2026 Youth Services Conference Recap
March 22–23, 2026 | Horizon Convention Center, Muncie, Indiana

The Indiana Library Federation’s 2026 Youth Services Conference brought library professionals from across the state together for two energizing days of learning, connection, and inspiration focused on serving children, teens, and families. Held March 22–23 at the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, the conference offered a welcoming space for youth services staff to explore new ideas, strengthen skills, and celebrate the impact of Indiana libraries on young readers and learners.

Two Days of Learning and Connection

Throughout the conference, attendees participated in a robust lineup of breakout sessions across multiple breakout blocks on Sunday and Monday. Sessions highlighted a wide range of topics relevant to youth services work, including early literacy, programming innovation, leadership at all levels, data‑informed decision‑making, sensory and outdoor learning, and reader engagement for all ages. Breakout sessions emphasized practical takeaways, real‑world examples, and strategies that attendees could immediately bring back to their libraries.

In addition to professional learning, the conference created meaningful opportunities for connection — allowing attendees to network with peers, share challenges and successes, and build relationships with colleagues working in youth services throughout Indiana.

 Inspiring Keynote Speakers

The 2026 Youth Services Conference featured two outstanding keynote speakers who helped set the tone for each day:


Sunday Keynote: Shifa Saltagi Safadi

National Book Award–winning author Shifa Saltagi Safadi opened the conference by sharing her passion for storytelling, literacy, and reaching young readers through inclusive and engaging narratives. Her keynote highlighted the power of books to connect with children across languages, cultures, and lived experiences.


Monday Keynote: John David Anderson
Hoosier native and award‑winning author John David Anderson closed the conference with an inspiring keynote centered on storytelling, creativity, and the role libraries play in shaping young readers’ lives. His message reinforced the lasting impact youth services professionals have on their communities through connection, imagination, and access to stories.

Thank You to Our Speakers and Presenters

The Indiana Library Federation extends its sincere thanks to all breakout session presenters and speakers who generously shared their expertise, creativity, and passion for youth services. Their thoughtful sessions and willingness to share ideas made this conference a meaningful and impactful experience for all who attended.

We are also grateful to our keynote speakers, whose insights and storytelling energized the conference and reminded us why youth services work matters so deeply.

Thank You to Our Community

ILF would like to thank everyone who helped make the 2026 Youth Services Conference a success — including attendees, presenters, partners, and the staff and volunteers who supported the event. The enthusiasm, engagement, and collaboration seen throughout the conference reflect the strength of Indiana’s youth services community.

We look forward to continuing these conversations and building on the ideas shared in Muncie as we support youth services professionals across the state.

LEUs & PGPs Certificate

Click the button below to download your certificate of attendance. This certificate will need to be paired with your Indiana State Library paperwork in order to receive credit for your LEUs/PGPs.

For more information regarding the process for submitting your LEU's/PGP's, please visit our website HERE. Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] if you have any additional questions regarding LEUs/PGPs. Download the YSC Certificate HERE.

Accessing Conference Materials & LEUs After the Event

Following the Youth Services Conference, attendees can continue to access conference materials, session details, and information needed for LEUs through the MemberClicks Conference Mobile App. The mobile app served as the primary hub throughout the conference and remains the best place to review session schedules, presenter information, and room details.

Many attendees who have used the app for previous ILF events may notice that it opens to the last event they attended. If that occurs, users can navigate to other events by selecting the “More” option in the bottom menu and choosing “Change Events.” The 2026 Youth Services Conference is listed within the app and provides full access to conference content.

While printed schedules were available at the registration desk during the conference, the mobile app offered the most up‑to‑date and comprehensive experience for staying connected throughout the event and beyond.

Please note that app access is tied to the email address used during registration. Attendees who registered with a work email or were registered as a guest by another individual may need to confirm they have access to that email on their mobile device. If an email update is needed, attendees can contact the ILF office at [email protected] for assistance.

Bateman Photography - Headshots

Did you get a headshot taken by Bateman Photography at the Youth Services Conference? Your photos are now available to view and download.

Visit the link below to access the full gallery.

Click here to find your headshot!

If you have any questions or trouble accessing the gallery, please keep an eye on your inbox for follow‑up information.

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2027 Youth Services Conference

March 21–22, 2027 | Horizon Convention Center | Muncie, Indiana

Join the Indiana Library Federation for the 2027 Youth Services Conference, returning to the Horizon Convention Center in Muncie, Indiana, on March 21–22, 2027. This two‑day, in‑person conference brings together youth services professionals from across the state for engaging learning opportunities, meaningful connections, and inspiring conversations focused on serving children, teens, and families. Attendees can expect a dynamic program featuring keynote speakers, breakout sessions, and opportunities to connect with colleagues who share a passion for youth services in Indiana libraries.