Join us November 7–9, for the 2025 SLJ Summit!

Convening in Baltimore, MD—live and in person—the Summit will assemble school library leaders and community stakeholders to consider the challenges and opportunities surrounding major topics in the profession, from applying AI in library services and mentoring the current generation of school librarians, to the finer points of collection development in divisive times. 

Rooted in SLJ’s award-winning coverage at the convergence of K–12 and libraries, the Summit—now in its 21st year—welcomes the community to gather in an especially critical moment for the profession, and the students and families that you serve. 

Over the two-day program: 

• Discuss advocacy strategies centered on the right to read.

• Get hands on with artificial intelligence and receive practical guidance on the tools available and how to apply AI to library tasks.

• Explore creative partnership models that address student needs and elevate the library as a central connection point.

• Learn from experts on what it takes to build and nurture a culture of reading.

• Engage with your colleagues in high-energy brainstorming on: book reviews; marketing the school library; and idea sharing, from AI to collection development

• Celebrate books with a panel featuring Graphic Novel Adaptations. 

This year, attendees will get a chance to take the mic in lightning sessions, fast-paced five-minute presentations on a topic of their choice. Submit your session proposal by September 19!

Please note: Space is limited at this event, so if you've registered and cannot attend for any reason, please let us know. 
 

Who should attend: school and district level librarians, library leaders and K-12 administrators. 

Hotel information: Hotel reservation information will appear on your confirmation after registering. 

Interested In Sponsoring? Please contact Advertising Director Roy Futterman: rfutterman@mediasourceinc.com 

Please fill out this form to opt-in to communication about the 2025 SLJ Summit.

New this year: The SLJ Leadership Summit now includes a $75 registration fee to help sustain the viability of this exciting event. It helps offset the costs required to gather this community and develop the curated programming, expert speakers, and premium resources attendees will receive.

Friday, November 7 

3:00-5:00 PM | Focus groups (invite only) 

5:30-6:30 PM | Welcome Party (Marriott, Owing Mills)  

Provided by our sponsors 

Saturday, November 8 

7:30 - 9:30 AM | Focus groups (invite only) 

8:30 - 9:45 AM | Breakfast & Registration 

9:45 AM | Welcome 

Hallie Rich, Editorial Director, SLJ & LJ 

Sonia Alcantara-Antoine, CEO, Baltimore Public Library 

10:00 - 10:45 AM | Keynote 

10:45 – 11:45 PM | Organizing for the Right to Read 

This session will cover testifying before school boards, public library boards and legislators; and organizing locally to support the freedom to read. 

• Amanda Jones, 2021 School Librarian of the Year, school librarian, and author 

• Carolyn Foote, Texas FReadom Fighters 

• Tatanisha Love, Southwest Academy Magnet School for Science and Engineering (Baltimore, MD) 

• MODERATOR: Kara Yorio, School Library Journal  

11:45 – 12 PM | Small Group Dialogue 

12:00 - 1:00 PM | Lunch

1:00 - 1:45 PM | School/Public Library Collaborations 

School libraries and public libraries exist in an ecosystem where complementary efforts can amplify impact. Discover ways to build and strengthen these relationships, expand the school library’s network, and help students and community members achieve their reading and learning goals. 

• Theresa Bruce, Baltimore City School District 

• Baltimore County Public Library 

• Baltimore County Public Schools 

• MODERATOR: Hallie Rich, Library Journal and School Library Journal 

2:00 - 2:45 PM | Breakout Conversations  

1. AI Tools for School Librarians 

2. Media Literacy 

3. Book Reviews 101 

4. Getting Social: Creative Communications & Social Media 

2:45 - 3:15 PM | Break 

3:15- 4:15 PM | Author Panel: Graphic Novel Adaptations 

4:15 - 5:00 PM | Autographing session 

Sunday, November 9 

8:00 – 8:05 AM | Welcome 

8:05 - 8:50 AM | Lightning Sessions 

Attendees take the mic in these crowd-sourced sessions—fast-paced, five-minute presentations on a topic submitted in advance. 

9:00 – 9:50 AM | Nurturing a Culture of Reading - Sponsored by Beanstack 

Learn as our experts share strategies and success stories in fostering a culture of reading within their schools. From building diverse collections to designing creative programs, collaborating with teachers, and engaging families, these librarians will highlight practical approaches that inspire students to become lifelong readers.

• K.C. Boyd, Washington DC Public Schools 

• Dorathy Winkler, librarian, Battlefield Middle School, Fredericksburg, VA 

• MODERATOR: Daryl Grabarek, School Library Journal 

9:50 – 10:45 AM | Breakout Conversations 

1. Tech Playground: What’s New and Novel 

2. School Library District Administrators: Looking to the Future 

3. More to come! 

10:45 – 11:05 | Break 

11:05 – 11:50 | Closing Keynote: Kwame Alexander

Noon | Book Signing 

SLJ Advisory Board

Becky Calzada, District Library Coordinator, Leander ISD, TX

Donna Gray, Library Coordinator, NYC school system

Jennifer Sturge, Library Coordinator, Calvert County Public Schools, MD

Jonathan Hunt, Coordinator, Library Media Services, San Diego County Office of Ed, CA

Kerry Townsend, Library Media Coordinator, Columbia Public Schools, MO

Liz Phipps-Soeiro, Director of Library Services, Boston Public Schools

Melissa Jacobs, Director of Library Services, NYC DOE

Michelle Jarrett, School Library Supervisor, Osceola County School District, FL

Tom Bober, District Library Coordinator, School District of Clayton, MO

Sarah Steiger, Libraries and Digital Media Manager, Chicago Public Schools
 

See what past attendees are saying about the SLJ Summit!

"The SLJ Leadership Summit was the best professional conference I have ever attended. It was small and well organized. Topics were relevant to what I do with students every day. Presenters were among the best in our field, and I came home with many ideas to engage students."

-Teacher Librarian

"I can't think of a conference or professional development event I've attended in the past that was as intensely relevant as this year's SLJ Summit. It was my first, but I hope it won't be my last. It was amazing to be in a room full of people who "get it," and the information provided and networking was invaluable."

-Media Center Regional Specialist

"My favorite thing about SLJ is the connections you make with other librarians from across the country. The speakers and sessions are always relevant and I return to school energized and knowing that I have the support of the school library community."

-President of NH School Library Media Association

"This incredible professional learning experience was exactly what I needed. Hearing from national library leaders, authors, illustrators and other book supporters was validating and informative. Networking with librarians from around the country has broadened my professional learning network giving me access to more library programming ideas, best practices, and strategies for dealing with book challenges and budget issues. The SLJ Summit fosters camaraderie at a time when library professionals are under attack and our profession continues to be often misunderstood. SLJ Summit brings together leaders and change makers to share and support each other. This was one of the best professional conferences I have attended in my 22 year career as an elementary school librarian with over a decade of service as our district's lead librarian. I am grateful and thankful for this experience. This gave me the validation and support I needed to keep doing the good work."