Welcome to Salt Lake City!

By Liz Philippi & Jillian Rudes on 10/19/2021 • ( 0 )

Welcome to Salt Lake City for the AASL National Conference! Make sure to download the conference app to schedule sessions and events. Also, do not forget to join the members of the AASL National Conference Committee at the Welcome Home session on Thursday, October 21st from 12:00-1:00pm. Attendees can network, ask questions, and learn more about sessions and events.

Don’t forget to drop in and stay a while at the IdeaLab and Conversation Corner! This is a great way to “speed learn” and collect a BUNCH of best practices and innovative ideas from school librarians and library educators from ALL over the U.S. The Conversation Corner will be a chance to sit down and discuss AASL writing opportunities, NBTC process, Statewide Virtual Libraries, Community Schools, and MLIS programs. It will be a GREAT way to share and learn, so come on in and join us!

Dr. Omékongo Dibinga, the opening keynote, will kick-off the conference on Thursday, October 24th at 3:30pm with a discussion about how school libraries can continue to create safe spaces for students that celebrate and honor student voices. On Saturday, October 23rd at 3:30pm, the closing keynotes, Dr. Joe Sanchez and Dr. Jennifer Moore, will lead attendees through an interactive discussion about global youth culture and the role of libraries in the 21st century.

On Friday we will take get to view the documentary “Trust Me”, this documentary will take us through the complicated and often eye-opening journey through the confusing path of disinformation and fake news. We will have the opportunity to visit with one of the directors Rosemary Smith. Please plan on joining us for this impactful session on the importance of information literacy!

Attending the Rock Out Celebration on Saturday, October 23rd at 6:30pm is the perfect way to end the conference. Food, drinks, music, dancing, a photo booth, and fun! The perfect opportunity to celebrate an amazing conference with your friends. We hope to see you there!

Liz Philippi & Jillian Rudes
2021 AASL National Conference Co-Chairs