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Monday, June 16
 

7:00am EDT

BREAKFAST on your OWN
Monday June 16, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT
Hey there, why not treat yourself to a tasty lunch solo or with your pals? Don't forget to check out the awesome vendors in the area, too! Happy browsing!
Monday June 16, 2025 7:00am - 8:30am EDT

7:30am EDT

Registration
Monday June 16, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT
Monday June 16, 2025 7:30am - 8:30am EDT

8:30am EDT

Opening Session!
Monday June 16, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
Monday June 16, 2025 8:30am - 8:45am EDT
Ballroom AB

8:45am EDT

Morning Keynote with Amanda Hunt
Monday June 16, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
We'd love for you to join us for an exciting keynote with Amanda Hunt, The NextGen Librarian! It will be a wonderful way to kickstart your day with inspiration and lots of learning. Hope to see you there!
Presenters
avatar for Amanda Hunt

Amanda Hunt

School Librarian
Amanda Hunt, aka TheNextGenLibrarian, is a 6th-8th middle school librarian in Texas and is the Secondary Lead Librarian for her district. She’s been a librarian for 14 years at both elementary and secondary campuses and an educator for years before that. She was the chair for the... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
Ballroom AB
  Keynote Session
  • about Amanda Hunt, aka TheNextGenLibrarian, is a 6th-8th middle school librarian in Texas and is the Secondary Lead Librarian for her district. She’s been a librarian for 14 years at both elementary and secondary campuses and an educator for years before that. She was the chair for the Mavericks Graphic Novel Reading List Committee for TLA from 2021-2023 and serves on many committees still within TLA. She is also on the AASL Standards Committee for the new book releasing in 2025. Amanda is an Adobe Innovator and Trainer. Follow her across social media @thenextgenlibrarian

9:30am EDT

Vendor Hall/Morning Snack
Monday June 16, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Monday June 16, 2025 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Vendor Hall

10:00am EDT

Storytelling Beyond the Shelf: Empowering Creativity in the School Library
Monday June 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Presenters
avatar for Amanda Hunt

Amanda Hunt

School Librarian
Amanda Hunt, aka TheNextGenLibrarian, is a 6th-8th middle school librarian in Texas and is the Secondary Lead Librarian for her district. She’s been a librarian for 14 years at both elementary and secondary campuses and an educator for years before that. She was the chair for the... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 10:00am - 11:00am EDT
Ballroom AB

11:10am EDT

Entrelibrarian: Connecting Curriculum Through Entrepreneurship
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Explore a whole new side of librarianship with an entrepreneurship twist. Participants will hear from Media Specialist, DeAnna Espinoza (Partee ES, Gwinnett Co. Schools), and Computer Science Teacher, Erin Wood (Partee ES) on how they collaborate together with grade level teachers to bring Social Studies, Math, Science, and ELA standards together through one giant school project - the Blooming Business Festival. Session focuses on growing small ideas into big ones by leading from the library.
Presenters
DE

DeAnna Espinoza

Media Specialist
DeAnna Espinoza is the Library Media Specialist at Partee Elementary School in Snellville, GA. She received her MLIS from Valdosta University while working for Gwinnett County Public Library. It was there that she realized she had a passion for teacher librarianship. After receiving... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Verelst

11:10am EDT

Table Talk: Librarian Edition
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Let’s be honest, sometimes the best PD comes from a simple, unscripted conversation! Join a dynamic, interactive session designed to spark meaningful discussions among school librarians about the diverse roles we play in our schools. Tables will feature conversation prompts on key topics such as instructional collaboration, collection development, programming, and advocacy, encouraging participants to exchange ideas, share strategies, and build valuable professional connections that last throughout the conference and beyond. This session offers a welcoming space to network, reflect, and leave with fresh inspiration, practical resources, and stronger professional networks.
Presenters
avatar for Lindsey Keown

Lindsey Keown

Media and Educational Technology Instructor, Fulton County Schools
Lindsey Keown has dedicated the past decade to public education, spending seven years as a middle and high school classroom teacher and three in the middle school library. Her librarianship centers around fostering a love of reading, sparking creativity and innovation in both students... Read More →
AG

Ashley Gordon

Media and Educational Technology Instructor
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Scarbrough 5

