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2026 ILA Conference
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Thursday, October 8
 

7:00am PDT

Attendee Check-in
Thursday October 8, 2026 7:00am - 8:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 7:00am - 8:15am PDT

7:30am PDT

Continental Breakfast
Thursday October 8, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 7:30am - 8:15am PDT

8:30am PDT

Keynote Speaker
Thursday October 8, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 8:30am - 10:00am PDT

10:00am PDT

Exhibitor Break
Thursday October 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 10:00am - 10:50am PDT

11:00am PDT

"So you want to do a building project..."
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
Learn to plan a building project, from ideas to planning to funding and execution of plans.

Attendees will learn how to start working on a building project. They will get a list of things that I learned from experience. They will learn how to fund and manage the project, how to track the funds for the project, and how to keep the library in motion during and after the building project is completed.
Speakers
MM

Mary Markwalter

Director, Mason City Public Library
I have been the director of the Mason City Public Library in Mason City, Iowa, for the past 18 years.
Prior to that, I was the administrator of the Coffey County Library System in Coffey County, Kansas.
I graduated from the Emporia State School of Information and Library Sciences. I have worked in a library archive. I have overseen a large-scale building renovation and have many years of library management experience. I enjoy reading, gardening, traveling, and crocheting... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
TBA

11:00am PDT

Finding Fable: The Origin Story of CFPL’s Mascot
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
This presentation provides an overview of how one big dream came to fruition when CFPL decided to rebrand and adopt a mascot in an attempt to expand and enhance library awareness. 

Attendees will learn about library identity as an important factor in library awareness; adopting a mascot can increase community engagement with the library; libraries can implement a mascot in a variety of ways, with any budget.

Speakers
avatar for Rebekah Hosford

Rebekah Hosford

Youth Senior Librarian, Cedar Falls Public Library
Rebekah Hosford is the Youth Senior Librarian at the Cedar Falls Public Library (CFPL). She received her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 2017 and has over a decade of experience developing youth programs. She is passionate about early literacy, creating community... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
TBA

11:00am PDT

Start Where You Are: Scalable Strategies for Library Advocacy
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
A practical, tiered approach to library advocacy that empowers attendees to take action at every level, while navigating legal boundaries and responding to Iowa's evolving legislative landscape.

Attendees will learn about a range of advocacy strategies across varying levels of time, visibility, and effort. Distinguish between what library staff, trustees, Friends groups, and Foundations can and cannot do in advocacy contexts. Build and maintain relationships with elected officials and their staff. Confidently participate in legislative outreach efforts through the development of clear, compelling advocacy messages tailored to different audiences.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Sand

Amanda Sand

Library Leverage
Amanda Sand is a library consultant specializing in intellectual freedom, board development, and policy
guidance. She works with libraries, boards, and communities to strengthen policies, prepare for challenges, and
build staff capacity to uphold access and inclusion.
With 15 years... Read More →
avatar for Sonja Ferrell

Sonja Ferrell

Director, Ottumwa Public Library
Sonja Ferrell has served as the library director at the Ottumwa Public Library for 15 years.  She is the current ILA Government Affairs Committee (GAC) chair and has been active on the committee on and off over the years. She has worked in libraries.  Previously, she worked in Washington... Read More →
avatar for Aric Bishop

Aric Bishop

Circulation Assistant, West Des Moines Public Library
Aric Bishop is a library professional with experience in library administration, circulation services, community engagement, volunteer coordination, grant writing, fundraising, and library advocacy. He has served in a variety of public and academic library roles, including Library... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
TBA

11:00am PDT

The Opportunity Center Model: Expanding Library Services to Connect Communities to Employment, Resources, and Economic Mobility.
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
This session explores how the Opportunity Center at the Cedar Rapids Public Library helps connect patrons to employment, essential resources, and community partnerships to build pathways toward long-term stability and economic independence.

Attendees will learn about the core components of the Opportunity Center model and how it supports employment and economic stability. They will learn about common barriers to employment and how libraries can help address them through programs and partnerships.
Speakers
EN

Erin Norwood

Opportunity Center Program Coordinator, Cedar Rapids Public Library
Erin Norwood is the Opportunity Center Program Coordinator at the Cedar Rapids Public Library, where she leads innovative programming designed to help community members overcome barriers to employment and achieve long-term stability. In her role, Erin works closely with patrons and... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
TBA

11:00am PDT

Vibrant Programming for Small Libraries
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
Discover how nonfiction and fiction picture books can be used as springboards for STEAM programming that's fun, doable, and budget-friendly. Dig into the science behind stories and find ways to engage children of all ages and interests with hands-on activities. Picture book-inspired, STEAM-based programming fuels curiosity, facilitates literacy, and fosters a love of learning.
At the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
1.    Understand how picture books can be used to create STEAM programming for children of all ages.
2.    Evaluate at least three picture books and identify STEAM learning opportunities.
3.    Develop a practical, budget-friendly plan for picture-book-inspired, STEAM-based programming that actively engages participants.




