Central Valley Library Camp '26: Full Schedule

8:00am PDT

Registration, Exhibitors & Continental Breakfast

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT

Independence A/B

Friday October 16, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

All

9:00am PDT

Welcome Address

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am PDT

Independence A/B

Friday October 16, 2026 9:00am - 9:15am PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

9:15am PDT

Keynote

Friday October 16, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT

Independence A/B

Brave Instead of Perfect: Smashing Imposter Syndrome in Order to Show Up for Kids (and Ourselves)!They say comparison is the thief of joy, but in a connected world, the urge to compare ourselves and our work to the "rockstars" in our field can be both impossible to resist and professionally paralyzing. In this keynote, we explore ways to smash imposter syndrome, avoid comparison, and use our...
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Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Director of Reader Engagement Initiatives, Bookelicious

Jennifer LaGarde has spent her entire adult life working in public education. She has served as a classroom teacher, a teacher-librarian, a digital teaching and learning specialist, a district-level support staff member, and a statewide leader as a consultant for both the North Carolina... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 9:15am - 10:15am PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Keynote

10:15am PDT

Exhibitors

Friday October 16, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT

Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall

Exhibitors

Perma-Bound Books

Perma-Bound, a division of Hertzberg-New Method Inc. has been a leader in the book rebinding industry for over 72 years.Hertzberg-New Method Bindery opened in its current location in South Jacksonville, Illinois on June 17th, 1954. In the mid 1960's Hertzberg-New Method began a new... Read More →

Peter Doering

Manager: Western Division, Bound to Stay Bound

A family-owned, third-generation company in Jacksonville, Illinois, that specializes in prebinding children's and juvenile books for school and public libraries. Founded in 1920, they are the foremost prebinder in the U.S., known for producing editions that last at least five times... Read More →

Britannica Education

At Britannica Education, we build digital solutions that bring trusted knowledge to life. For more than 250 years, we’ve transformed credible information into engaging, expertly designed learning experiences that make complex ideas captivating, comprehensive, and meaningful for... Read More →

Gale

Education Consultant, Gale

Gale, part of Cengage Group, partners with librarians and educators around the world to connect learners to essential content through user-friendly technology that enhances experiences and improves learning outcomes. For more than 65 years, Gale has collaborated with academic institutions... Read More →

Libraria

Welcome to Libraria, the next chapter in bookselling. After 40 years of dedication as Children’s Plus, Inc., we're evolving to better serve the modern librarian's needs. We partner with thousands of major educational and trade publishers, as well as small independent presses, to... Read More →

Overdrive

SORA Account Manager, OverDrive, Inc.

Sora is the primary destination for students to discover and read the best ebooks, audiobooks, magazines and graphic novels from their school library.

Friday October 16, 2026 10:15am - 10:45am PDT
Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Exhibitors

10:45am PDT

Break/Transition

Friday October 16, 2026 10:45am - 10:55am PDT

Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall

Friday October 16, 2026 10:45am - 10:55am PDT
Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Break

10:55am PDT

Author Panel Diverse Children Books

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT

Independence A/B

Speakers

Margarita Engle

Writing a historical novel in verse feels like time travel, a dreamlike blend of imagination and reality. It is an exploration. It is also a chance to communicate with the future, through young readers.

I love to write about young people who made hopeful choices in situations that... Read More →

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

President Redbud Writers Guild, multicultural author & speaker, podcast host for Hear Women, Redbud Writers Guild

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young is a published author, speaker, poet, and teacher, who grew up in a multiracial family. Through her storytelling, Dorina loves to help people discover God in creation and the cultures of the world. Dorina is the author of the award-winning picture book, Cora... Read More →

Crystel Patterson

Crystel Patterson, based in Sacramento, CA, is the creator of the Inspired to Be... series, a collection of empowering children's books that amplify positive Black narratives and promote social-emotional learning and growth mindset for kids. As a proud mother, Crystel writes diverse... Read More →

Novella Dean

Novella Dean's passion for storytelling took root in Trinidad and Tobago, her birthplace, where rich folklore is a national treasure. Despite her academic journey leading her to graduate as a scientist, her heart always gravitated towards artistic expressions. The inspiration for... Read More →

