Consultant at the Library of Virginia, where he helps public libraries across the Commonwealth plan and develop services for adult library users. He earned his MSLS from The Catholic University of America School of Library and Information Science in 1997... Read More →

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Programming

1:00pm PDT

Law Without a Lawyer: Finding Reliable Legal Information

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Information on how librarians may provide equal access to justice for all customers.

Speakers

Douglas Jackson

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Exploring Careers

1:00pm PDT

Let's Talk About Sustainability

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Discover practical, cost-effective strategies libraries can use to strengthen services, use resources wisely, and support local priorities through the experience of Virginia librarians who participated in ALA’s Resilient Communities initiative and Sustainable Libraries Certification Program.

Speakers

Jennifer Ferriss

Assistant Director, Saratoga Springs Public Library

she/her

Brittany Veland

Librarian, Arlington Public Library

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

1:00pm PDT

Many Pathways, Real Careers: Professional Growth in Libraries Without the MLIS

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Explore how library staff can achieve meaningful professional growth and long-term success through experience, skills, and specialization—without holding an MLIS.

Speakers

Kendra Hawkins

Tidewater Community College

Vivian Washington

Chesapeake Public Library

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Caring for Our Collective

1:00pm PDT

Not Just Another Paint Night: The Importance of Play in Adult Programming

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Using Get Creative as a case study, we’ll examine the social-emotional learning that can be introduced to adult programming, how to make that happen, and why you should let your adults have fun too

Speakers

Maura Zurfluh

Library Services Coordinator-Community Learning, Suffolk Public Library

Monday October 19, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

General Session, Programming

2:00pm PDT

It Wasn't a Hiring Problem: Designing for Stability, Wellness, and Retention

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

This library replaced two revolving door jobs with one career-building position, improving staff morale.

Speakers

Andy Kulp

Director of University Libraries, Shenandoah University

Among other things, Andy cares about building teams of library people who enjoy working together, so fewer of us are miserable at work.

Christine Forbes

Access Services and Reference Librarian, Shenandoah University

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

2:00pm PDT

You're Doing Great, Sweetie: Investing in Library Student Workers' Success

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

This session explores how an ethics of care framework supports library supervisors' investment in library student workers and their holistic well-being and success.

Speakers

Kelsi Dunman

Reference and Instruction Librarian, Virginia Peninsula Community College

Isaac Fick

Batten University

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

2:00pm PDT

What The World Needs Now: Kindness featuring Rosemary Wells

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

A voyage and a tribute. A voyage through the different art techniques used by Rosemary Wells on the books that librarians have embraced during her career — with a special showcase of her latest book, Kindness, A Handbook. Librarians have the key to our children’s future: the books you place in their hands can free them from non-reading conventional thinking and help them find a new path to...
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Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Author Spotlight

2:00pm PDT

Book & Look: How to tailor your programming to your library's unique identity

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Learn how the Chrysler Museum revived its book club with a twist and how you can use your library's unique identity to create programming.

Speakers

Liz Weir

Dickson Librarian, Chrysler Museum of Art

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

General Session, Programming

2:00pm PDT

Card Not Required: When Public Space Meets Public Needs

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

How libraries support all patrons, including unhoused community members, through partnerships, programs, and trauma-informed care.

Speakers

Amber Lowery

Assistant Director, Roanoke Public Libraries

Charlsie Parker

Roanoke Public Libraries

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

General Session

about <br>

2:00pm PDT

Chain Reaction: Two Tired Librarians + Two Book Bikes = Sparks in our community

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Learn how book bikes can drive strategic outreach and community engagement, even in a not so bike friendly town.

Speakers

Megan Mulvey

Suffolk Public Library

Ali Carroll

Suffolk Public Library

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

2:00pm PDT

Clear Is Kind: Having Difficult Conversations That Strengthen Your Team

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Learn practical tools to offer feedback with clarity and confidence, support staff growth, and build an aligned, low-drama workplace.

