VAASL

Spring regional online registration deadlines are on the horizon!!

VAASL members can now join the Library of Congress Federal Credit Union! www.lcfcu.org/join

Black and white photo of a Black woman checking materials out to a group of children. Small caption in top right reads: "Photo [original caption]: 'LOS ANGELES, October, 1949 – Elementary school pupils William Bias, Elizabeth Coggins and Jerry Sekido think it’s pretty interesting to watch Nellie Greene charge out their library books with the new Recordak charger on the Children’s Traveling Branch, operated by the Los Angeles Public Library.'" Text over photo reads: "ACTION, NOT REACTION: Integrating the Library Profession. Words: Denise Rayman, Photos: ALA Archives" ALA150, American Library Association

In the midst of the Civil Rights era in America, librarians were battling for and against segregated libraries in the South, and over integration within their own ranks. Integration of the library profession was a long process that started in the early 1900s.

Read more: https://bit.ly/3ZJpar4

Thanks @slupodcast.bsky.social! Can’t wait to listen to everyone else. #tlchat

The 2026 spring regional round up!!! www.vaasl.org/spring-regionals

The Rappahannock regional is 3/16!

And last but not least, York regional sneak peek!

3/11 Shenandoah regional- register today!

3/10 Roanoke Regional- register today!

Log on the website to view the latest edition of The VOICE

6 school librarians record a podcast episode on conflict resolution. Tune in Friday Feb 20 to the School Librarians United podcast with Amy Hermon.

#Schoollibrarians share their experiences and lessons in navigating conflicts! TY @becalzada.bsky.social @mauramadigan7.bsky.social @livluvlibrary.bsky.social Kaycie Hoffman Blaylock, Blake Hopper and Heather Hornor. #libraries #library #schoollibraries

Register today!

Stuffed animals displayed on a table with a sign that says adopt

Inspired by @mauramadigan7.bsky.social presentation at @vaasl.bsky.social and @drtlovesbooks.bsky.social #SLLN podcast episode, today is our first adoption day for Reading rescue pets! I’ve changed some things but my 2nd graders will be excited I’m sure! #tlsky

Clinch regional is on 3/9 featuring a VERY familiar face ❤️ Register online at www.vaasl.org/spring-conferences

Director Tammy Hinkle has been hard at work! Bookworm Central will be on site selling Marcie’s books! Register online by March 7th!

Our regional directors have been hard at work! Kicking things off on March 3rd is the James Regional with 20 different concurrent sessions and a keynote with Brian Baynes! Online registration closes one week before on 2/24, so don’t miss out 👏

www.vaasl.org/spring-confe...

Stack of books

What unrestricted #library book checkout looks like! Tune in and learn how this approach will foster a 💙 of #reading! #librarians @mauramadigan7.bsky.social
@vaasl.bsky.social apple.co/4qPdEWQ

Register today for your spring regional! Registration closes one week before each conference and is $40 for members, $50 for non members and $60 on site. These one day local conferences are a great mid year refresher! Don’t delay, register today! vaasl.memberclicks.net/spring-confe...

www.vaasl.org/school-libra...

Need to Weed??? Podcast Episode · School Librarians United with Amy Hermon · 01/23/2026 · 1h

Get motivated to tackle that upcoming weeding challenge in your #library with advice and encouragement from #librarian Elyse DeQuoy! @vaasl.bsky.social apple.co/3Zu3hM6

A recent study indicated 72 percent of teens have used AI as companions at least once. Learn more here: sbee.link/ye69d8atnc

VAASL librarian Ami Schroder was in the room where it happened on Konday! She served on the Newbery committee this year and shares: “Definitely a career high serving this past year on the Newbery Committee. Today was the day we got to share our choices with the book world!”

Submit your proposals today!!!!

Spring session proposals are due by 1/30! Submit your ideas today!!!

We Need Diverse Books Launches Unbanned Book Network | News Bites We Need Diverse Book aims to fight book banning and better literacy with a new initiative; Library of Congress is accepting applications for Literacy Awards; NCTE to host African American Read-in with...

We Need Diverse Books Launches Unbanned Book Network | News Bites
www.slj.com/story/We-Nee...

Image: Photo of Opening Keynote Emely Rumble. 9 sessions across 3 content tracks: Preserving Intellectual Freedom, Strengthening Leadership, and Sustaining Wellbeing. Six Facilitator-Led Conversations. Closing Keynote to be announced soon! - Claim your spot-Register Now! Recharging in Challenging Times - An ALA Virtual Event - Feb. 10, 2026 - FOR OUR LIBRARIES. American Library Association

We’re just over two weeks out from the Recharging in Challenging Times ALA Virtual Event—a special day of reflection, learning, and conversation with colleagues from across the field. Don't wait any longer. Claim your spot now and be part of the experience! www.ala.org/virtual-event

Predictions for the YMAs ALA's Youth Media Awards will be announced on Monday, including the Newbery, Caldecott, and many more. We have no idea what will win, but it's fun to guess, so....Predictions!

Heavy Medal's YMA Predictions-beyond (but including) the Newbery
heavymedal.slj.com/2026/01/22/p...

There’s still time to get your application in for Librarian of the year!!!

We are loving all these @vaasl.bsky.social librarians!!!! Yay!

#Librarians have VERY strong opinions on weeding our #library collections! Be sure to tune in this Friday anywhere you listen to #podcasts🎧🎤💡