December is usually a time of reflection both personally and professionally for me. It also happens to be the budget prep season for educators. NOW is the time to plan your trip to St. Louis for AASL 2025!

Registration costs and hotel rates are posted. I always take advantage of the register now and pay later, the registration confirmation I get can be used as a quote when I build my professional learning budget for next year.

Why attend the AASL National Conference?

  1. Break out of your comfort zone! This conference is the perfect opportunity to network with like-minded educators who understand the importance of well-funded, fully staffed school libraries. Come with a list of questions or problems of practice and leave with answers and ideas to put into use the moment you return to school. National Conference allows you to step out of your state-level Professional Learning Network and learn from amazing colleagues and new friends.
  2. Bring your administrator for FREE! Did you know that your full conference registration offers a complimentary registration for an administrator (principals/asst. principals, superintendents/asst. superintendent, or curriculum directors).  There is no better way to help your administrator understand the needs of your school library than to hear how libraries and librarians from around the country are dealing with some of the same issues.
  3. Become a Professional Learning Leader in your state or district! With over 150 concurrent sessions, 150 exhibitors, panel discussions, best-practice IdeaLab sessions, Poster presentations, book talks, author signings, and networking opportunities, you are guaranteed to leave with enough learning to share. Part of my “making the case” when I submit my request to my administrator is how much value I can provide my district by providing professional learning opportunities for our staff. No need to pay presenters, you will have enough tools in your toolbox to lead learning for the rest of the year. (More Make the Case resources)

As the person who builds the budget for my library team in my district, I know that the lines for professional learning are getting smaller. AASL has always been committed to keeping the cost of this conference down and the value up. Librarians from Connecticut often travel and stay together to keep transportation and lodging costs down, these road trips and AirBnB adventures always become part of the networking, learning, and cherished memories.

Some of my favorite memories and closest library friends are from the AASL National Conference, I have been lucky enough to have attended since 2015 in Hartford, Connecticut. The absolute best learning experiences I have ever had have definitely been these conferences.  I am so excited and hopeful to see you in St. Louis, please don’t hesitate to reach out to any AASL Board member if you have any questions or need help making YOUR case!

If you see me there, please stop me and say hello!