Illinois School Library Workers Symposium 2026

Getting today's teens motivated to read can be a struggle at times.  One thing that can work is by appealing to their competitive nature.  Book Battles and other bookish events can be a great way to accomplish this.  This session will explore key components of organizing a successful event, from book selection and funding to logistics and student engagement. Hear about how high school librarians worked together to bring the book battle to the secondary level for the first time. 
Learn how to navigate common obstacles like scheduling conflicts, technology issues, and resource limitations while discovering creative solutions and best practices. Whether you're looking to start a new competition or improve an existing one, this session will provide actionable strategies to take back to your library or school. Join us to gain insights, share experiences, and leave with the tools to create an engaging and impactful literacy event in your community!