Greetings, VSLA Members!

I am thrilled to be working alongside everyone this year. My name is Liz von Nagy (she/her), and I’m your VSLA President for 2026-27. This year is my 13th year in School Libraries. I have taught grades PK-6, 9-12, and I adjunct for the University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Undergraduate Library Science Program each Fall. I currently work at the Essex High School/Center for Technology Essex Library here in Essex Junction. My favorite read this summer was a reread (Crescent City) and my least favorite read this summer was Yesteryear. 

Now, let’s look forward. This year is sure to be rife with opportunity and VSLA is here to support you! 

Here are some important dates to remember.

1. The New England Library Association Conference (NELA) will be in Burlington October 25-27 https://www.nelib.org/annual-conference

2. VT Fest will be in Killington November 4-6 (That Librarian Amanda Jones is Keynote!) https://vita-learn.org/vermontfest/register/

3. Teen Lit Mob is in April 2027

4. ALA’s annual conference is June 24-28 in New Orleans https://www.ala.org/conferencesevents

5. ISTE+ASCD is June 27-30 in Boston https://conference.iste.org/2027/

6. The VSLA Spring Conference will be happening next Semester. More info to come!

7. April 4th is National School Librarian’s Day.

8. April 21st is Vermont’s Library Legislative Day.

Celebrations and Recognition Schedule

• VSLA is transitioning our yearly meeting and awards ceremonies to November, to coincide with VT Fest. 

• VSLA gives out scholarships for professional development. Look for an email from Past President Shannon Gile soon!

• • We have other awards, like the Rosen Award, given throughout the year!

You Should Get Involved!

VSLA is here for you and we can’t do what we do without you! Please consider sharing your expertise in some way with the organization. We are currently seeking members to fill the following positions. Please reach out to Liz von Nagy if you are interested in volunteering your time and expertise.

Secretary

Treasurer in Training

Northwest II Co-Representative

Legislative Concerns Chair

Professional Development Chair

The Finale: Your Advocacy Checklist

At the VSLA Board Retreat this year, we focused on providing members with some deliverables. Here is your Advocacy Checklist for the year! This is meant to be a helpful list of things you can do throughout the year to advocate for your library and your patrons.

I hope this year brings many moments of joy, connection, and learning for you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with ideas!

Sincerely,

Liz von Nagy

lvonnagy@ewsd.org

vslapresident@gmail.com