Speakers

Julie Phillips

Botetourt County Libraries

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

General Session, Leadership and Management

2:00pm PDT

Library Night Out: Designing Fun, Adult-Friendly Programming

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

If you want your library to be THE place for fun in your community, come learn about successful, entertaining adult programs, and brainstorm your own!

Speakers

Kelcee Sykes

Montgomery-Floyd Regional Libraries

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

General Session, Programming

2:00pm PDT

Read to a Librarian: How a low stakes library program can boost kids’ reading confidence

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Attendees will leave with a plan and tools for implementing a reading skills program to help combat the “summer slide” and build a community of young readers.

Speakers

Terra Hanks

Assistant Branch Manager, Meadowbrook Public Library, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library

Jess Tabor

Meadowbrook Public Library Branch Manager, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

General Session, Programming

2:00pm PDT

The Power of (dis)Engaging with AI: Practicing Purposeful Use and Resistance

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Discover strategies to both use & resist AI tools as a part of a critical approach to the use of technology supported by instructional materials, learning assessments, and a more informed pedagogy.

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

General Session

2:00pm PDT

From idea to impact: Publishing with the Virginia Libraries Journal

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

Join members of the Virginia Libraries editorial board during this session for a brief overview of the journal’s publication process, followed by an interactive workshop to meet potential collaborators, share thoughts and perspectives, and turn your article idea into a published piece.

Speakers

Brian Sullivan

Education Librarian, James Madison University

David Black

James Madison University

Elle DeGaetano

Tidewater Community College

Lauren Parker

Tidewater Community College

Monday October 19, 2026 2:00pm - 2:45pm PDT

VLA Highlight - Get Involved!

4:00pm PDT

Author Visit Pitch Session with Local Authors and Illustrators: Programs for Kids, Teens and Adults

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Learn about programs and activities offered by Virginia authors and illustrators for library patrons of all ages.

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Author Spotlight

about <br>

4:00pm PDT

Breaking the Barrier: Actionable Resources and Staff Training for Robust ELL Programming

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

By blending AI-driven program planning with empathetic training, this session equips attendees with a practical toolkit to transform language barriers into inclusive, community-building connections.

Speakers

Johana S. Brannon

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Kristi Lisech

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

General Session, Programming

4:00pm PDT

From Incident to Insight: Shared Responsibility in Practice

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

This session explores how tools like debriefing, youth sign-in, internal communication systems, incident reports, and policy updates turn incidents into insight—building shared responsibility, strengthening staff support, and improving consistency and accountability.

Speakers

Georgia Earley

Suffolk Public Library

Keirstin Winslow

Suffolk Public Library

Liz Paruch

Suffolk Public Library

Caitlin Kottke

Suffolk Public Library

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

General Session, Leadership and Management

4:00pm PDT

Libraries That Build Communities: Lessons in Partnership, Place, and Equity from Baltimore

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

What happens when a library is co-located with a workforce housing project? A powerful model for neighborhood renewal is created.

Speakers

Alfredo Davalos

Quinn Evans

Carly Reighard

Enoch Pratt Free Library

Shannon C. Wray

Quinn Evans

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

General Session

4:00pm PDT

No Shame. No Stigma. Period. How Libraries Can Combat Period Poverty and Promote Menstrual Equity

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

This presentation explores how libraries can combat period poverty and menstrual stigma through accessible resources, community partnerships, and equitable public service practices, addressing an issue experienced by approximately 42% of people who menstruate at some point in their lives.

Speakers

Amanda Hayes

Suffolk Public Library

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

General Session, Outreach and Partnerships

4:00pm PDT

Reclaim your Spark of Joy: Supervising Through Burnout

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Join us for a realistic discussion about public facing supervisor/manager difficulties and burnout.

Speakers

Tasha Birckhead

Jefferson Madison Regional Library

Brittany Eversberg

Jefferson-Madison Regional Library

Acacia Rodgers

Jefferson Madison Regional Library

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

General Session, Leadership and Management

4:00pm PDT

Underprepared and Under Pressure: Virginia Library Workers on the Book Challenge Crisis

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

Book challenges are burning out Virginia library workers. New research reveals what's missing—and what collective care looks like in practice.

