ALSC @ ALA Annual Conference
Full ALA Programming Schedule
A complete, daily schedule for the conference. In the drop down menu, you can select "ALSC" in the search field for a listing of all our division meetings and events. Forthcoming in Spring 2026.
Volunteer with ALSC @ ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition!
Newbery-Caldecott-Legacy Awards Banquet
Sunday, June 28, 2026 | 7:00pm
Join ALSC for the biggest night in #kidlit! ALSC is excited to celebrate this year's Medalists and Honorees with you. The evening will begin with a reception, followed by a seated dinner, and will culminate with the awards ceremony and speeches from this year's Medalists. Please note: this is a ticketed event. Banquet information, including the table reservation form, will be available the week of February 25!
ALSC Charlemae Hill Rollins President's Program
2026 Information TBA!
ALSC Preconferences (ticketed events)
Deep Dive into Discovery: Celebrating 25 Years of the Sibert Medal
Friday, June 26, 2026
1:00pm – 4:00pm
In coordination with the celebration of the Sibert Award’s 25th anniversary, the afternoon program will offer a series of sessions designed to stimulate excitement surrounding the literature of fact. Attendees will learn more about the history of the Sibert and how previous awardees have shaped the field's understanding of excellence in children's nonfiction, and presenters will be joined by Sibert medalists, honorees, and book editors to discuss the state of excellence in children's nonfiction.
Attendees will gain familiarity with the Sibert, deepen their understanding and appreciation for evaluating children's nonfiction, and learn more about incorporating nonfiction into their library collections and programming.
Inclusive & Accessible Storytimes: Supporting All Children and Caregivers
Friday, June 26, 2026
1:00pm – 4:00pm
Public library storytimes have become community anchors for young children and their families—but many storytime leaders still struggle to meet the wide range of developmental, cultural, linguistic, and access needs present in today’s groups. This interactive preconference session, led by award-winning early literacy expert Betsy Diamant-Cohen (Mother Goose on the Loose) and children’s musician and play-based storytime expert Alyssa Jewell (La La Librarian), explores how to design storytimes that are genuinely inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for every child and caregiver.
Building on ALA’s 150-year legacy of expanding equitable early learning opportunities, this session reframes inclusion as the foundation of high-quality storytime practice. Participants will learn how to select diverse, culturally responsive books and songs; adapt routines and activities to support children with a wide range of sensory, developmental, and physical needs; and create environments that promote co-regulation and meaningful connection. The presenters will also highlight the experiences of caregivers—and storytime leaders—who may be neurodivergent, disabled, or new to parenting and still learning to navigate shared early-learning spaces, with an emphasis on practices that honor diverse ways of learning and participating.
Through hands-on activities, short demonstrations, and collaborative discussions, attendees will gain practical tools they can apply immediately. Participants will leave with strategies for modifying environments, structuring activities for varied regulation needs, and advocating for inclusive storytime programs within their libraries and communities.
Join us to explore approaches that make storytime welcoming and comfortable for every family!
Jump into Reading: How Public Libraries Can Support Children Learning to Read
Friday, June 26, 2026
9:00am – 12:00pm
Looking to support children learning to read but not sure where to start? Interested in strengthening your collections and programming for emerging readers and their families? Wondering how public librarians can support children learning to read even though they aren’t reading teachers? Chicago Public Library shared these questions! After exploring how children learn to read and connecting with experts, CPL developed a framework for the role of a public library in this process. This initiative, called Jump into Reading, helps build literacy skills that empower all children to read, think critically and actively participate in their communities.
In this workshop, CPL will share their framework, developed with the support of the National Center for Improving Literacy (NCIL), and explore how it can be adapted for any library. Learn strategies for collection development, explore best practices for reader’s advisory, try out programming ideas, access tools and digital resources, and get tips for staff development. It may feel daunting to start, but the public library can directly and effectively support emerging readers in the community. In doing so, we can help families find joy and success in learning to read!
ALSC Education Programs at 2026 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition
Information Coming Soon!
More questions about 2026 ALA Annual Conference & Exhibition? You can find more information at the conference website.
