Sunday, March 22nd 
Breakout Block One 
1:00pm – 2:00pm EST

50 Ways to Spark a Love of Reading (for libraries) 

  • Presenter(s): Shannon Anderson 
  • Session Description: Looking for fresh, practical strategies to ignite excitement for reading in your school library or the youth services department of your public library? This engaging session offers 50 dynamic approaches school and children's librarians can use to inspire students to discover the joy of books. From innovative library programming to interactive activities that put students at the center of their reading journey, you'll gain concrete ideas to motivate reluctant readers, empower choice, and create a culture where reading is celebrated. Walk away with ready-to-use techniques that not only encourage kids to pick up more books but also deepen their connection to the library as a vibrant, welcoming hub of learning. 

Read Aloud Books, Too Good To Miss!!

  • Presenter(s): Tammie Buchanan & Malissa Hostetler 
  • Session Description: Join the Read Aloud Indiana committee as they share about the importance of reading aloud to kids of all ages and give examples of how titles from the 2026 Read Aloud lists can be used in your school or library. Get comfortable and let them demonstrate with reader's theatre and read alouds from featured titles! This session is a lot of fun for anyone who loves to read books to kids of all ages! 

Ripping Pages and Coloring in Books 

  • Presenter(s): Scott Caldwell 
  • Session Description: Unleash creativity and transform old or damaged books into vibrant works of art. This hands-on workshop invites learners to explore blackout poetry as an engaging, low-cost program that blends literacy, visual art, and self-expression. Participants will learn how to guide patrons in crafting poems by selecting, redacting, and illustrating text from discarded pages, turning forgotten words into powerful new stories. The session will include examples, tips for adapting the activity to different age groups, and ideas for library displays and community showcases. Come ready to create, collaborate, and leave inspired to color outside the lines of traditional poetry programming! 

Tempting Today’s Teens 

  • Presenters(s): Kelly Carter 
  • Session Description: In Tempting Today's Teens you'll learn about the invisible struggles that teens face every day and how the library can help. Using examples from the St. Joseph County Public Library's Teen Room, I'll teach what games, activities and programs can help bring in even the most stubborn of teenage patron.