Edward Andre Dennis

Who is Edward?He is a visual storyteller who has worked with brands such as Toyota USA, SesameStreet, Mercedes-Benz, Yakima racks, Disney, Giant/Liv Cycling, Shimano, EpicRides, Corel, Anheuser-Busch, Western Union and Giordana cycling. He has beenfeatured in publications such as... Read More →

Jessica Kulekjian

Jessica Kulekjian spent her California childhood climbing trees, swimming, and riding bikes into orchards, where she imagined stories with her friends until the sun went down. As she grew, so did her love of writing, alongside a dream to become an author. Jessica went on to study... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Author Panel

10:55am PDT

Beyond the Book: Nurturing Student Reading Identities

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT

Veterans B

This session invites K–8 educators to explore how schools and classrooms can serve as powerful bridges to lifelong reading. Together, we’ll examine what makes a strong reading community, how students develop their reading identities, and why those identities matter for engagement and learning. You’ll learn simple, high-impact strategies to help students see themselves as readers and feel...
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Speakers

Amanda Turkie

Coordinator, School Library Services, Santa Clara County Office of Education

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT
Veterans B 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 1

10:55am PDT

Beyond the Bot: Navigating Academic Integrity and Building Custom AI Tools

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT

Patriots B

Discover how to lead the shift toward ethical AI literacy and proactive academic integrity in your school community. In this hands-on session, explore practical frameworks for responsible AI use and learn how to build custom chatbots to support efficiency and student research.

Speakers

Katherine Goyette

Instructional Technology Specialist, Fresno County Superintendent of Schools

Katherine Goyette is a content specialist for instructional technology and STEM for Fresno County Superintendent of Schools where she coaches educators across the central valley region. She is the co-author of History Matters in an AI Era: Interdisciplinary Approaches for K-8 and... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT
Patriots B 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 1

10:55am PDT

Books Help Us SEE Better (Socially & Emotionally Educate)

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT

Patriots A

Libraries have become more diverse as the publishing world strives to create picture books that represent the variety found in daily life. This not only supports the children reflected, but it also helps their peers view and appreciate situations different than their own. The author will provide insights into this genre using her experiences with preschoolers, elementary students, and special...
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Speakers

Maria Powell

Library Assistant, Fuller Elementary

Maria Powell fell in love with picture books as a child and never outgrew that passion. She spends her mornings in the library at Fuller Elementary and delights in helping kids find joy in reading. Mrs. Powell writes books for and about the kids she loves and is excited to be a part... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT
Patriots A 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 1

10:55am PDT

What Do You Meme? What Memes Can Teach Us About Information Literacy

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT

Veterans A

From Arthur’s Fist to Zoom Fails, memes have become one of the most common forms of digital communication, often going viral and spreading at lightning speed before anyone has a chance to question their validity. These bite-sized bits of information can both fuel misinformation and serve as powerful tools for teaching information literacy. In this session, we’ll explore how to help today’s...
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Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Director of Reader Engagement Initiatives, Bookelicious

Friday October 16, 2026 10:55am - 11:50am PDT
Veterans A 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 1

11:55am PDT

Keynote & Lunch

Friday October 16, 2026 11:55am - 12:50pm PDT

Independence A/B

Speakers

Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood

JaNay Brown-Wood, PhD, is an award-winning and New York Times Best-Selling children’s author, poet, educator, scholar, and a former professor of Early Childhood Education and Child Development. Her first children’s book Imani’s Moon won the NAESP Children’s Book of the Year... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 11:55am - 12:50pm PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

12:55pm PDT

Author Panel: Signing

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT

Independence A/B

Speakers

Mae Respicio

Mae Respicio is the award-winning author of over 20 books for young readers, including engaging nonfiction and novels that celebrate all the ways that kids find their place in the world. Mae’s books have received starred reviews, the Asian/Pacific American Library Association Honor... Read More →

Margarita Engle

Dorina Lazo Gilmore-Young

President Redbud Writers Guild, multicultural author & speaker, podcast host for Hear Women, Redbud Writers Guild

Crystel Patterson

Novella Dean

Edward Andre Dennis

Jessica Kulekjian

Amanda Rawson Hill

I grew up in the mountain desert of southwest Wyoming with a library right out my back gate. I can still walk into that library today and feel totally at home.