Speakers

Amber Matthews

Assistant Professor, Library & Information Studies, Old Dominion University

Amber Matthews is an Assistant Professor of Library & Information Studies in the Darden College of Education and Professional Studies at Old Dominion University. She holds an MLIS and PhD from Western University and has worked in community-based development for ten years in Canada... Read More →

Ashley Weisman

n/a, Old Dominion University

Doctoral Researcher

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 4:45pm PDT

General Session, Intellectual Freedom and Advocacy

4:00pm PDT

VIVA Annual Member Meeting

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

Please join us at the VIVA Annual Member Meeting to hear about current approaches to meeting the unique challenges faced by Virginia’s academic libraries. VIVA will provide an update on consortium activities and programs of note, members will highlight ongoing initiatives, and there will be opportunities to learn more about VIVA-subscribed products. Door prizes will be awarded.

Speakers

Loftan Hooker

Head, Access Services, Virginia Commonwealth University

Monday October 19, 2026 4:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

VIVA Meeting

5:00pm PDT

REGISTRATION REQUIRED - Slover Tour - Hosted by the Youth and Family Services Forum

Monday October 19, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT

The Slover

Sign up for a tour of the famous Slover. Tour is free but registration is required to provide a head count. Register here!

Monday October 19, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm PDT
The Slover 235 E Plume St Norfolk, VA 23510

Special Event

8:00am PDT

Registration and Badge Pickup/Exhibit Hall Hours

Tuesday October 20, 2026 8:00am - 12:00pm PDT

9:00am PDT

Academic Library Mentorship as Professional Development and Collective Care

Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

By investing in mutual professional development through mentoring, we can build a resilient library profession.

Speakers

Jenny Horton

University Librarian/Director, University of Lynchburg

Jessi Whipple

Southern Virginia University

Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

9:00am PDT

You’re Not an Island: The Role of External Reviews in Building Support through Community

Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

This presentation will introduce the external review process from the perspectives of the home institution and the reviewers, provide strategies for translating the review into meaningful outcomes, and discuss the benefits of engaging in the process.

Speakers

Luke Vilelle

Hollins University

Nancy Falciani

Richmond University

Shaunna Hunter

Hampden-Sydney College

Darla Schumm

Hollins University

Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

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

Sophia Geron

Collection Manager, Chesterfield Public Library

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

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 →

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 →

Kiley Filipovic

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Jenny McGee

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

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...
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Speakers

Cathleen Rhodes

Old Dominion University

Izzy Ozeki

Kenny Wilcox

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

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

Shannon Hull

Library Branch Manager, Pamunkey Regional Library

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

Elizabeth Stinnette

Loudoun County Public Library

Tuesday October 20, 2026 9:00am - 9:45am PDT

General Session, Programming

10:00am PDT

Is There a Doctor in the House?

Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Considering a doctorate—or just curious? Academic librarians share what earning one changed (or didn’t) in their professional lives.

Speakers

K.T. Vaughan

Washington and Lee University

Christine Woods

Saint Leo University

Megan Hodge

Virginia Commonwealth University

Jeremy McGinnis

Liberty University

Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

10:00am PDT

Science Sense: Helping students navigate information like scientists

Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

When General Education Assessments revealed students were scoring low on the information literacy components of Scientific Literacy, the librarians developed a targeted tutorial on the subject. In this session we’ll walk you through our process of determining what students need to know and tailoring tutorial content to their information needs.

