Name: Teen Clubs: In Person, Digital, and Beyond!
Start: 2026-06-09T13:40:00-0600
End: 2026-06-09T14:45:00-0600

Teen Clubs: In Person, Digital, and Beyond!

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT

Liniger Hall

Teens need opportunities outside the classroom to connect, build friendships, and fuel a love of reading, and school and public librarians are uniquely positioned to create them. Through our experiences with the Colorado Blue Spruce Young Adult Book Award and Douglas County Library's Teen Library Connection, we'll share what we've learned about launching and sustaining book clubs and beyond, both in person and online.

You'll hear our stories, pick up practical strategies for recruiting members, structuring meetings, and choosing the right format for your community, and yes, we'll even show you how to run a digital murder mystery together!

SEATING GUIDANCE: The EdTalk sessions will be immediately followed by the Reference Roundtable session. Please sit at a table that corresponds to the Reference Roundtable discussion topic you selected at registration. Not sure which topic you selected? Match the colored dot on your nametag to the colored dot on a table sign.

Speakers

Gwen Swierczek

Librarian, Douglas County Libraries

Gwen Swierczek has worked in public libraries since 2012, from shelving to paraprofessional to adult librarian, finally settling in children and youth librarianship. She has a Masters in Library and Information Science from Emporia University. She has created elaborate programming for people from all... Read More →

Amanda Samland

Head Librarian, Regis Jesuit High School

Amanda Samland is the Head Librarian at Regis Jesuit High School, where she oversees both campus libraries and works to create welcoming, student-centered spaces that encourage reading, curiosity, and connection. She enjoys partnering with teachers, supporting student research, and developing progr... Read More →

Sara Van Hall

Librarian, Douglas County Libraries

Sara van Hall has worked in public libraries for over 16 years, everywhere from a materials handler to a paraprofessional to a librarian. She has a BA in History from the University of Northern Colorado, an Elementary Teaching Certification from Metropolitan State University, and a Masters in... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

EdTalk

Target Audience Elementary, Middle School, High School

HESTL EdCON26

Gwen Swierczek

Amanda Samland

Sara Van Hall

Attendees (5)

Get help with the event

HESTL EdCON26

Gwen Swierczek

Amanda Samland

Sara Van Hall

Attendees (5)

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