Spotting the Synthetic

Library Strategies for AI Misinformation

Elissa Malespina Keynote

The Worst They Can Say is No

 Beginner-Friendly Grant Writing with AI

Jenna Landon, Cato-Meridian CSD

Many school librarians are interested in applying for grants but hesitate due to fear of rejection, lack of time, or uncertainty about where to begin. This beginner-friendly session offers a flexible, modular workflow for using AI tools to make grant writing more accessible, less intimidating, and significantly less time-consuming — without sacrificing authenticity or ethical practice. Participants will learn how to turn informal ideas into grant-ready language, leverage AI strategically while maintaining their own voice, and reduce the cognitive and time demands that keep so many librarians from ever hitting submit. This session is about building the confidence to actually write that grant.

Booked for Belonging

Creating Community Through Inclusive Seasonal School-Wide Lessons

Danielle Nagle

Many librarians love the magic of holiday lessons, but it can feel intimidating to plan celebrations when you’re worried about leaving someone out. This session supports librarians who want their libraries to feel festive and joyful, while also being a place where every student feels safe, included, and respected. By shifting holiday lessons into broader seasonal themes and community-centered units, we can build excitement, increase engagement, and strengthen school culture without sacrificing inclusivity.

School Author Visits and Great New Secondary Titles

Of Moose and Mind Bookshop, Manlius, New York

Come learn how our independent bookshop can help bring authors to your schools at minimal cost to your district or HSA.  We will introduce our team and services, break down the process of navigating publishers' event grids to pitch for authors on tour, and share an exciting sneak peek of upcoming titles from both debut and favorite authors. 

Booked for Belonging

Creating Community Through Inclusive Seasonal School-Wide Lessons

Danielle Nagle, School Librarian, West Genesee Central School District

Many librarians love the magic of holiday lessons, but it can feel intimidating to plan celebrations when you’re worried about leaving someone out. This session supports librarians who want their libraries to feel festive and joyful, while also being a place where every student feels safe, included, and respected. By shifting holiday lessons into broader seasonal themes and community-centered units, we can build excitement, increase engagement, and strengthen school culture without sacrificing inclusivity.

When the Reference Shelf Goes Dark 

Public Data, Shared Facts, and the Quiet Erosion of Knowledge Infrastructure

Elissa Malespina, School Librarian & Keynote, Newark, New Jersey

What happens when the sources we have long treated as stable, public, and authoritative begin to disappear, change, or become politically contested? This session examines the growing fragility of public information infrastructure and what it means for librarians, educators, researchers, and students. Using examples involving government data, public databases, institutional websites, and historical records, the presentation explores how disappearing or changing information can widen inequities and complicate research. It also considers the changing role of librarians, from helping people locate information to preserving evidence, documenting changes, teaching verification, and helping learners navigate contested versions of reality

School Author Visits and Great New Elementary and Middle Grade Titles

Of Moose and Mind Bookshop, Manlius, New York

Come learn how our independent bookshop can help bring authors to your schools at minimal cost to your district or HSA. We will introduce our team and services, break down the process of navigating publishers' event grids to pitch for authors on tour, and share an exciting sneak peek of upcoming titles from both debut and favorite authors. 

Back to Basics

Managing Your Secondary School Library's Digital & Physical Spaces

Jessica Regitano

Many school librarians enter the profession ready to teach, curate, and program but often find themselves navigating the daily operations alone. Back to Basics is a practical, solutions-focused session designed to demystify the mechanics of running a secondary school library. From digital passes and room bookings to website design and genrefication signage, participants will explore tools and strategies that bring clarity and consistency to everyday routines. You will leave with actionable ideas to streamline systems, strengthen workflows, and build a solid foundation that keeps your library thriving behind the scenes.

Tune In, Drop In, and Schedule It Out

Krista Rozanski, School Librarian, Altmar-Parish-Williamstown Central School District

As we approach the switch to Portrait of a Graduate, librarians are perfectly positioned to offer learning opportunities for our students. In this session, learn how the APW Jr/Sr High School Library is engaging students through drop-in activities and on-demand learning opportunities that support classroom teachers' lessons.