Independent Schools Section (ISS)

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ISS Book Clubs

January 26, 2026
7:00 pm Eastern/6:00 pm Central/5:00 pm Mountain/4:00 pm Pacific
Register

February 16, 2026
7:00 pm Eastern/6:00 pm Central/5:00 pm Mountain/4:00 pm Pacific
Register

March 9, 2026
7:00 pm Eastern/6:00 pm Central/5:00 pm Mountain/4:00 pm Pacific
 Register

• Managing Multi-Level Libraries
  This panel discussed the unique challenges and opportunities of multi-level libraries that serve wide grade bands such as PK–8th, K–12th, and 5th–12th. The panel shared practical insights on what has worked, and what hasn’t, in creating welcoming spaces, curating collections, and shaping policies that give all students access to resources while keeping materials age-appropriate. Whether you are new to a multi-level setting or looking to refine your approach, you’ll leave with strategies and ideas to better serve your school community.
• School and Public Library Partnerships
  This panel explored partnerships and collaborations between independent school libraries and public libraries. Independent school librarians shared successful examples of working with their public library counterparts, and attendees gained strategies to begin building similar connections with local public libraries. The discussion highlighted ways to leverage public library resources for students and faculty, including digital collections, specialized programs, and community expertise, as well as practical strategies for joint programming, resource sharing, and collaborative advocacy for literacy initiatives.
• Leading a Culture of Reading Book Discussion
  Leading a Culture of Reading is broken up into manageable chapters and participants engage in meaningful discussions on how to apply its key concepts to our work. This is a great opportunity to explore effective strategies for fostering a culture of reading. Session 1 Archive   Session 2 Archive   Session 3 Archive (you will be prompted to log into ALA Connect with your ALA ID and password)
• Hosting an Author Visit
  Are you interested in hosting author visits, or just want to make your existing program more impactful? This panel with experienced educators from elementary, middle, and high schools share valuable insights on hosting successful author visits at schools. This interactive panel covers essential topics such as selecting the right authors, planning engaging activities, and maximizing the impact of these visits on student learning and enthusiasm for literature.
• Artificial Intelligence in the School Library
  Explore how AI-enabled search and Open AI will change how school librarians craft library instruction and work with faculty and students. Presented by the AASL Independent Schools Section.
• Your Databases Are Next: The Digital Redlining Movement and How Your Databases Might Not Work the Way You Think
  Learn how to protect your electronic materials, initiate conversations with vendors and consortia, combat legislation in your state, and reframe how you present databases to students and faculty.
• Summer Reading Book Recommendations
  Panelists share their book recommendations for pre-kindergarten through grade 12.
• Summer Reading Implementation
  Panelists from lower school through high school share their summer reading activities, from book circles to book challenges to postcard reviews and beyond.
• Copyright & Creativity
  Voted one of AASL's Best Digital Tools for Teaching & Learning 2021, Copyright & Creativity offers a full suite of FREE K-12 resources for teaching copyright and fair use. During this webinar, attendees learn how to teach their students about these topics to encourage creativity.

• The "What If?" Scenario: What Your Library Needs to Run Without You
  Particularly relevant during a pandemic, this session, originally presented at ALA Annual in 2018, presents the documents, systems, and fail safes every librarian needs to have in place for someone else to step in and do their job to keep the library running. Whether you are a new librarian planning good systems or an experienced librarian thinking about succession planning as you approach retirement, every participant should come away with a host of ideas as well as templates and shared resources to guide their work.
• Read and Reflect on "This Book is Anti-Racist" by Tiffany Jewell
  Do you want to read "This Book is Anti-Racist" by Tiffany Jewell with your class or staff? Are you looking for more books and ideas to keep the robust conversation going? Neha Thakkar shares resources to use in your book club around anti-racist texts and discussion.
• Programs Aplenty: Virtual Edition!
  Anna Brannin provides activity ideas and relevant resources to stay connected with students and ideas for virtual or passive programming.
• Managing Library Teams in Complex Times
  Sarah Davis and Reba Gordon explore practical ways to set goals and priorities, and manage library teams to best provide essential services during this new Hyflex learning environment
• A Conversation on Self-Care
  Where are balance and rejuvenation in 2020 and beyond? Listen as Independent Schools Section Chair-Elect Jenna Nemec-Loise and her colleague Terri Webb, LCSW, for a timely dialogue about personal wellness.

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