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Tuesday, June 9
 

8:00am MDT

Breakfast with Exhibitors
Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
A Token For Your Thoughts đźŞ™This year's exhibitor game puts the power of curiosity in your hands — literally! You'll receive a set of paper tokens (one per exhibitor) along with a guide of conversation-starter questions to bring to each exhibitor table. Strike up a conversation, get your token hole-punched, and then enter it for a chance to win prizes. You can put all your tokens toward...
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Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

9:00am MDT

Opening Remarks
Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am MDT

Speakers
avatar for Suzi Tonini

Suzi Tonini

School Library Leadership Consultant, Colorado State Library
Suzi Tonini (she/her) is the School Library Leadership Consultant at the Colorado State Library. Suzi has more than 25 years of experience in education as both a classroom teacher and teacher librarian and she believes every Colorado student deserves a strong school library program... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:00am - 9:30am MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

9:30am MDT

Brave Instead of Perfect: Smashing Imposter Syndrome in Order to Show Up for Kids (and Ourselves)!
Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
They say comparison is the thief of joy, but in a connected world, the urge to compare ourselves, and our work, to the "rockstars" in our field can be both impossible to resist and professionally paralyzing. In this keynote, we explore ways to smash imposter syndrome, avoid comparison, and use our networks to pursue bravery instead of perfection so we can be the kind of librarians our kids truly...
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Speakers
avatar for Jennifer LaGarde

Jennifer LaGarde

Jennifer LaGarde is a lifelong teacher and learner with more than 20 years in public education. She is passionate about leveraging technology to help students build authentic reading lives, meeting the unique needs of students living in poverty, and helping learners of all ages discern fact from fiction... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:30am MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

10:45am MDT

Fuel for the Journey: Centering Reading Identity in a Phonics-Driven World
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
The work of reading requires fuel. In classrooms where phonics, fluency, and foundational skills take center stage, we sometimes forget that motivation is the fuel that keeps readers moving forward. In this session, we’ll  explore how identity, joy, and community work in concert to power literacy growth. Most importantly, we’ll explore how librarians can nurture reading identities that...
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Speakers
avatar for Len Bryan

Len Bryan

Partner, Library Services, Cherry Creek School District
Len Bryan has 28 years of experience in education, with 12 in the classroom and 16 in the library and in library administration. Len has served as a librarian or library administrator in Texas, Oregon, and Colorado at the campus, district, and state levels. Len is also a coauthor, alongside... Read More →
avatar for Jennifer LaGarde

Jennifer LaGarde

Jennifer LaGarde is a lifelong teacher and learner with more than 20 years in public education. She is passionate about leveraging technology to help students build authentic reading lives, meeting the unique needs of students living in poverty, and helping learners of all ages discern fact from fiction... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134
  Deep Dive

10:45am MDT

Read It, Make It: Quick STEAM Activities That Bring Books Alive
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Bring stories to life by bridging literacy, curiosity, and inquiry. This session shares real-world examples of pairing books with quick, accessible STEAM activities that work in both whole-group and small-group settings. We'll move beyond the read-aloud to show how books can serve as a launchpad for curiosity, exploration, and authentic engagement — supporting cross-curricular integration along...
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Speakers
MR

Molly Rubin

Digital Teacher Librarian, Jefferson County Public Schools
Molly Rubin is a multiage classroom teacher for 22 years who transitioned to being a Digital Teacher Librarian. She has a passion for bringing students a joy of learning and curiosity through literacy and integration of hands-on experiences.
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)
  Deep Dive

10:45am MDT

Reading Co-Pilots: Partnering to Help Every Student Grow
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Forget flying solo — literacy is a team sport. This session explores how librarians and teachers can co-navigate the shift from passive reading to genuine student agency, using Berthoud High School (~750 students, Northern Colorado) as a case study.Participants will learn how Berthoud's library partners with ELA and cross-curricular teachers to build reading skills through independent choice...
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Speakers
avatar for Carin Barrett

Carin Barrett

Teacher Librarian, Berthoud High School, Berthoud High School
Carin Barrett has been teaching for 26 years. Formerly a Social Studies teacher, she has spent the last 10 years as the teacher librarian at Berthoud High School in northern Colorado.
Tuesday June 9, 2026 10:45am - 11:45am MDT
Room 249 (upstairs) 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

