Monday, March 23rd 
Breakout Block Five 
1:30pm – 2:20pm EST 

Dungeons and Dragons Programming for Teens and Kids (when you have little to no experience and an even smaller budget) 

  • Presenter(s): Cat Roberts 
  • Session Description: Dungeons and Dragons just turned 50 years old, and its popularity is high thanks to shows like Stranger Things and games like Balduras Gate 3. How do you get your library on the D&D adventure when you have little or no experience with the game? This session will give you tips on where to start and resources to seek out in order to join the party with one of the world’s most popular tabletop role playing games. 

1,000 Books! Panel 

  • Presenter(s): Kara Motsinger 
  • Session Description: During this session we will discuss different ways to run the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten reading program. Different public libraries use various methods for tracking the 1000 books, prize distribution, and recognizing readers for reaching the goals leading up to the achievement of reading 1,000 books. If you can't have Dolly... 1,000 Books may be an option for your community. 

Supporting Neurodivergent Youth 

  • Presenter(s): Samantha Vidal 
  • Session Description: Neurodivergent youth experience the world in unique and meaningful ways, and libraries can play a powerful role in helping them thrive. This session equips library staff with practical, strengths-based strategies to better understand sensory, communication, and executive-functioning differences. Participants will learn how to create welcoming, accessible environments; support regulation and belonging; and use simple tools and routines that reduce barriers to engagement. Whether working individually with youth or supporting groups and programs, attendees will leave with actionable approaches for fostering inclusion, connection, and success for all learners. 

Unearth a Story: Summer Reading 2026 

  • Presenter(s): Beth Yates 
  • Session Description: Gather with your colleagues from around the state to kick-off preparations for Summer 2026! Beth Yates of the Indiana State Library will highlight the Unearth a Story "dinosaur/archeology/paleontology" theme, focusing on suggested resources for planning and other general information.