Speakers
CG

Carrie Geno

Director, Wellman Public Library
I come from an art and business background, having founded and successfully operated my own small business since 2003. My work in libraries began in 2015, when I became the Assistant Director at our local library. After a brief hiatus, I returned to the same role in May 2022. That... Read More →
MF

Melissa Fleming

Wellman Public Library

Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
TBA

11:00am PDT

We Like to Party- Opening Up Library Spaces For Patron Use
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
This session will discuss how allowing patrons to use reservable rooms with as few restrictions as possible creates an environment that reflects the needs and interests of the community. Specifically, I will discuss the benefits of allowing celebratory events to take place in reservable rooms without associated fees and restrictions. Along with the importance of letting patrons have the freedom to use private rooms, I will discuss how we manage our spaces at the Cedar Rapids Public Library through our dedicated Events team and a handful of examples when we would charge for room usage.

Attendees will gain an understanding of how versatile library spaces can be used and the importance of viewing spaces as resources, similar to materials and technology. They will also learn how to manage different spaces in a professional and timely manner.
Speakers
JB

Jacob Bayne

Event Specialist, Cedar Rapids Public Library
My name is Jacob Bayne, and I am an Event Specialist at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The main focus of my job is to manage our reservable rooms across both branches. I have been working at the Cedar Rapids Public Library for three years, and my prior experience has been in the... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 11:00am - 11:50am PDT
TBA
  Breakout Session 1
  • about My name is Jacob Bayne, and I am an Event Specialist at the Cedar Rapids Public Library. The main focus of my job is to manage our reservable rooms across both branches. I have been working at the Cedar Rapids Public Library for three years, and my prior experience has been in the food and beverage industry. The customer service skills that I developed prior to my library work have been very impactful on how I interact with patrons and promote library use. I am currently earning my Library and Information Science degree from the University of Iowa.

12:00pm PDT

Lunch, Annual Meeting, and Awards
Thursday October 8, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 12:00pm - 1:30pm PDT

1:30pm PDT

Digital Archives and R.O.I.
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
The session presents strategies, techniques, and tips for maximizing public engagement with digital archives and provides examples of what that looks like in several Iowa public libraries.

Participants will learn to evaluate current and future digital initiatives with quantitative measures and by seeking qualitative outcomes. Participants will be inspired to re-imagine the role of digital history initiatives in their libraries and communities. 
Speakers
DH

David Hargrove

Chair, Iowa Library Association- Local History and Genealogy Subdivision

JK

Jeff Kiley

Co-founder and CEO, Advantage Archives
Jeff Kiley is the co-founder and CEO of Advantage Archives of Cedar Rapids.
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
TBA

1:30pm PDT

Inclusivity & Universal Design for the Modern Library
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
Using the Grimes Public Library as a case study, we will explore what are the design opportunities to create a more inclusive and community-friendly library experience.

Attendees will discover what are some of the opportunities for inclusivity in today's libraries. Learn how thoughtful, community-focused, inclusive design can improve the library experience for all patrons. 
Speakers
ES

Evan Shaw

Architect and principal, INVISION Architecture
Evan Shaw AIA is a licensed architect and principal with INVISION Architecture. Evan has been practicing in the Des Moines area for over 20 years and has been involved with a wide range of projects, including renovations of the Des Moines Art Center and Des Moines Central Library... Read More →
DM

Danielle McCoy

INVISION Architecture
Danielle brings 18 years of experience across a wide range of market sectors, pairing strategic foresight with a deeply human-centered approach to design. She is passionate about understanding how people learn, work, and connect, translating those insights into thoughtful environments... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
TBA

1:30pm PDT

Lessons from a Consortium-Led Community Read Program
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
Learn how a consortium of public and academic libraries partnered with community organizations to build an annual program that promotes literacy, fosters community dialogue, and centers diverse voices through community partnerships.

Attendees will learn tools for organizing large events collaboratively. Attendees will learn how to leverage partnerships to achieve larger goals. Attendees will learn ways to avoid burnout through effective teamwork.
Speakers
avatar for Elizabeth Winter

Elizabeth Winter

Library Director and Archivist, Divine Word College
Elizabeth Winter is Library Director and Archivist at Divine Word College in Epworth, Iowa,
overseeing library and archives operations and providing information literacy instruction. Professional service
includes leadership as Vice-President of the Dubuque Area Library Information... Read More →
SS

Sarah Smith

Adult Services Librarian, Carnegie-Stout Public Library
Sarah Smith is an Adult Services Librarian at Carnegie-Stout Public Library in Dubuque, Iowa. She
received her library degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. When she is not answering reference
questions or ordering new cozy mystery novels, you can find her in the garden or trying a new restaurant... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
TBA

1:30pm PDT

Poetry for the People: Expanding Literary Arts Literacy and Access Through Community Partnerships
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
This session would look at different strategies for engaging and enriching literary arts programming in collaboration with community partners to increase audience engagement. 

 Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies for approaching community programming partnerships. I want to highlight the value of arts literacy and arts programming in establishing community and in celebrating the talents of that community by providing strategies for programming, public art initiatives, and strong community partnerships centered around the arts. I plan to provide programming strategies that are outside of the box, strategies aimed at hiding the vegetables, if you will, and that cast a broader net for people who may not otherwise gravitate towards such programming. 
Speakers
ST

Seth Thill

Library Assistant, Waterloo Public Library
Seth Thill is a library assistant and poet from Dubuque, Iowa, now working at the Waterloo Public Library, where they coordinate programming, work on the Interlibrary Loan team, serve on various library committees, and more. They hold an M.A. in English from the University of Northern... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
TBA

1:30pm PDT

Policies Are Systems: Designing for Real-World Use, Not Ideal Conditions
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
This session explores how intentional policy design, revision processes, and training create consistent, equitable outcomes in everyday library operations.

Attendees will learn to: identify the differences between proactive, responsive, and reactionary policy approaches; describe key components of a sustainable policy development and revision process. Evaluate policies for flexibility, clarity, and consistency in real-world application. Apply strategies to strengthen policy alignment with organizational goals, risk management, and equitable access.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Sand

Amanda Sand

Library Leverage
Amanda Sand is a library consultant specializing in intellectual freedom, board development, and policy
guidance. She works with libraries, boards, and communities to strengthen policies, prepare for challenges, and
build staff capacity to uphold access and inclusion.
With 15 years... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
TBA

1:30pm PDT

Tween & Teen Food Programming for Large and Small Groups
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
"If you feed them, they will come", join me in exploring different options for food programming for tweens & teens in the library, ask questions, and brainstorm with peers about more food programming ideas! This presentation will focus on food programming that has been presented at the Marion Public Library to the tweens & teens. Getting this age group into libraries can be notoriously difficult, but many libraries and librarians will agree that "if you feed them, they will come" is an apt way to get them into the library. 
`
Over the past couple of years, our food programming has evolved and expanded at the Marion Public Library thanks in part to our culinary kitchen. From Peep science experiments (with extra Peeps for them to snack on) to Tween & Teen Cooking/Baking classes to Kitchen Safety with our local Fire Department, we have more food programs than ever.  

This session will give ideas for future food programming for teens & tweens. It will allow fellow librarians to weigh in on what their experiences have been if they have done similar programs. It will discuss the difference between open attendance programs and those that require registration. It will also talk about how to create and maintain partnerships in order to get food into the hands and into fun and engaging programs. 
Speakers
avatar for Sam Exline

Sam Exline

Youth Services Library Assistant, Marion Public Library
Sam Exline is the Youth Services Library Assistant focusing on tweens & teens at the Marion Public Library. She runs the Teen Programming Room, plans and implements tween & teen programming, and plans all tween & teen summer programming. Some of Sam's favorite programming involves... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 1:30pm - 2:20pm PDT
TBA

2:30pm PDT

Exhibitor Break
Thursday October 8, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT

Thursday October 8, 2026 2:30pm - 4:00pm PDT
TBA

4:00pm PDT

Digital Safety Lab: Practical Ways to Talk to Patrons about the Scary Parts of the Internet
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
The internet can be intimidating, and it's becoming more complex to navigate each year. Opting out of technology is no longer a realistic option, and even those who grew up online may struggle to understand evolving risks or feel too overwhelmed to take meaningful steps to protect themselves. The reality is that much of our personal information is already accessible to potential bad actors, but there are practical strategies we can all take to better manage and reduce our digital footprint.

This interactive workshop will explore the vital role information professionals play in promoting digital safety for both themselves and their patrons. Attendees will gain actionable tools and resources to help identify risks, respond effectively to security incidents when they occur, and take appropriate steps to recover and strengthen their digital security based on their individual risk levels.

Attendees will leave with: 
- A list of practical tools and resources that can be used to determine the scope of a suspected security incident
- An understanding of basic security posture analysis and how to determine how much security is too much 



Speakers
avatar for Monica de Melo Dreasher

Monica de Melo Dreasher

Adult Programming Assistant, Altoona Public Library
Monica is the Adult Programming Assistant with the Altoona Public Library and a member of the ILA
Intellectual Freedom Committee. She will complete her MLIS from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in the
Spring of 2027 with an emphasis in Information Technology.
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
TBA

4:00pm PDT

How It’s Made, How It’s Used: Understanding and Applying ALA Intellectual Freedom Guidance in Practical Conditions
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Learn how ALA intellectual freedom documents are created, updated, and used as practical tools to guide decisions, strengthen policy, and communicate clearly with staff, leadership, and the community.