11:45am MDT

Collaborative Lunch
Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT
Step away from the sessions and connect with fellow school library professionals from across Colorado. Lunch is a great opportunity to share what's working in your library, swap ideas with colleagues, and build the kind of professional relationships that sustain us in our work.
Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:45am - 12:30pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

12:30pm MDT

But I Saw It on TikTok: Helping Kids Navigate The Information Spaces They Use Most
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
With over a billion active users and an algorithm that adapts to our behavior faster than we can double tap, TikTok has become one of the most powerful sources of information for today’s learners. It is also one of the most persuasive. In this session, we will explore how short-form video blends entertainment, emotion, and perceived authenticity to make even mis-, dis- and mal-information feel...
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Speakers
avatar for Jennifer LaGarde

Jennifer LaGarde

Jennifer LaGarde is a lifelong teacher and learner with more than 20 years in public education. She is passionate about leveraging technology to help students build authentic reading lives, meeting the unique needs of students living in poverty, and helping learners of all ages discern fact from fiction... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

12:30pm MDT

Empowered Librarian: Supporting AI Use to Boost Creativity
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Stop feeling overwhelmed by AI and start feeling empowered! This workshop moves beyond AI gripes to help school librarians navigate AI with confidence. We will first demystify chatbot capabilities by exploring a researcher-developed AI literacy tool. Then, we'll dive into three recent studies via interactive simulations to explore what researchers have discovered about how AI can both limit and...
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Speakers
avatar for Rebecca Kaplan

Rebecca Kaplan

Teacher Librarian, Erie High School, St. Vrain Valley School District
Becca Kaplan loves libraries and public education; for the past 17 years, she's worked as a teacher librarian, teacher educator, university instructor, and ELA teacher. She earned her PhD in Learning Sciences at CU Boulder, and she continues to engage in education research today... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Room 249 (upstairs) 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

12:30pm MDT

From Invisible to Indispensable: Advocating for School Libraries
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
In an era of shifting budgets and evolving digital landscapes, the school library is more vital than ever—but does your community know that? This interactive session transforms library professionals into powerful advocates. We will move beyond checking out books to demonstrate how your program drives student achievement, fosters critical thinking, and serves as the heartbeat of the school...
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Speakers
avatar for Sheena Kelly

Sheena Kelly

Digital Media Literacies Coordinator, Thompson School District
Sheena Kelly is a strategic library leader with fifteen years of experience across diverse library settings, recognized for her expertise in inclusive programming, technology integration, grant management, and professional development.
Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm MDT
Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)

1:40pm MDT

Whose Library Is It Anyway? How Student Leaders Drive New Ideas
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 1:55pm MDT
What happens when you give elementary students a seat at the table? In this fast-paced session, discover how forming a Student Library Leadership Team transformed our library from a place students visit into a space they truly own.Learn how handing over the reins to a dedicated group of young leaders sparked innovative programming, boosted peer-to-peer engagement, and brought fresh, kid-approved...
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Speakers
avatar for Michelle White

Michelle White

District Elementary Librarian, Weld RE-4 School District
Michelle White is a District Elementary School Librarian in Colorado with 29 years of experience spanning school, public, and academic libraries. Her diverse career includes roles as a District Coordinator, college reference librarian, and school administrator. Across every role, she remains dedica... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 1:55pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

1:40pm MDT

Beyond the School Day: Caregiver Insights on Book Access
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Drawing on qualitative interviews with 20 caregivers participating in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, this EdTalk explores how families experience book access and shared reading-- and what these insights mean for school librarians. Participants will learn how consistent access to high-interest books supports children’s motivation and reading identity, how caregivers describe children’s...
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Speakers
avatar for Staci Koutsoukos

Staci Koutsoukos

Student
Staci Koutsoukos, PhD, is an educational researcher and community literacy consultant and the founder of Community Insights Consulting. Her Spring 2026 dissertation examined caregiver experiences with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, with a focus on how consistent access to books... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

1:40pm MDT

Find Your Vibe: Feature Walls & Micro-Genre Displays
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Does your library feel like a curated bookstore — or a daunting warehouse? For many students, a wall of alphabetized spines is more intimidating than inviting. This session explores how to transform your space into a browse-first destination using high-impact genre feature walls and rotating micro-genre displays, without rearranging your entire collection.Drawing on visual merchandising...
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Speakers
avatar for Carin Barrett

