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Call for 2026 Virginia Library Association Conference Proposals
The Virginia Library Association's 2026 Annual Conference will be held from Sunday, October 18 - Tuesday, October 20 in Norfolk, Virginia at Hilton Norfolk the Main.
We are now accepting session proposals through three submission forms; a general VLA session form, VLA's Chapter of the Association of College & Research Libraries (VLACRL) form, and a poster session form. General VLA sessions and poster sessions are selected by the 2026 VLA Conference Committee. The VLACRL hosts a "Conference-Within-a-Conference"; their session proposals will be peer reviewed by their chapter. Please note that all poster sessions will run on Sunday evening. All other sessions will be scheduled for Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning, or Tuesday afternoon.
The deadline to submit a proposal is April 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
About the Conference Theme
Libraries are known as places that provide care to their communities, but who cares for the people who make this possible? Library workers are navigating external pressures and growing demands that can cause burnout, chronic stress, and mental health challenges. As a response, the 2026 Virginia Library Association President Nancy Falciani, in collaboration with the 2026 Conference Committee Chair Kelsey Cheshire, has chosen to turn the focus of care inward with the 2026 theme, Caring for Our Collective.
The 2026 VLA Conference Committee welcomes proposals that focus on strategies, practices, and relationships that strengthen our support system. While individual self-care is important, the goal is to encourage collective, community care and shared responsibility. Proposals should acknowledge the realities of the strains on our profession, but offer practical and compassionate strategies that empower us to create a culture of mutual support.
Examples include; How can we make sure our practices are inclusive and don’t leave anyone behind? How can leaders practice radical empathy? How can we reframe “failures” as learning experiences that allow us to grow together? In short - what can we do for one another? These ideas of mutual support may focus on the communities we serve and include topics on the digital divide, the library as a third space and a provider of social safety nets, and how to inspire ‘library joy’.
Know Your Session Type Before You Submit
- Presentation – A 45-minute time slot to host a 30 - 40 minute presentation on a particular issue, program or service followed by a 5 - 15 minute casual discussion and/or Q & A session with audience. Usually features 1-3 speakers.
- Panel Discussion – A 45-minute time slot to host a moderated session featuring multiple speakers focused on a particular issue, program, or service. Panel discussions allow panelists to share thoughts, opinions, and experiences about a particular issue, program, or service followed by discussion driven by audience participation. May feature 3-5 speakers including a moderator.
- Poster Session – Create a poster to showcase your program or research. This event on Sunday evening will incorporate public, academic, special libraries, and library partnerships and coalitions. Please note that poster spaces will be assigned and that the maximum size of a poster is 4 feet by 4 feet.
FAQs
How are proposals selected?
The 2026 Conference Committee reviews and selects the conference proposals. VLACRL proposals will be peer reviewed by the chapter. Please see the VLACRL submission form for their guidelines.
Does my presentation have to focus on the conference theme?
Conference proposals do not need to directly tie into the conference theme and may focus on any topic that is timely and relevant to library workers.
Are speakers required to register for the conference?
Yes, all speakers must register. Up to two presenters per session receive $75 off the conference registration fee.
When will I know if my proposal is accepted?
All submissions will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of decisions by May 2026. Applicants who are not selected will also be notified and are encouraged to refine their proposal for submission next year.
What are the next steps if my proposal is accepted?
Accepted speakers must submit a Speaker Intake Form to confirm their acceptance. This form must be filled out with ALL presenter information by May 30 at 11:59 p.m. to avoid forfeiting acceptance.
Can I select the date and time I present?
Please indicate on the proposal form if you have any conflict times. Requests will be honored wherever possible, but are not guaranteed.
What is provided for presenters?
Please bring your own technology, such as a laptop, adapters, and charger. We will provide AV equipment, including one handheld microphone per room - AV is not guaranteed. If available, presenters are required to use microphones. We appreciate that many presenters feel comfortable speaking loudly, but this is not accommodating to our members with hearing differences. Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference center. However, if you are using visual aids, we recommended downloading something like your slide deck beforehand in an abundance of caution.