Speakers

Brittany Horn

Tidewater Community College

Michelle Brown

Tidewater Community College

Cheryl Nabati

Tidewater Community College

Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

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

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

Marina Shafran

Fairfax County Public Library

Sandra I. Mattos

Chesterfield – Colonial Heights Department of Social Services

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

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 →

Rosanne North-Jack

Youth Services/Teen Librarian, Prince William Public Libraries

Maddy Barnes

Youth Services Librarian, Prince William Public Libraries

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

Alicia Phinney

Youth Services Director, Williamsburg Regional Library

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

Erin Creighton

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Jeffrey Stainbrook

Central Rappahannock Regional Library

Amanda Green

Hampton Public Library

Shannon Marrero

Chesapeake Public Library

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

Kara Balcerzak

Bonfire Bookstore & Yarnery

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

Morgan Strassner

Outreach Librarian, Shenandoah County Library System

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

Kelvin Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries

Emily Todd

Suffolk Public Libraries

Tyler Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries

Deborah Owen

Suffolk Public Libraries

Tuesday October 20, 2026 10:00am - 10:45am PDT

General Session, Programming

11:00am PDT

Health Matters: Caring for your Body while Taking Action

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

This session will demonstrate how lessons taken from managing chronic illness can be widely applied to help all library workers stay healthy and build sustainable action and careers amidst stress, professional attacks, and political turmoil.

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

11:00am PDT

Sharing the load: Envisioning onboarding as a collective responsibility

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

This session will discuss how onboarding practices that prioritize relationships help library workers at any stage in their careers feel cared for, and how to do this effectively, onboarding should be a shared practice of care rather than being left to managers alone.

Speakers

Emily Cranwell Deinert

Roanoke College

Amanda McLeod

Clemson University

DeAnn Brame

University of Maryland, Baltimore/NNLM

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

11:00am PDT

The Gamified Librarian: Lessons from NOVA’s Micro-credential Evolution

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Discover how NOVA transformed campus curriculum this past year using a gamified, andragogical micro-credential program to strengthen instructional partnerships, engage diverse learners, and drive innovative institutional success.

Speakers

Jeff Prater

Collection Development and OER Librarian, Northern Virginia Community College

Jeff Prater is the Collection Development and OER Librarian at the Annandale Campus Library of Northern Virginia Community College. Previously, Jeff worked in academic libraries specializing in instruction, outreach, collection development, and technology as a library director and... Read More →

Alexandra Smith

Northern Virginia Community College

Emily Wells

Northern Virginia Community College

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

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

Collin Fitzsimmons

Chesterfield Public Library

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

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 →

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

Kris Eldred

Virginia Beach Public Library

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

Kate Lynch

Hampden-Sydney College

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

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

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

Sean C. Bilby

Library Collection and Support Services Administrator, Norfolk Public Library

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

Ekaterina Hutchison

Virginia Beach Public Libraries

Anna DeVoe

Virginia Beach Public Library

Tuesday October 20, 2026 11:00am - 11:45am PDT

General Session, Programming

1:00pm PDT

Building Collective Care: A Sensory Screening Approach to Supporting Neurodivergent Learners

Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Rising neurodivergence and sensory variability in higher education highlight the need for libraries to evaluate sensory accessibility. A librarian and two occupational therapists will share a preliminary validation study of a sensory screening tool that offers students a quick, low‑cost way to identify sensory preferences within learning environments.

Speakers

Lisa Vassady

Radford University

Keith Gentry

Radford University

Brianna Blevins

Radford University

Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

1:00pm PDT

What was that like for you? Graduating student experiences with instruction

Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

We’ll discuss the preliminary findings for our ongoing research study about the usefulness of student instruction experiences and the ethical use of AI to assess our data.

Speakers

Maryke Barber

Hollins University

Rebecca Seipp Behnisch

Hollins University

Sara Sprague

Hollins University

James Miller

Hollins University

Luke Vilelle

Hollins University

Tuesday October 20, 2026 1:00pm - 1:45pm PDT

Academic Track: VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference

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

Kelvin Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries

Tyler Ellis

Suffolk Public Libraries

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

Allison Forbes

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

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

Haley Painter

Bland County Public Library

Cameron Burton

Bland County Public Library

Owen Cagle

Bland County Public LIbrary

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

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

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 →

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.

Janice Hummel

Loudoun County Public Library

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

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

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

Christopher Fleming

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