PREconference

Sunday, November 1 Preconference

A full day of learning - 2 tracks to choose from!

Two amazing options include a full-day with award winning author Melissa Stewart OR a full-day Makerspace Morning with Melissa Thom & Shannon McNeice and AI Afternoon with keynote speaker Dr. Kristen Mattson. 

Track 1: Spend the day with Melissa Stewart, author of many amazing nonfiction books and the professional book 5 Kinds of Nonfiction! Developing a Plan for an Info-licious Library: From Collection Development to Instruction A robust body of research shows that most students enjoy reading nonfiction, and many prefer it. And yet, most school-based literacy instruction is fiction focused. This full-day workshop guides school librarians in creating a more welcoming space for young nonfiction lovers by increasing student awareness of and access to nonfiction. (Designed for K-8 but all are welcome!) Bonus! Includes lunch and 1 ticket to the Awards dinner on Nov. 1.  

Track 2: The morning will feature makerspace with CASL's own Melissa Thom and Shannon McNeice making and creating together! The AI Afternoon session will feature Monday's keynote speaker Dr. Kristen Mattson. Her session will focus on media literacy through an AI lens, with strategies to help teachers and students. (All are welcome!) Bonus! Includes lunch and 1 ticket to the Awards dinner on Nov. 1.  

Your preconference registration also includes . . .

Ticket to celebrate CASL award winners at the Fall Fling Dinner!

The CASL Awards Dinner will take place during the evening of Sunday, November 1, 2026, celebrating librarians, educators, and administrators from across Connecticut! 

Fall Fling After Hours Fun!

If you are staying over, join us after the dinner for community, games, and more!            

Spots for each track are limited, so register today.

Hotel information will be added when it is available.