Today I live in central California, where the miles and miles of orchards and farmland never seem to end, the summers are... Read More →

Joan Schoettler

I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area where memories of trips to the ocean, picnics in parks, walks through San Francisco, museum visits, and gatherings of family and friends continue to draw me back to my beginnings. Hikes in the Sierra, late dinners on warm summer nights, gardening... Read More →

Lisa Schmid

Lisa Schmid is the author of the middle grade novels Hart & Souls and Ollie Oxley and The Ghost, children's paranormal fantasy adventures filled with heart, humor, friendship, and a touch of mystery. She is also the co-host of the Writers With Wrinkles podcast. When not scaring up... Read More →

Dr. JaNay Brown-Wood

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Author Panel

12:55pm PDT

But I Saw It on TikTok: Helping Kids Navigate The Information Spaces They Use Most

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT

Veterans A

With over a billion active users and an algorithm that adapts to our behavior faster than we can double tap, TikTok has become one of the most powerful sources of information for today’s learners. It is also one of the most persuasive. In this session, we will explore how short-form video blends entertainment, emotion, and perceived authenticity to make even mis-, dis- and mal-information feel...
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Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Director of Reader Engagement Initiatives, Bookelicious

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT
Veterans A 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 2

12:55pm PDT

Hook Your Students: Upgrading Programming and Displays

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT

Patriots B

Upgrade your programming and displays! This session is for librarians and techs who need inspiration for getting students in your doors and checking books out. You will leave this session with strategies and ideas for how to keep your programming fresh along with ways to tie them to relevant skills and standards. You will also leave this session with ideas for how to collaborate with teachers and...
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Speakers

Kelli Vukadinovich

Teacher Librarian, Matilda Torres High

Kelli Vukadinovich is a Teacher Librarian at Matilda Torres High School. She taught ELA and History for 5 years before transitioning to librarianship and will graduate with her MLIS from San Jose State in December. She enjoys birdwatching, reading, napping, and talking about educational... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT
Patriots B 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 2

12:55pm PDT

Lights, Camera, Action! A “Clever” Way to Capture Community Engagement

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT

Patriots A

Learn how to cultivate a love of literacy and a connection to your library that your school community can access anytime and anywhere. We will show you how we can be stronger together by utilizing your district’s student learning platform to generate excitement about literacy through video recordings. Student engagement happens by posting read-a-loud videos, book commercials, exploring new book...
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Speakers

Dina Reyes

Library Technician, Wishon Elementary

Dina Reyes is a Library Media Technician with Fresno Unified and has been based at Wishon Elementary for the past 13 years. She loves creating magical, peaceful environments for the entirety of the library community to enjoy and experience. As an avid reader, stories have a special... Read More →

Monica Jacobs

Library Technician, McCardle Elementary School

Monica Jacobs has been the Library Media Tech at McCardle Elementary in Fresno Unified for six years. Before working in the library, she ran social-emotional support centers at various elementary school sites for 23 years. Monica enjoys combining her love of reading and her background... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT
Patriots A 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 2

12:55pm PDT

My Makerspace and More!

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT

Veterans B

What is a makerspace, why does your school need one, and how do you effectively manage it? In this interactive session, Teacher Librarian Tommy Martinez shares practical do’s and don’ts for building a thriving makerspace from scratch or taking your existing space to the next level. Walk away with actionable strategies to design a hands-on learning environment that fosters student learning,...
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Speakers

Tommy Martinez

Teacher Librarian, Glacier Point Middle School

Tommy Martinez is a seasoned educator with 23 years of teaching experience, including the past 13 years serving as a Teacher Librarian. Passionate about creating dynamic, student-centered learning environments, Tommy has spent the last decade establishing and leading an innovative... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 12:55pm - 1:50pm PDT
Veterans B 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 2

1:50pm PDT

Break/Transition

Friday October 16, 2026 1:50pm - 2:00pm PDT

Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall

Friday October 16, 2026 1:50pm - 2:00pm PDT
Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Break

2:00pm PDT

Author Panel: Middle/High School

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT

Independence A/B

Speakers

Mae Respicio

Janet Wile

District Librarian, Central Unified

Janet Wile is Supervisor of Library Services for Central Unified School District and currently the Co-Administrator for the CYRM committee. I am blessed to be a Lilead Fellow and adjunct faculty at FPU in the Teacher Librarian program. I recently adopted 2 rescue dogs, Gracie and... Read More →

