Registration opens, arrival refreshments and networking
09:15
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Welcome address with Victoria Dilly, CEO, School Library Association, Duncan Wright, Sales Development Representative at Accessit Library, and Natalie Doherty, Puffin Press Publisher.
09:45
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As we mark the National Year of Reading, Jonathan will be joining us to share critical insights into the current reading landscape, reflections on the campaign so far, and updates from recent research reports. Jonathan's keynote will set the tone for an insightful and practical conference weekend that will contextualise the vital work of school librarians within the national culture of reading.
10:00
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Following on from our opening keynote, we’ll explore what being a reader means at a time of change and challenge with voices from leading national organisations: Jonathan Douglas OBE, CEO National Literacy Trust Debbie Hicks, MBE, Creative Director, The Reading Agency Jo Tregenza, President, UKLA & Piers Torday, Author. Chaired by Victoria Dilly, CEO, School Library Association
10:30
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Refreshment break with networking and time to explore the exhibition and visit the bookshop. Visit Libresoft's stand for a session on making the most of your LMS system.
11:15
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Visit the Bounce Books stand to discover Nicola Penfold’s latest book, And Now We Run (Little Tiger, July, ISBN: 9781788958431), and Steve Cole’s captivating adventure, The Wild Ones (Scholastic, July, ISBN: 9780702349157).
11:30
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Author panel discussion focused on engaging reluctant readers through diverse narratives, with authors including Catherine Johnson, Sophie Anderson and poet Matt Goodfellow. The workshop will be chaired by Ed Ripley, SLA Trustee.
12:00
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Supporting students with SEND and promoting wellbeing through the school library. This session will explore how inclusive, welcoming library spaces can make a meaningful difference to students’ experiences. We’ll be joined by author and illustrator Abigail Balfe, alongside Adele Woolridge (Regents Park Academy) and Alison Hallisey (Desborough College), who will share practical insights and real-life examples from their work.
12:00
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Third Space Approach to Media Literacy: How Media Mavericks in the School Library are Changing the Game - An opportunity to explore the library as a third space with interaction and practical activities to help you implement in school, with Sarah Pavey (CILIP).
12:00
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Panel discussion focused on practical ways to engage boys who are reluctant readers and inspire a lifelong love of reading. We'll be joined by Puffin author, Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie, School Librarian, Leia Sands, and Duncan Wright, Sales Development Representative at Accessit Library. The session will be chaired by SLA Trustee and author Philip Kavvadias. Attendees of the panel are guaranteed an early proof of Jamaal Target: Phantom Agent by Isaac Hamilton McKenzie. Alex Rider meets Spider-Man: Into the Spiderverse in this fast-paced, action-packed middle-grade series about an ordinary boy who discovers he has extraordinary powers – the solo debut from the co-writer of The Breakfast Club series, with Marcus Rashford. Limited additional proofs will be available on a first-come-first served basis at Isaac’s signing after the event.
12:00
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Lunch and refreshments with time for networking, exhibition and visiting the bookshop. This break is sponsored by Usborne, to celebrate publication of Sophie Anderson's magical The House with Chicken Legs Runs Away. Come and meet Sophie and pick up some POS.
13:00
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Come along to the bookshop to meet Dean Atta and Abigail Balfe at this special signing event. Pick up copies of their books and have them personally signed. Please note,Abigail Balfe will be signing from 13:15.
13:00
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Come along to the bookshop to meet Jamie Smart, Catherine Johnson, Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie, Matt Goodfellow, Piers Torday and Philip Kavvadias at this special signing event. Pick up copies of their books and have them personally signed. Please note, Jamie Smart will be signing between 13:15 - 13:45 only. Isaac Hamilton-McKenzie will be signing limited proof copies of Jamaal Target: Phantom Agent.
13:00
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Come and see us on the Renaissance stand for fifteen minutes of Accelerated Reader surprises, strategies, and a little friendly competition!
13:30
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Bestselling comic book creator Jamie Smart will lead a live Bunny vs Monkey draw-along for delegates and share insights into his career, his comics and the enormous rise of graphic novels, in conversation with the SLA. We'll explore the importance of play and fun in creating engaging reading material, and how librarians, teachers and parents can harness children's enthusiasm for these titles to boost reading enjoyment.
14:00
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Authors Jamie Smart, Gary Northfield and Wren James introduce their recent titles, exploring the author journey in creating graphic novels. The panel will discuss the ever-increasing popularity of graphic novels and their impact on reading engagement, as well as offering their predictions for future trends and how they would like to see their titles used in school libraries. This session will be chaired by Bobby Joseph, Comics Laureate.
14:45
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Debut Puffin author Iqbal Hussain joins SLA CEO Victoria Dilly for an in-conversation event, discussing his sensational middle grade debut, The Night I Borrowed Time.
15:15
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Come along to the bookshop to meet Gary Northfield, Wren James, Bobby Joseph, and Iqbal Hussain at this special signing event. Pick up a copy of their books and have it personally signed.
16:00
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Final opportunity to explore the exhibition and visit the bookshop before the end of Day One
16:00
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