11:10am EDT

12-15 Year Olds Need Books! It's Time for Young Teen Lit
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Librarians know that books for 12-15-year-olds are hard to find. Middle grade is too young and YA is too mature. Join a seasoned middle school librarian and #youngteenlit advocate to talk about the 5 Criteria for Young Teen Lit and how librarians are advocating for change. We will have a lively discussion about books we love and books we want to see published.
Presenters
avatar for Marcia Kochel

Marcia Kochel

Teacher Librarian, Druid Hills Middle School
I am a middle school librarian who has grown frustrated with the publishing landscape that designates books as middle grade (ages 8-12) and young adult (grades 9-up). I published a “Manifesto in Support of Middle School Books” on SLJ’s Teen Librarian Toolbox in 2024. This led... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Percival

11:10am EDT

Author Panel: Shanna Miles and H.D. Hunter
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Join us for an engaging author panel featuring acclaimed YA writers Shanna Miles and H.D. Hunter, hosted by Lauren Mobley. These dynamic authors will share their creative journeys, explore the power of diverse storytelling, and talk about their latest books. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired and gather fresh ideas for your library program!
Presenters
SM

Shanna Miles

Author and Teacher Librarian
Born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, Shanna Miles considers herself a dyed-in-the-wool Southern girl. She lives in Georgia with her family. When she’s not working as a high school librarian, she can be found writing. Visit her online at shannamiles.net or on Twitter at... Read More →
HH

H.D. Hunter

Author
Hugh “H.D.” Hunter is a storyteller, teaching artist, and community organizer from Atlanta. He’s also the winner of several indie book awards for multicultural fiction. Check out Hugh’s work at thesoutherndistrict.com and follow him at @hd_tsd.
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Ballroom AB

11:10am EDT

Best New Titles for Fall '25 Book Talk
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
This presentation will preview new and upcoming titles for pre-K through high school, that librarians won't want to miss putting on their shelves.

30-minute booktalk and a 15-minute show and tell of in-person book samples with a book giveaway to conclude the presentation.
Presenters
avatar for Kathy Mackle Tiffany

Kathy Mackle Tiffany

Bookseller
Kathy is a veteran bookseller for the last 20 years and lifelong book lover that's been working closely with Librarians the last several years, helping them find the best resources for their schools.
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Sloane

11:10am EDT

Fantastic Fairs - Hype, Profit, & Focus on the Fun!
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Attendees will get a vision of how to promote, and run the book fairs to increase both profit and fun. Idea-sharing and brainstorming will give us all a starting point to make our 25-26 fairs better than ever.
Presenters
avatar for Bridget Bryson

Bridget Bryson

Teacher Librarian, Forsyth County Schools
Bridget is in her 4th year as a teacher librarian, finishing up her masters degree and excited about being an official media specialist soon! When she took over, the media center was a quiet, unused zone. Focus number one was to make it the hub of the school. There’s little she... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 11:10am - 11:55am EDT
Vernon 2 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

12:00pm EDT

LUNCH on your OWN
Monday June 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT
Hey there, why not treat yourself to a tasty lunch solo or with your pals? Don't forget to check out the awesome vendors in the area, too! Happy browsing!
Monday June 16, 2025 12:00pm - 1:30pm EDT

1:30pm EDT

Broadcasting Brilliance: Mastering Live School News with Canva & Streamyard
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
In this session, teachers will learn to create engaging live school news broadcasts using Canva for visuals and Streamyard for streaming. Participants will gain hands-on skills in designing professional-looking graphics, producing live broadcasts, and engaging students with real-time updates, enhancing communication and school community connection.
Presenters
avatar for Janni Buggs

Janni Buggs

Media Specialist
Janni Buggs is a third year elementary school media specialist in Atlanta Public Schools. Prior to becoming a medias specialist Janni was an ESOL teacher serving both elementary and middle school students. She loves finding innovative ways to impact students’ lives, creating library... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Verelst

1:30pm EDT

From Storytime to Showtime: Digital Creations for Elementary Minds
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Step into a world where imagination meets innovation! From Storytime to Showtime explores how young learners can transform traditional storytelling into dynamic digital creations. This engaging session empowers educators with tools, strategies, and inspiration to guide elementary students in bringing their stories to life through multimedia projects such as animated videos, digital comics, narrated slideshows, and more. Participants will discover age-appropriate platforms and creative workflows that enhance literacy, foster collaboration, and build 21st-century skills. Whether you’re new to digital storytelling or looking to level up your classroom tech integration, this session will leave you energized and equipped to help students take their ideas from storytime to showtime.
Presenters
avatar for Amanda Hunt

