2026 Regional Conference Schedule

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New Albany - Friday, April 17

9:00 - 9:45am - Registration

9:45 - 10:50am - Keynote, Edra Waterman

11:00 - 11:50am - Breakout Block #1

Presenter(s): Joel Eckert
This session explores how artificial intelligence is becoming a practical, everyday tool in modern libraries. Framing AI as a natural evolution of familiar technologies, it highlights real-world uses like summarization, translation, content creation, and simple tool-building. Through examples and live demos, attendees will see how AI enhances—not replaces—library expertise, helping professionals work more efficiently and better serve their communities.

Presenter(s): Abby Chumin
Come and learn how the talking book library at the state library serves Indiana’s disability community and how they can help your library reach others and supplement your collection.

Presenter(s): Austin Stroud
Crossroads: The Journal of Indiana Libraries is a new peer-reviewed, open access journal published by the Indiana Library Federation. This session introduces the journal’s purpose, submission process, and types of articles, while helping practitioners turn everyday library work into publishable contributions. We will also address common concerns about writing and peer review to help attendees get started.

Presenter(s): Aimee Hollins
Do you want some new kids programming ideas? Or want to share some of your own? This session is going to focus on sharing ideas and resources for youth programming, mostly for kindergarten through fifth grade. The session will be part presentation, part round table discussion. Hopefully by the end of the session you will leave with some new ideas and renewed excitement for upcoming kids programming you can take back to your library.

11:50am - 12:50pm - Lunch

12:50 pm - 1:00 pm - Group Photo

1:00 pm - 1:50 pm - Breakout Block #2

Presenter(s): Emily King & Patrick Yarusso
This session will discuss ways that libraries can help bridge the digital divide in their communities. Participants will hear about the Floyd County Library's efforts and experiences providing digital access and digital skills training to their patrons.

All Free for the Finding: Digging Up Family History for Free on the Internet

Presenter(s): Angi Porter
This presentation is a sampling of the best, free websites for genealogy. Attendees will become versed in research tips, general genealogy websites, Indiana genealogy websites, immigrant genealogy websites, British genealogy websites, and newspaper websites. Presented by Angela Porter, Genealogy Division Librarian

Presenter(s): Tammie Buchanan
Do you know about the Firefly Early Literacy Program? This is a book award sponsored by the Indiana State Library Young Readers Center and the Indiana Affiliate of the Center for the Book. Each year 5 nominee books for children 5 and under are chosen by a committee. Children across the state read these books and get to vote for their favorite title. Come to this session to learn about the committee, how it works, what the nominees are for this year, and all about the fun you can have with Firefly! Participants will leave with ready to go storytime ideas!

Presenter(s): Brock Bowsher & Jay Staley
In today’s evolving financial landscape, effective budgeting is more important than ever. This session begins with the basics of sound budgeting practices before diving into the potential impacts of SEA 1 on your organization’s financial outlook. Attendees will leave with actionable insights and tools to develop a sustainable budget that balances immediate needs with long-term goals.

2:00 pm - 2:50 pm - Breakout Block #3

Presenter(s): Michael Hicks
Local governments across Indiana face considerable budget risk with SEA1, including cuts that in some instances will dramatically alter the quality and quantity of public services. An equally large problem is the gradual erosion of tax revenues as a share of GDP, which affects all state and local public services. The challenge facing good government advocates is not one bill alone, but a two-decade effort to reduce funding for key services across Indiana.

Presenter(s): Nikki Esarey and Eden Ransdell
Attendees will learn fun ways to incorporate puppetry into a variety of library programs. We will discuss puppetry basics, creating puppet personalities, puppet building and ways to take the anxiety out of using puppetry. Participants will leave with a variety of original songs and scripts to add to their storytime toolkit.

Presenter(s): Vanessa Martin
Advocacy extends beyond the library walls, reaching from the library stacks to the Statehouse. This session offers a concise overview of Indiana’s legislative structure and process, highlighting where and how library voices can make an impact. Learn how the Indiana Library Federation advances advocacy for public, school, and academic libraries through a multifaceted approach that includes grassroots engagement, partnerships, and direct legislative outreach. The session will also include a brief review of the most recent legislative session and ILF’s response, providing key insights and takeaways for future advocacy efforts. Walk away with a clearer understanding of the process and your role in ensuring libraries remain strong and supported across Indiana.

Presenter(s): Kevin Evans
Indiana 211 is a free, confidential service that connects Hoosiers to thousands of local health and human service resources quickly and easily. This session will highlight Indiana 211’s mission to improve quality of life through skilled Navigators, strong community partnerships, and innovative technology. Attendees will learn what to expect when calling 211, explore available statewide resources, understand how to join or update the database, and discover how Indiana 211’s community engagement tools can support their work.

3:00 pm - 3:50 pm - State of the ILF