I am an author/vendor who would like to speak at the conference. Do I submit a proposal?
We recommend submitting a proposal outlining what you would like to cover in your presentation.
I forgot to submit a proposal and it's now past the deadline. Can you still consider adding my poster?
Our submission deadline is firm due to limited space.
Are you accepting proposals for Lightning Talks?
Lightning Talks are in the works - a separate proposal submission for these sessions will be available in early summer. Check your inbox for the email announcement.
I'm having technical difficulties submitting a proposal - who do I contact?
Please email the VLA Communications Manager at [email protected]
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Announcing a New Publication: The VLA Blog
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) has launched the VLA Blog, a new online platform designed to connect members and provide a space for sharing ideas, expertise, and experiences from across the Commonwealth’s library community. The launch of the VLA Blog expands the association’s long tradition of supporting professional development, collaboration, and communication among library professionals. The blog is hosted by Substack to offer members the opportunity to receive posts directly to their email.
The VLA Blog will serve as the organization’s official blog and a hub for timely discussions on librarianship in Virginia and beyond. Members can expect posts on current issues in the field, innovative initiatives, professional experiences, practical resources, and emerging ideas shaping library services today.
Content for the blog will be developed collaboratively by VLA’s forums, members, and leadership. Forum members will contribute monthly posts highlighting topics relevant to their objectives, while additional submissions will be invited through periodic calls for member contributions. The VLA Executive Committee and VLA Staff may also share updates, announcements, and calls to action related to the association’s work. By sharing perspectives and experiences from professionals across the field, we hope to strengthen our community and highlight the important role all library employees play in supporting access to information. Posts are intended to be timely, accessible and practical, offering insights and ideas that benefit library workers across all types of institutions.
The blog is managed by VLA’s Communications and Member Engagement Manager who oversees content coordination and supports member contributors. A special thank you to the forum chairs who will oversee and coordinate member contributions:
Collections and Technical Services Forum (CaTS) - Anita Rose, Blackwater Regional Library
Graphic Novels and Comics Forum - David Titus, Ohef Sholom Temple Library
LGBTQIA+ Forum - Nico D'Archangel, Richmond Public Library
Librarians of Color Forum - Brea Gilliam, Arlington Public Schools
Local and Family History Forum - Annie Hatton, Library of Virginia
Makerspace Forum - Natasha Payne Brunson and Cammy Richards, Henrico Public Library
New Members Roundtable - Joy Doukas, Chesterfield Public Library
Youth and Family Services Forum - Taylor Foreman, Alexandria Library
The launch of the VLA Blog complements the association’s existing publications, including its scholarly journal, Virginia Libraries, and reflects VLA’s continued commitment to fostering communication, professional growth, and collaboration within Virginia’s library community.
To learn more and read the latest posts, visit the VLA Blog directly.
More Information About Blog Policies, How to Contribute, and How to Opt Out
All current members are currently subscribed to receive new posts directly in their email inbox and stay informed about developments within the association and the broader library profession.
Members may unsubscribe at any time or read posts directly on their desktop by accessing the blog's url. Click this link to learn more about VLA's decision to use Substack, about the platform, or how to unsubscribe. Answers to your questions can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the page for frequently asked questions. |
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Congratulations to the VALLA 2026 Cohort
The Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA) evaluation team received 87 applications for the 2026 cohort. They are excited to announce the following 22 individuals whose applications strongly demonstrated VALLA’s core commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusivity; personal growth; connection building; and individualized leadership. Each of the 22 individuals selected to attend the 2026 cohort stood out as being diverse and primed to continue to develop their leadership skills and embark on their own, personal leadership journey.
Those accepted to the VALLA 2026 Cohort will begin their individualized leadership journey with a 3-day, in-person, intensive workshop, followed by a year’s worth of leadership topics and mentorship to continue to explore and develop their leadership capacity, at no cost to the participants, thanks to our generous sponsors.
The application evaluation process was anonymous, having redacted any personal identifying information, and multiple evaluators scored each application utilizing a predetermined rubric to ensure an objective decision was reached. The 22 chosen applicants represent different types of libraries: Academic (8), Public (13), and one (1) library school student, with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences.
Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their acceptance into the 2026 VALLA Cohort:
Allison Brueckner, Massanutten Regional Library
Angie Taliferro, William & Mary Wolf Law Library
Cindy Scheu, J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library
Crystal Boyce, George Mason University
David Mercer, Fairfax County Public Library
Delwyn Elizabeth, Prince William Public Library
Diana Aleman-Davey, Christopher Newport University; Newport News Public Library
Donovan O’Daniel, Roanoke County Library
Emma Daugherty, Suffolk Public Library
Jenny Meslener, George Mason Public Library
Jessie West, Virginia Beach Public Library
John Cyrus, Virginia Commonwealth University
Katherine-An Bishop, Chesterfield Public Library
Keirstin Winslow, Suffolk Public Library
Kelly Pecora, Virginia Beach Public Library
Kelly Senser, Loudoun County Public Library
Kerri Copus, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
Mariam Ismail, Virginia Tech
Marika Mortimer, Student
Natasha Payne-Brunson, Henrico County Public Library
Summer Arawjo, William & Mary Library
Tray (David) Reynolds, Pittsylvania County Public Library
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2026 Virginia Library Association Scholarship Applications - Now Open!
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) Scholarship Committee's scholarship opportunity is designed to recognize and support outstanding individuals committed to advancing the field of library science.
We are proud to award annual scholarships, each valued at $3,000, to deserving recipients who embody the spirit of excellence and dedication to the library profession. Winners will also receive one year of non-prorated joint student membership with the American Library Association and the Virginia Library Association. Applications are due by March 31, 2026. Winners will be contacted summer 2026 and receive recognition during the opening reception of the 2026 VLA Conference in Norfolk, Virginia on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Criteria
The eligibility requirements for VLA Scholarships are:
- Residence in the state of Virginia or currently employed in a Virginia Library.
- Undergraduate degree (BS, BA, BFA, etc.).
- Acceptance by, or currently enrolled in, an American Library Association accredited library school.
- Must be earning a Master of Library Science Degree (MLS, MLIS, MSLS, MIS).
The major factors considered in making the awards are:
- Evidence of commitment to a career in librarianship in Virginia.
- Potential for outstanding achievement in the library profession.
- Academic excellence.
In order to be considered, your application must have two (2) references. One (1) of the two (2) references is strongly recommended to be a librarian or other information professional. Your application must include an academic transcript - unofficial transcripts are accepted.
Scholarship Application FAQ's
I'm pursuing an undergraduate degree in library science. Am I eligible?
No, you must already possess an undergraduate degree to be considered for a VLA scholarship.
I'm already a student in a library science program. Is there a credit limit for the scholarship?
There is no credit limit and current library science students are encouraged to apply. However, you must use the scholarship funds for upcoming payments - scholarship funds cannot be awarded to cover the cost of past semesters.
What information do I need to prepare for the application?
The application asks for academic, work, and extracurricular information including, but not limited to, awards, professional memberships, community service, and employment history. In addition, the form will require you to upload:
- 2 letters of recommendation (PDF)
- One essay (PDF/DOC/DOCX formats)
- One undergraduate transcript (PDF)
- One letter of acceptance to an ALA accredited library science program OR an unofficial transcript that shows current enrollment.
Do I have to submit an essay?
Yes, you must write an essay to accompany your application. Your essay is your opportunity to describe your journey in librarianship to the evaluation committee. Your essay must be based on the italicized prompts below.
Choose three (3) of the following five (5) prompts to include in your essay.
- Describe your journey to pursue a master’s degree in library science.
- What made you choose librarianship as your profession? In your response, include examples of patron interactions, projects, research experiences, or initiatives that you are especially proud to have been a part of.
- What are your goals after earning your degree, and how do you plan to contribute to the field?
- Describe how your experiences and/or identities (i.e. race, ability, gender, etc.) have shaped the lens through which you view librarianship.
- What barriers are you currently facing in obtaining your MLIS?
Are official transcripts required?