Amanda Hunt

School Librarian
Amanda Hunt, aka TheNextGenLibrarian, is a 6th-8th middle school librarian in Texas and is the Secondary Lead Librarian for her district. She’s been a librarian for 14 years at both elementary and secondary campuses and an educator for years before that. She was the chair for the... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Ballroom AB

1:30pm EDT

How Digital Can Support a Positive Reading Culture
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Join your Sora by OverDrive representative to explore how digital tools can transform your reading culture and engage every student, including reluctant readers. Discover strategies for supporting struggling readers, curating content for easy discovery, and promoting reading engagement across your community. Plus, dive into the data to see how reading goals and milestones can spark excitement and foster a lifelong love for reading.
Presenters
avatar for Jody Brookshire

Jody Brookshire

Account Executive, Sora by OverDrive
Jody Brookshire is a passionate Educational Account Executive with over 29 years of experience in the e-learning and digital content industry. Throughout her career, Jody has demonstrated a deep commitment to championing literacy in K-12 schools by leveraging digital content, 21st-century... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Sora
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Sloane

1:30pm EDT

Innovating Together: AI Tools for Transformative School Library Services
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
AI can be harnessed to streamline tasks and elevate services in the school library. Explore how it can make work more efficient and allow for more personalized patron assistance and initiatives. Discuss incorporating AI concepts into instruction. Learn to build your social capital with stakeholders to support advocacy and collaboration.
Presenters
avatar for Dr. Jessica Thompson

Dr. Jessica Thompson

Lecturer/Program Coordinator, University of West Georgia
Dr. Jessica Thompson has worked in education since 1999 and has developed a love of learning and sharing knowledge with her students. She is a lecturer in the University of West Georgia’s School Library program. She is interested in all things school library related, promoting a... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Scarbrough 5

1:30pm EDT

Write, Read, Tech: Boosting Literacy in the Digital Age
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
This session aims to enhance literacy by combining writing, technology, and creative arts. Participants will explore tools like Book Creator, Canva, and Adobe to engage students in reading through writing and illustrating. They will gain practical strategies to inspire creativity, improve literacy, and foster a love for learning through digital storytelling.
Presenters
avatar for Kendra Grays

Kendra Grays

Media Specialist, Clayton County Public Schools
Kendra Grays has spent the last 10 years in education, including eight years in public education and two in higher education. An avid reader and passionate literacy advocate, Kendra Grays believes literacy is the foundation of all learning. With four years as a School Librarian and... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Vernon 2 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

1:30pm EDT

Beyond Books: Library Programming for Every Purpose
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Discover innovative strategies designed to draw a range of students into your library spaces. Expand the reach of your programming with varied approaches to librarianship. Gain practical tools to take into your library in August, transforming libraries into inclusive, dynamic spaces that inspire creativity, connection, and learning.
Presenters
avatar for Lindsey Keown

Lindsey Keown

Media and Educational Technology Instructor, Fulton County Schools
Lindsey Keown has dedicated the past decade to public education, spending seven years as a middle and high school classroom teacher and three in the middle school library. Her librarianship centers around fostering a love of reading, sparking creativity and innovation in both students... Read More →
avatar for Bridget Bryson

Bridget Bryson

Teacher Librarian, Forsyth County Schools
Bridget is in her 4th year as a teacher librarian, finishing up her masters degree and excited about being an official media specialist soon! When she took over, the media center was a quiet, unused zone. Focus number one was to make it the hub of the school. There’s little she... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 1:30pm - 2:15pm EDT
Percival

2:25pm EDT

District LMSOTY Winners - Elementary
Monday June 16, 2025 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
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Monday June 16, 2025 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
Percival

2:25pm EDT

District LMSOTY Winners - Middle & High
Monday June 16, 2025 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
.
Monday June 16, 2025 2:25pm - 3:10pm EDT
Verelst

3:15pm EDT

Vendor Hall
Monday June 16, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Monday June 16, 2025 3:15pm - 3:45pm EDT
Vendor Hall

3:45pm EDT

Adobe: Clicks & Tricks: Quick Wins with Adobe Express for Busy Librarians
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Pressed for time but hungry for creativity? This fast-paced, idea-packed session is designed for school librarians who want maximum impact with minimal prep. Explore ready-to-roll projects using Adobe Express that support reading promotion, info lit skills, and even hallway advocacy. We’ll spotlight simple remixable templates, design tricks, and creative hacks your students will love and your teachers will thank you for. Bonus: All resources shared are FREE and customizable to fit your library!
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Ballroom AB