Carin Barrett

Teacher Librarian, Berthoud High School, Berthoud High School
Carin Barrett has been teaching for 26 years. Formerly a Social Studies teacher, she has spent the last 10 years as the teacher librarian at Berthoud High School in northern Colorado.
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

1:40pm MDT

Teen Clubs: In Person, Digital, and Beyond!
Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:40pm - 2:45pm MDT
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...
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Speakers
avatar for Gwen Swierczek

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 →
avatar for Amanda Samland

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 →
avatar for Sara Van Hall

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

2:45pm MDT

Reference Roundtable
Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:20pm MDT
The Reference Roundtable is a peer discussion where small groups of conference participants come together to share experiences, brainstorm solutions, and connect with colleagues around a shared topic. Guided by discussion questions designed to surface what's working, explore common challenges, and spark new ideas, these conversations put the expertise in the room to work.At registration, each...
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Tuesday June 9, 2026 2:45pm - 3:20pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

3:30pm MDT

Cartoons, Comics, and Graphic Novels...By Students?!
Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
What happens when students' love of graphic novels becomes the engine for a STEAM project? The Art of Storytelling (Denver Public Schools) is a first-year initiative where student work culminates in a public showcase and an interactive cartoon panel. Leave with concrete takeaways and activities for engaging students and teachers in creative storytelling.
Speakers
avatar for Jenn Brown

Jenn Brown

Library Services Coordinator, Denver Public Schools
From higher ed to schools, Jenn has worked in libraries for 18 years. She is currently a support librarian for the Denver Public Schools district. Besides reading and brain puzzles, she loves hiking and playing games with her friends and family.
Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
Rooms 245 & 247 (upstairs)

3:30pm MDT

The Great Book Breakout
Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
No matter the age of the student, book escape rooms are your ticket to increasing student engagement with reading and other positive social and cognitive learning goals. Attend this session to see how escape rooms can be modified for all ages, all time frames, and all learning modalities to create an inclusive environment for book studies to flourish. Participants will: Understand the research for...
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Speakers
avatar for Erica Leu

Erica Leu

Teacher Librarian, Cresthill Middle School, Cresthill Middle School
Erica Leu is a certified teacher librarian with a passion to collaboratively and creatively build literacy, technology and critical thinking skills in both students and staff in the ever-changing information and literacy landscape. She has 19 years experience in education in PK-8th grade schools... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

3:30pm MDT

The Snowball Effect: Turning Small Library Wins Into Big Schoolwide Impact
Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
It's not only the $5,000 author visits or schoolwide literacy nights. Sometimes the small, low-stakes things are what grow your library's presence as the true center of your school. Join two veteran librarians to explore how everyday "low-stakes" wins create a snowball effect that builds momentum, drives building-wide engagement, and positions your library as indispensable.In this interactive...
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Speakers
avatar for Michelle White

Michelle White

District Elementary Librarian, Weld RE-4 School District
Michelle White is a District Elementary School Librarian in Colorado with 29 years of experience spanning school, public, and academic libraries. Her diverse career includes roles as a District Coordinator, college reference librarian, and school administrator. Across every role, she remains dedica... Read More →
VB

Victoria Berg

District Middle School Librarian, Weld RE-4 School District
Victoria Berg is a Middle School District Librarian for Weld RE-4. She has worked in public and school libraries for over six years with kids from birth to age 18 and she loves helping students find out they belong in libraries.
Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:30pm - 4:30pm MDT
Room 249 (upstairs) 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134

4:35pm MDT

Closing Remarks & Prize Drawings
Tuesday June 9, 2026 4:35pm - 5:00pm MDT

Speakers
avatar for Suzi Tonini

Suzi Tonini

School Library Leadership Consultant, Colorado State Library
Suzi Tonini (she/her) is the School Library Leadership Consultant at the Colorado State Library. Suzi has more than 25 years of experience in education as both a classroom teacher and teacher librarian and she believes every Colorado student deserves a strong school library program... Read More →
Tuesday June 9, 2026 4:35pm - 5:00pm MDT
Liniger Hall 10035 S Peoria St, Parker, CO 80134
 
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