2025 American Association of School Librarians Conference
St. Louis, MO
I am incredibly grateful to the Central New York Library Resources Council for awarding me Professional Development Grant funding to attend the 2025 American Association of School Librarians National Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. This biennial gathering is the only national conference dedicated solely to school librarians and our unique role in education, and attending it was especially meaningful this year. After working for two years with eight other librarians from across the country to write the second edition of the National School Library Standards, the publication’s official release coincided with the conference. The event also provided a rare and valuable opportunity to reconnect in person with the full Standards Committee, strengthening the professional relationships that supported this work. Being part of the team that introduced the new edition to the field was both humbling and energizing, and the CLRC grant made it possible for me to contribute to and fully participate in this experience.
The conference began for me with some sightseeing and attending a pre-conference event. I was able to explore the City Museum and St. Louis Zoo, but one of the most memorable experiences of the entire trip was an impromptu private tour of the St. Louis Public Library. Two staff members generously spent the afternoon walking me through the building, sharing stories about its history, the community it serves, and the remarkable details embedded in its architecture and special collections. Their passion for their city and its library was contagious, and the experience reminded me how deeply libraries are woven into the cultural identity of the communities they serve. I then attended a pre-conference tour of two St. Louis-area high school libraries. Visiting these schools allowed me to see different approaches to flexible learning spaces and collaborative programming. These observations helped me think about how the newly renovated Westhill High School Library can continue evolving as an active hub for instruction, creativity, and community engagement.
As a result of my work on the Standards Committee, I had the privilege of presenting six times throughout the conference. I began with the Welcome Home session for first-time conference attendees, where I helped provide background on the Standards and offered guidance for looking to learn more about the standards. Later, in the exhibit hall, the entire Standards Committee delivered a short session focused on communicating the updates made in the second edition. I also co-presented three concurrent sessions – one of which was offered twice – that focused on assessment and implementation of the standards in high school libraries. In addition to connecting with librarians from across the country, I was able to meet with colleagues from New York State, strengthening professional relationships and engaging in meaningful conversations about how the new standards can support school libraries across our state. As a result of these presentations, I was able to connect with other librarians from across the country, and I found immense value in hearing what they were excited, curious, or uncertain about as they begin to use the new edition.
Following the conference, I was able to explore the St. Louis Arch National Park, including the Museum of Westward Expansion and the Arch National Monument, which was temporarily open amid the government shutdown. Visiting these sites was a meaningful way to experience the history of the city beyond the conference setting.
I am deeply appreciative to CLRC for providing the funding that made my attendance possible. This experience enriched my professional practice, strengthened my leadership, and connected me with a vibrant network of librarians committed to supporting learners across the country. Thank you for your investment in my growth and for supporting opportunities that elevate the work of school librarians in Central New York and beyond.
Jessica Regitano, Librarian
Westhill High School
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