The SLA Annual Conference: Changing Narratives, will be held on 5th and 6th June at the University of Winchester, Hampshire, supported by headline sponsor, AccessIt. This is the only conference of its kind in the UK focused solely on school libraries and bringing together school librarians and school staff  from across primary and secondary, state and independent schools and sixth form settings.

Through the theme of ‘Changing Narratives’ we will explore how school libraries and school librarians have the power to change the often negative narratives surrounding children and young people's reading, learning and wellbeing, offering an all-important antidote to many of the challenges facing school communities today.  A timely and important focus as we celebrate a National Year of Reading, a campaign seeking to transform attitudes to reading across the nation. 

Delegates will hear from a range of key voices in the sector, with workshops including interactive learning opportunities for skills development that will enable new ways of working to be implemented in school, alongside exploration of new research and strategies to both reflect on, and elevate, professional practice.  Our aim is to inspire new thinking and a solution-focused approach to ensure children and young people can reach their full potential. As we bring our members and colleagues in the sector together, opportunities for networking, sharing best practice and meeting exhibitors will be on the agenda.    Download a document here to explore the conference learning outcomes in detail, or use it to advocate for attendance with senior leaders.

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On the 2025 SLA Conference: 

“I had such a brilliant time at the last SLA conference that I knew I had to attend again this year. The combination of learning, inspiration, and community made it an experience I didn’t want to miss. The keynotes were thought-provoking and energising, the author sessions were a real highlight, and the exhibitors brought so many fresh ideas and resources to explore, it felt like a real celebration of what school libraries can be.” 

“Excellent conference again - each year it gives me the boost I need to plan for another year ahead. So inspiring and reassuring”  

“It's an invaluable event that connects library staff with each other and suppliers. No other organisation caters for school library staff like the SLA.” 

The SLA Annual Conference offers a valuable training opportunity and a chance to reinvigorate your practice. 

As well as a two-day conference, we will host a celebration dinner on Friday night. If you would like to book dinner tickets please email [email protected].

Legendary children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson will be delivering the closing keynote at the 2026 SLA conference. Dame Jacqueline Wilson is one of Britain’s most outstanding writers for young readers. Known for her contemporary stories, she has also used historical settings for many books such as Hetty Feather, Opal Plumstead and The Runaway Girls.  Jacqueline has published over 120 books for children and since 2024, she has written two books for adults which re-visit characters that she first wrote about in her children’s books in the 1990s. She has been writing full time for all her adult life and over 40 million copies of her books have been sold in the UK alone. Jacqueline will be talking about her enduring career writing for children - including creating some of the best-loved children's books ever published. From the iconic girls, to the inimitable Tracey Beaker, boisterous Marty and unhappy Andy, there is a Jacqueline Wilson character that almost every reader has identified with at some point in their lives.