3:45pm EDT

Podcasting Made Easy
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Dive into Adobe Podcast, a free web-based tool that makes it easy for students to produce polished podcasts using only their laptops or Chromebooks. AI magic lets students edit audio by simply copying, pasting, and deleting text. Speech enhancement and transition music make their finished products pop!
Presenters
avatar for Andy Spinks

Andy Spinks

Library Media Specialist, Campbell High School
Andy has worked in school libraries and educational technology since the “late 1900s,” primarily as a high school librarian. He served as President of GLMA in 2013 and received the GLMA Intellectual Freedom Award in 2021. He was a finalist for the SLJ/Scholastic School Librarian... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Vernon 2 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 31401, USA

3:45pm EDT

Candy Crush Searching
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Students have smartphones but they don't know how to actually do searches. Instead of assuming the students can jump on an assignment, let's teach students about Boolean logic using candy to get their attention. Discuss strategies to formulate research questions and teach students to evaluate information on the fly.
Presenters
avatar for Robbie Barber

Robbie Barber

Teacher Librarian, Tucker High School
Dr. Barber is an electrical engineer from Georgia Tech who wandered into a school library. As a teacher-librarian, she works with high school students and teachers to find the best resources, use technology, and locate the perfect book. Dr. Barber teaches classes on using research... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Verelst

3:45pm EDT

In the Club, We All Fam: Student Book Clubs from the Library
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Want to inspire a lifelong love of reading among students? This session will focus on running engaging and inclusive book clubs designed specifically for student audiences. Learn how to choose titles that resonate with various age groups, create safe and dynamic discussion spaces, and incorporate creative activities to keep students excited about reading. We’ll also discuss strategies for promoting your book club, fostering peer-led discussions, and addressing challenges like time constraints and varied reading levels. Walk away with fresh ideas and ready-to-use tools to help your student book clubs thrive!
Presenters
avatar for Rachael Welsh

Rachael Welsh

Librarian
Rachael Welsh is a passionate educator and storyteller. Over her 17-year career in education, she has taught English and Theater on the high school level and has been a librarian in both elementary, middle, and high school programs. She has served on committees for the Texas Library... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Sloane

3:45pm EDT

The Science of Reading on the Sesame Street Block
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Discover the ways Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow and other PBS Learning Media resources can enhance classroom instruction. Engage young readers with research-based strategies and nostalgic characters to spark a love for reading in every child.
Presenters
VW

Valerie Wilson

Education Outreach Specialist
Valerie Wilson is a certified transformational speaker, mentor, educator, and coach. Her passion for educating and mentoring youth is seen through her commitment to ensure kids have equitable access to the support they need for academic and life success. With over 18 years of experience... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Scarbrough 5

3:45pm EDT

Counseling Collaborations
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Learn how to build a working relationship with your counseling department by collaborating on SEL themed displays and book lists, as well as supporting student mental health needs.
Presenters
WB

Whitney Beem

Media and Educational Technology Instructor
Whitney has spent almost 10 years in library after leaving the science classroom. After teaching 8th grade Physical Science for 6 years, Whitney transitioned to a middle school librarian. She recently transferred to Innovation Academy High School where she helps to support teachers... Read More →
Monday June 16, 2025 3:45pm - 4:30pm EDT
Percival

6:00pm EDT

Riverboat Cruise & Awards Ceremony
Monday June 16, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
The 2025 Awards Ceremony will be hosted on the Savannah River Queen which is docked at River Street Market Landing. The event includes dinner, dancing, and the awards presentation. The price is included with registration; however, attendees MUST RSVP. Capstone Publishing and Jim Boon will offer one complimentary drink ticket per person Cash bar will be available.
Boarding Time: 6PM
Sailing Time: 7PM
Returns to Dock: 9PM

Sponsors
avatar for Capstone

Capstone

Sales leader, Capstone/PebbleGo
Jim is a Georgia native and has been serving Georgia schools as a publishers representative for 32 years. Proud father of twin daughters. Currently residing in Athens Ga.

Monday June 16, 2025 6:00pm - 9:00pm EDT
Savannahh Riverboat Cruises 9 E. River St. (Take hotel elevator to River St. level. Riverboat will be to the right on the Savannah River.)
 
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