AASL appoints 2025 National Conference Committee

CHICAGO – Fifteen American Association of School Librarian (AASL) member leaders have been appointed to plan the next AASL National Conference taking place October 16-18, 2025, in St. Louis, Missouri. National conference committee members will be responsible for identifying current educational needs, selecting dynamic professional development, and providing attendees opportunities to connect.

Members of the 2025 AASL National Conference Committee are:

Conference Cochairs

• Arlene Laverde, School Librarian, New York
• Jennifer Sturge, Director, School Library Endorsement Program, Pennsylvania
• Carolyn Vibbert, School Librarian, Virginia

Program Cochairs

• James Allen, Statewide School Library Lead, Kentucky
• Rene Burress, Associate Professor and Department Chair, Missouri
• Natasha Carty, Teacher Librarian, New Mexico
• Donna Mignardi, School Librarian, Maryland

Author Cochairs

• Shannon Gile, School Librarian, Vermont
• Mia Gittlen, Librarian, California

Local Arrangements Cochairs

• Matthew King, School Librarian, Missouri
• Jennifer Millikan, Director of Library Services, Missouri

Social Media Cochairs

• Melissa Corey, Library Media Specialist, Missouri
• Wenndy Pray, Lead Educator/Librarian, Texas

Research Cochairs

• Mary Ann Harlan, Assistant Professor, Arizona
• Jenna Kamer, Associate Professor, Missouri

“St. Louis, Missouri, known historically for being the ‘Gateway to the West’ will serve as the spectacular backdrop for the 2025 AASL National Conference,” said AASL President-Elect Becky Calzada. “School librarians will come together to learn collectively, be inspired by incredible speakers, and network with colleagues from across the country and beyond. I’m grateful for the willingness of these stellar individuals to give of their invaluable time and professional expertise to planning the organization’s 22nd national conference.”

Along with professional learning, the AASL National Conference is an opportunity for school librarians across the country to build professional learning networks and unite as a community. The conference allows school librarians to feel connected, rally spirits, and refresh their dedication to the field.

The American Association of School Librarians, www.aasl.org, a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.