SLJ Summit 2022 sessions include: Keynote: ELLEN OH "Here There Be Activists" School librarians are on the front lines fighting the battle against book bans, soft censorship, misinformation, and prejudice. Their role is more important than ever, says award-winning author, and co-founder of We Need Diverse Books, Ellen Oh. In this war to protect our children, we must all be activists fighting for a better future. Speaker: Ellen Oh, award-winning author (HarperCollins/Harper); co-founder of the non-profit We Need Diverse Books Fighting Back Against Censorship: Strategies and Resources to Battle Book Bans This conversation about the censorship crisis facing school libraries and curriculum will center around advocacy and action–for the students, the library, and the classroom. Join a panel of those in the fight, and discuss how to build necessary relationships for support, how and why to report a complaint or challenge, what to do when the personal and professional impact these battles, and what resources are available to fend off challenges. Speakers: Elissa Malespina, Union High School Librarian Erika Long, Educator, Apple Teacher, Microsoft Innovative Educator Gennella Graham, English teacher, Corinth High School, MS, member of NCTE Standing Committee Against Censorship Manga 101 Learn about manga genres, major publishers, shelving and cataloging suggestions, and some programing ideas. You’ll also walk away with must-buy, tried-and-true series recommendations to get your collection started, as well as suggestions for newer series your readers will devour. Recommendations will include titles appropriate for elementary, middle, and high school students. Speaker: Sara Smith, Teacher-Librarian and Graphic Novel Reviewer, The Graphic Library Keynote: K.C. BOYD: “We Gonna Be Alright” The Washington, DC, public schools librarian and 2022 School Librarian of the Year, K.C. Boyd will address the obstacles faced by school librarians–from the disrespect of administrators and job threats to national book challenges–and how she and her peers have met the moment with grace, dexterity, and tenacity. She will speak about her advocacy, successes, and lessons learned along the way in a keynote that will inspire hope and a little more hard work. Speaker: K.C. Boyd, District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) Librarian and 2022 School Librarian of the Year I Can Do That: How Librarians Can Answer the Vision of ESSER Funding See inspiring examples of how federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act has benefitted school districts and libraries that have been able to align their strategic visions to the goals of the relief effort. Best of all gain inspiration for how your district can pursue it too! Find out why there is unprecedented urgency to make the case for your library while the funds are still available. Speakers: Heather Bassett, District Sales Manager, Gale; former Government Affairs Liaison and Policy Analyst, Albuquerque Public Schools Deborah Froggatt, Director of Library Services, Boston Public Schools Christy James, Library & Media Services, Charleston County Schools Workshop: You Really Can Do It: Getting Started Planning for ESSER (and Other) Funding Opportunities Now that you’ve been inspired by how others have sought, received, and implemented federal funds in order to best support their school community, you’ll have the chance to begin to build your own plans. During this workshop, ask the panelists how they were able to access and utilize funds, consider language to use with different audiences when advocating for funding, and get advice and feedback from colleagues. You'll leave the workshop with the beginnings of an action plan and be able to bring your ideas from the previous session to your own institution. Lightning Sessions Attendees take the mic in these crowd-sourced presentations—fast-paced, five-minute presentations on a topic submitted in advance by audience members. | 