Attendees will learn about the structure and purpose of core ALA intellectual freedom documents and how they relate to one another, how interpretations and policies are developed, reviewed, and revised by ALA member groups. They will also learn to apply relevant ALA guidance to real-world library scenarios using a practical decision-making approach and to identify ways to use these resources in policy development, staff training, and professional development.
Speakers
avatar for Amanda Sand

Amanda Sand

Library Leverage
Amanda Sand is a library consultant specializing in intellectual freedom, board development, and policy
guidance. She works with libraries, boards, and communities to strengthen policies, prepare for challenges, and
build staff capacity to uphold access and inclusion.
With 15 years... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
TBA

4:00pm PDT

If You Build It, Teens Will Come: Creating a Teen Space They Actually Use
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Learn how small, intentional changes to space design and flexible, low-cost programming can significantly increase teen engagement and participation. This session will share how small, low-cost changes, such as creating flexible seating areas for multiple uses, introducing more permanent passive programming materials, and creating interactive walls/bulletin boards, can transform a teen space into a welcoming and highly used environment. Attendees will leave with practical ideas and strategies for creating spaces that encourage teens to linger, connect, and return.

By the end of this session, participants will:

1. Identify 3-5 easy-to-implement passive programming ideas for teen spaces
2. Understand how elements of teen development can inform space design and layout
3. Evaluate their current teen space and identify small changes that could increase engagement and use


Speakers
avatar for Genya Coffey

Genya Coffey

Teen Librarian, Ames Public Library
Genya Coffey is a Teen Librarian at Ames Public Library in Ames, Iowa, where she designs programs and spaces that encourage teens to connect, create, and feel a sense of belonging. She brings over 15 years of experience in K12 education to her work, with a focus on understanding teen... Read More →
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
TBA
  Breakout Session 3
  • about Genya Coffey is a Teen Librarian at Ames Public Library in Ames, Iowa, where she designs programs and spaces that encourage teens to connect, create, and feel a sense of belonging. She brings over 15 years of experience in K–12 education to her work, with a focus on understanding teen development and creating environments that support engagement, independence, and 

4:00pm PDT

Learn to Read: Why Public Libraries Need the Science of Reading
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Get tips on how to create an emerging reader collection and provide programs for young families on a budget. Iowa has a new statewide literacy plan, and Iowa's public libraries are uniquely situated to help schools and communities meet these goals. The reading scores in Iowa, and across the nation, are dismal. Learn how your library can leverage what libraries are already good at to equip the community and align with curriculum standards, no matter the budget.

Attendees will receive practical steps and real-world examples for implementing the Science of Reading at their library.
Speakers
EH

Emily Haage

Youth Services Coordinator, Scott County Library System
Emily Haage is the Youth Services Coordinator for the Scott County Library System. She has been a children's librarian for over ten years and has been involved with the Eastern Iowa Battle of the Books for eight years. Emily also serves on ALSC's Early Childhood Programs and Services... Read More →
CB

Christine Barth

Information/Tech Services Librarian, Scott County Library System
Christine Barth has been a librarian in Iowa for 15 years and enjoys working with patrons of all ages. Her job description ranges from reader's advisory to local history to cataloging and more. She is passionate about the benefits of reading for kids and families.
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT

4:00pm PDT

Libraries: Mighty Catalysts for Community Resilience
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
How can and do libraries serve as catalysts for community resilience? Sustainable Libraries Initiative (SLI) Coordinator Rebecca T. Miller will explore what “resilience” means in this context and share how libraries can work to identify potential hazards and threats to our communities and establish adaptation, mitigation, and recovery plans. Elevating lessons from public, academic, and school library settings from the award-winning Sustainable Library Certification Program, she will share real-life examples of projects, programs, and partnerships that illustrate how libraries can help knit a tighter community fabric and foster deeper social cohesion—making the library and the community more resilient together.
Speakers
RT

Rebecca T. Miller

Coordinator, Sustainable Libraries Initiative
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
TBA

4:00pm PDT

Lightning Talks
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
Description:
  • Suddenly Students: Hiring and Onboarding Students Quickly and Effectively at an Academic Library  
  • Baby Rave: Toddler Techno at the Library! 
  • Bridging the Gap: How Libraries are Strengthening Public Health through Community Health Worker Services 
  • Your Patron Services Staff are Experts! 
Thursday October 8, 2026 4:00pm - 4:50pm PDT
TBA
 
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