Ci2026: Rebuilding School Relationships Without Librarians

Many children's bookstores partner with school librarians for book fairs, author visits, and summer reading programs. But as school districts face budget cuts — including the elimination of librarian positions — bookstores are left wondering how to sustain these important partnerships. This session will explore how to rethink and rebuild school relationships in the absence of a dedicated librarian. We'll discuss strategies for collaborating directly with administrators and teachers, navigating shifting responsibilities, and continuing to create meaningful events, even when school staff may not fully understand what goes into organizing them. Recorded June 29, 2026 at Children's Institute 2026 in Schaumburg, Illinois. Additional bookstore education resources can be found at www.bookweb.org. Theme song by Constant Companion