Transcripts are required but they do not need to be official. You may submit a PDF of an unofficial transcript.
The person writing my recommendation letter would like to submit the letter themselves. Is that possible?The recommender can send an email to the VLA Communications Manager Vanessa Garbarino at [email protected] - please request that they identify themselves and the applicant in the body of their email. Please make the subject line "Scholarship Application Recommendation Letter - Name of Applicant". You will receive an email confirmation when your letter is received. Applicants are responsible for ensuring that their recommenders submit their letters, if forwarded to the Communications Manager. If a letter is not received by the closing deadline, the committee will not consider the application. The committee will NOT contact recommenders for a letter. If two letters are not submitted, then the application will NOT be considered.
Do I need to be a member of the Virginia Library Association to apply?
As of 2026, it is no longer a requirement that you must be a member of VLA to receive a scholarship. Scholarship recipients will receive one year of joint student membership to VLA and the American Library Association upon receipt of their funds. Dues will not be pro-rated and will not include membership to ALA subdivisions or round tables, such as the Association for Library Services to Children or the Public Library Association, as those require additional fees. Membership in forums of your choosing is always free and open to any VLA member.
What will happen if I don't include a portion of the application?
The Scholarship Committee will only review complete applications that are received, in full, before the deadline.
What is the deadline to submit my application?
March 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
When will applicants be informed of the committee's decision?
By June 30, 2026.
When will winners receive their award?
Winners will receive scholarship funds following confirmation of eligibility and acceptance and will be honored at the annual conference in October. |
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) and the Virginia Public Library Directors Association (VPLDA) recognize the intent behind House Bill 236 and share the goal of protecting the freedom to read and ensuring access to a broad range of ideas for all Virginians. Public libraries have long advanced these principles through professional collection development, established reconsideration processes, and governance models that respond to the needs of their local communities.
However, based on extensive feedback from public library directors across the Commonwealth, VLA and VPLDA must oppose HB 236 as currently written for the following reasons:
1. It Undermines Local Control and Professional Judgment
For generations, Virginia has relied on a framework that combines statewide standards with professionally guided library governance. HB 236 represents an unnecessary move toward centralized oversight that limits professional discretion and disrupts established practices. Existing library policies already address the bill’s stated objectives.
2. The “Model Policy” Requirement Creates Risk and Uncertainty
The requirement that local policies be “consistent with” a state-developed model policy raises significant concerns. Because “consistent with” is undefined, compliance and enforcement remain unclear. Libraries are also concerned that future administrations could revise the model policy in ways that weaken protections for intellectual freedom.
3. The Mandated Reconsideration Process Is Overly Prescriptive
HB 236 imposes a detailed, uniform reconsideration and review process that fails to account for the wide variation among library systems. Directors note that this approach would be administratively burdensome, inflexible, and susceptible to political pressure, replacing effective local practices with a one-size-fits-all framework ill-suited to Virginia’s diverse library landscape.
4. The Bill Encourages Costly and Politically Motivated Litigation
Section § 42.1-45.4 permits any individual with a “vested interest,” or any author, to pursue legal action against a library board over collection decisions, even when there is no intent to censor. This provision invites litigation that could drain public resources and disrupt library services, without meaningfully improving access to materials.
5. It Risks Undermining Its Stated Purpose
Although presented as anti-censorship legislation, many library leaders believe HB 236 could instead be used to pressure or constrain libraries. In a polarized climate, the bill’s rigidity and enforcement mechanisms create opportunities for misuse and unintended consequences.
While introduced with constructive aims, HB 236 was drafted without sufficient input from the library professionals who manage collections, develop policies, and serve communities on a daily basis. For this reason, VLA and VPLDA recommend that the bill be tabled to pursue a
more collaborative and balanced approach.
VLA and VPLDA strongly support the pursuit of a Freedom to Read bill for Virginia, but believe HB 236 requires substantial revision. We urge lawmakers to pause this legislation and consult directly with library professionals and local boards. Proven models from states such as Illinois, Rhode Island, and Maryland demonstrate that intellectual freedom can be protected without compromising local control or professional discretion.
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