Presenter(s): Jordan Orwig, Lola Snyder, Amanda Risher
Description: Are you ready to bring all of the fun and excitement of a comic or gaming convention to your library? Join us to learn how to organize your own "con" and introduce cosplay, games, comics, vendors, and more to your library users! Session attendees will leave with knowledge on how to foster creativity and inclusivity in their community as well as find a reason to get dressed up!
FSSA Services: 211 & 988 for Librarians
Presenter(s): Tara Morse & Kevin Evans
Description: Coming soon!
Fostering a Love of Reading through Immersive and Experiential Programming
Presenter(s): Julia Kilgore
Description: In this session I wish to present on Anderson Public Library’s Reading Buddy Program and how gamification and/or immersive programing paired with story-driven activities and stuffed animal reading buddies can enhance and generate positive associations with reading as well as help children practice important social skills with adults and their peers. In the past year and a half, the Anderson Public Library has successfully engaged its beginning readers and their caregivers in a year-long structured reading program geared towards kindergarten through fourth grade. Each young reader in this program adopts a stuffed Reading Buddy Bear that assists them in building their social network as well as helps them to practice important communication, social, and reading skills. Program participants also complete reading goals to receive special collectible pins for them and their Bear Buddy at various stages of completion which then culminates in a graduation ceremony at the end of May each year. Once a month, these participants, their Buddies, and guardians come to the library for an immersive experience to strengthen their bond with both their caregivers and their Buddy. Each session includes activities along with an interactive storytime and an opportunity to personalize their Buddy in some way.The program’s aim is to build positive reading habits, strengthen relationships between children and their caregivers, and foster a love of reading and learning through various highly approachable and interactive storytelling experiences at the library. The programs at the library fully transport young readers into the chosen theme using a variety of mechanisms including small world play, sensory-driven experiences, and interactive stories/games/activities to support creative play and fully engage both the child and guardian accompanying them. Some past events include Teddy Bear Picnics and Sleepovers, Cookie Galas, and Teddy Bear Tea Parties. Interactive Choose Your Own Adventure experiences, seasonal-themed sessions, and literature and cultural-centered sessions have also been popular staples in this series. All of these programs are intended to provide one large immersive experience meant to inspire wonder and discovery while encouraging interaction between children, their caregivers, and peers. This presentation will provide conference participants with detailed information on some of the sessions as well as some example activities such as our interactive Choose Your Own Adventure experiences, sample Buddy costumes/templates, and other activities created from past APL Reading Buddy Program sessions. It will also include specific feedback on the series which we have received from children, guardians, and caregivers.
CSLP 2025: Color Our World!
Presenter(s): Beth Yates
Description: Still planning for Summer 2025? Join Beth Yates of the Indiana State Library for an introduction to the 2025 "Color Our World" art theme, including suggested resources for planning and other general information. We will also spend a little time considering our "whys" for summer reading, which can guide your decision making process! (Note for committee: For format, this will be mostly traditional presentation but there will be some interactive/discussion elements.)
Building Bridges Through Literacy: Inclusive Approaches for New English Learners
Presenter(s): Komal Chohan
Description: This will be a dynamic session designed to enhance literacy education for new English learners, with a special focus on the growing South Asian communities in Central Indiana. This session will explore effective, culturally responsive strategies to support multilingual learners in the classroom. Participants will gain insights into creating inclusive learning environments that value and incorporate diverse cultural experiences, address barriers to educational equity, and advocate for systemic changes to improve access and fairness in literacy education. Through practical examples and collaborative discussions, we will develop actionable approaches to ensure that literacy programs are accessible and effective for all students. Whether you’re an educator, community leader, or advocate, this session will provide valuable tools and strategies to foster an equitable and inclusive educational experience for new English speakers.