Amanda Rawson Hill

Joan Schoettler

Lisa Schmid

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Author Panel

2:00pm PDT

Among The Stars: Exploring The Most Critically Acclaimed Books of The Year

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT

Veterans A

When adults read, kids win! Plus, making time for books (written for young people) creates another way for you to build relationships, cultivate a sense of community AND demonstrate (through action) that you value reading and literacy. In this session, Jennifer will share some of her favorite (recent) reads for learners of all ages, give away some of her favorites from the list AND share...
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Speakers

Jennifer LaGarde

Director of Reader Engagement Initiatives, Bookelicious

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT
Veterans A 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 3

2:00pm PDT

Building Inclusive Libraries Through Engaging Programming and Collaboration

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT

Patriots A

How can libraries become spaces where all students feel seen, included, and empowered? This session explores strategies for designing engaging, inclusive programming for students in Special Day Classes (SDC) through intentional collaboration with Career Technical Education (CTE) programs. Participants will learn how to develop real-world partnerships that bring students together through shared...
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Speakers

Alissa Clements

Teacher Librarian, Selma High School

Alissa Clements has dedicated the past 25 years to serving students and educators in Selma Unified. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles, including kindergarten and first-grade teacher, reading specialist, academic coach, and high school teacher librarian. A passionate... Read More →

Veronica Esparza

Library Tech II, Selma High School

Veronica Esparza has dedicated over 20 years of service to the Selma Unified School District. She spent 13 years working in the library at an elementary school site and 5 years in the library at the high school level. She began her career as a Library Clerk and later earned a certificate... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT
Patriots A 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 3

2:00pm PDT

Design Made Simple: Empowering Your School Community with Canva for Education

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT

Patriots B

In the fast-paced world of modern education, visual communication is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Whether you are a teacher trying to spark student engagement, a librarian curating a welcoming digital space, or an administrator streamlining district-wide communications, the challenge remains the same: how do we create professional, high-quality content without a degree in graphic design...
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Speakers

Doug Cairns

Instructional Technology Specialist, Tulare County Office of Education

I started my career in the financial industry as a network administrator. I moved into educational technology to better support my community. I love learning new skills. Everyday I work is a joy as I love the work I do to empower educators and students to think beyond their skill... Read More →

Steve Woods

Instructional Technology Specialist, Tulare County Office of Education

Educational Technology Specialist with 25 years experience providing school educators and administrators in-person and web-based training on a variety of web-based and program-based technologies across Tulare and Kings Counties, California. Training expertise covers educational uses... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT
Patriots B 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 3

2:00pm PDT

News & Media Literacy!

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT

Veterans B

Central Unified is in its third year of The News and Media Literacy Fellowship program. Central librarians will share with you the strategies they are using to implement the News and Media Literacy Project resources, the Checkology and Common Sense Media lessons and how they are connecting lessons to content that teachers are already teaching. Join us for practical tips to help...
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Speakers

Megan Turner

Teacher Librarian, Rio Vista Middle School

Megan Turner has 15 years of experience in middle and high school education, including the past 10 years as a teacher librarian. Her librarianship work spans both district level leadership and the last eight years serving at the middle school level. Megan is committed to creating... Read More →

Christine Flores

Teacher Librarian, Central High School East Campus

Christine Flores spent over two decades teaching English at the secondary level before becoming a teacher librarian. She is currently starting her twelfth year in a high school library with Central Unified. In addition to taking a leadership role on site and in the News and Media... Read More →

Friday October 16, 2026 2:00pm - 2:55pm PDT
Veterans B 808 4th St, Clovis, CA 93612

Session 3

3:00pm PDT

Break/Transition

Friday October 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:10pm PDT

Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall

Friday October 16, 2026 3:00pm - 3:10pm PDT
Clovis Veterans Memorial Hall 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

Break

3:10pm PDT

Closing Remarks & Prizes

Friday October 16, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm PDT

Independence A/B

Friday October 16, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm PDT
Independence A/B 808 4th Street Clovis, CA 93612

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