I started my CSLA 2026 conference experience with a chance celebrity encounter.  As I sat down in my first Thursday workshop on the California Young Reader Medal (CYRM), I exchanged introductions with my neighbors. When I met Monica, the author from Canada, my only thought was wow, that’s far!  But when the presenters mentioned that the author of this year’s CYRM was actually in the room, Monica Arnaldo, the author of “Are You a Cheeseburger?”, I looked at my neighbor while gasping, “That’s you!!!”  Afterwards, she was kind enough to take a selfie with me, which I promptly sent to the entire staff of the elementary school where I work because our students, like many others, LOVED her book.

The educational portion of my conference experience was similar to that of other conferences I have attended.  I went to many different sessions with informational and inspiring speakers, some with things that can be implemented right away upon returning to work.  Like other conferences, the exhibit hall was overstimulating, but filled with good resources and free swag.

Something which I had never done before was present at a conference, and I am proud to say that I accomplished that here! I thought I would dip my toes in when I submitted my poster proposal, and they responded by saying you’ve been accepted… to present. Now, I not only have something I can put on my resume, but in sharing my knowledge about math literacy using picture books with more experienced librarians, I was able to combat the imposter syndrome I felt as someone less experienced in the field. 

There was a big focus on wellness with scheduled walks, swimming, yoga, and dance activities to promote community and self-care, which I haven’t seen or at least noticed at other conferences. I was also impressed with how many of the association-wide activities provided meals or snacks, because while I received an iSchool Travel Grant to reimburse my conference expenses, my wallet appreciated not having to spend as much on food.  This included the CYRM lunch banquet, where Monica Arnaldo was honored; each chair had a 2026 or 2027 CYRM book nominee for us to take with us, and a dozen authors and illustrators who signed books and conference bags afterwards. 

Late Saturday night, I was finally able to attend a screening of the documentary “The Librarians,” and my last conference event on Sunday morning provided breakfast as we listened to a chat with That Librarian, Amanda Jones. She had been one of the school librarians featured in the film and writes and speaks about her experiences with those who wish to censor books and defame her character. I am grateful for the opportunity to hear from both Monica and Amanda, because while their experiences are quite different, both inspiring speeches were about continuing to try.

I really enjoyed getting to know so many school library people from across California and even finding some from my own region. Sharing meals and conversations, running into the same people over those 4 days, and meeting fellow SJSU students at an in-person meet-up, these have all expanded my professional network, and I hope to see them again in my classes or at future CSLA conferences.