Central Valley Library Camp '26: Full Schedule

10:55am PDT

Beyond the Book: Nurturing Student Reading Identities

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

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 connected to books and each other. Participants will leave with practical, ready-to-use ideas to strengthen reading culture across classrooms and school communities.

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 needs learners of all ages. Books with social emotional themes are often viewed as “quiet.” Attendees will share other descriptive words to express the long-lasting impact of giving children the opportunity to see the world through literature. Favorite and unexpected titles will also be shared to help attendees expand their collections.

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 learners analyze how humor, emotion, and design influence our urge to trust memes. Participants will also leave with creative ways to use memes as an engaging entry point for information literacy instruction.
Audience: K–12 school librarians and other educators. May also interest school administrators.
Future Ready Librarian Alignment: Models Digital Citizenship and Responsibility; Empowers Students as Creators; Builds Instructional Partnerships.

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

Session 1

Central Valley Library Camp '26

10:55am PDT

Amanda Turkie

10:55am PDT

Katherine Goyette

10:55am PDT

Maria Powell

10:55am PDT

Jennifer LaGarde

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