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SLANSW Professional Learning Summit - All the Literacies: Read, Discern, Discover
Dr Jane Garner (Charles Sturt University)
Working with Vulnerability in Library Spaces: Insights from
High-Need Contexts
Libraries are increasingly engaging with individuals experiencing complex and often hidden forms of vulnerability. This presentation draws on research into how people experiencing vulnerability engage with library spaces. It explores what makes libraries accessible, meaningful, and safe for individuals who may be distrustful of institutions, reluctant to seek help, or navigating multiple forms of disadvantage. Key themes include trust, autonomy, low-barrier access, and the relational nature of library work.
Presenter Bio
Dr Jane Garner is an Associate Professor and Social Science researcher with the School of Information & Communication Studies at Charles Sturt University, Australia. She researches the roles of reading, libraries and information in closed, restricted and vulnerable communities, including people living in prisons and people experiencing homelessness and other forms of poverty and disadvantage. Jane is also interested in the impact of user behaviours on the wellbeing of library workers.
Registrations open at https://www.slansw.net.au/events
Dr Stephanie Smith (Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House)
Picture Perfect Literacy: Using Narrative texts to Build Media Savvy Citizens
This session is designed to provide teachers with creative and practical solutions for developing their students’ critical thinking skills through the exploration of a high-quality, curated selection of picture and chapter books. Participants will explore rich learning experiences including ready-to-use resources developed by the MoADEducation team providing tangible tools and creative approaches to deliver content, deepen student engagement, and nurture the next generation of media-savvy, civically engaged young people.
Dr Stephanie Smith is the Head of Learning and Museum Experience at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD). In her current role, Stephanie leads delivery of online experiences, outreach programs and teacher professional development. She is committed to fostering an innovative approach to education for all, regardless of age.
Gabrielle Mace (ProReadingSolutions)
Building Critical Literacy Through Authentic Inquiry
This workshop explores how inquiry-based learning frameworks, including Barbara Stripling’s Model of Inquiry and Guided Inquiry Design, can transform literacy instruction from passive task completion into purposeful reading, interpretation, and reasoning.
Participants will engage in a short inquiry experience using a set of conflicting sources to examine how students build, challenge, and revise their thinking when information is incomplete. The session will explore how school libraries can create the conditions for deeper reading, cognitive patience, and authentic inquiry across year levels.
Gabrielle Mace is an independent literacy consultant, former Head of Library, and founder of ProReading Solutions. She works with schools to strengthen literacy ecosystems through reading culture, inquiry, and evidence-informed practice.
Gabrielle is the creator of The Student Detective, a narrative-based inquiry pedagogy designed to engage students in purposeful reading, interpretation, and evidence-based reasoning. Her work builds on her long-running Just Read programme, her Literacy Ecosystem Framework, which helps schools evaluate literacy through four connected lenses: leadership, inquiry, community reach, and reader identity.
A global speaker and thought leader in literacy innovation, Gabrielle’s work aligns with leading inquiry and reading frameworks, including Barbara Stripling’s Model of Inquiry, Guided Inquiry Design, Self-Determination Theory, and the deep reading research of Maryanne Wolf. She is passionate about helping school libraries become visible drivers of whole-school literacy change.
Vicki Courtenay & Andrea O’Driscoll (Trinity Grammar)
Re-evaluating reading culture
This workshop will share the process that Trinity Grammar School's Senior School Library followed to assess and improve our whole school reading culture. Using Merga's 7 strategies for positive reading culture as categories to group and evaluate existing strategies, and determine and address gaps. We will share our process, our challenges and our successes, and what we learned along the way.
Presenter Bios
Vicki and Andrea are both Teacher Librarians at Trinity Grammar School with a passion for encouraging reading in the teenage years. They have worked together for 8 years, over which time they have been instrumental in reviewing, creating and promoting strategies for a positive whole school reading culture. 2026 marks their third review, with their original meeting with Dr Margaret Merga occurring in 2018.
Katherine Garner (Queanbeyan South Public School)
Helping students find their spark book
Participants will explore strategies to help students discover books that spark their interest and foster a love of reading. Drawing on practical examples from Katherine's experience, the session will cover ways to match students with texts, encourage exploration, and build reading confidence. Attendees will leave with actionable ideas to engage students and personalise their reading journeys.
Katherine successfully completed her Master of Education in Teacher Librarianship at Charles Sturt University in 2018. Katherine demonstrates a strong passion for promoting literacy and fostering a love of reading within her school community. She is known for her enthusiasm when discussing books, and her commitment to enhancing students’ engagement with literature reflects this.
✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening of celebration, connection, and literary inspiration at the SLANSW Awards Celebration 2026!
Celebrating: SLANSW Award Recipients for 2026 and welcoming acclaimed author, literary historian, and lecturer Susannah Fullerton, who will share stories from her latest book—promising an evening that is both entertaining and enlightening.
Friday, 15 May 2026 6:00pm arrival | 6:30pm commencement The Greengate Hotel, Killara NSW $45 per person
https://slansw.net.au/event-6597471
️ Spaces are limited—be sure to register and submit payment by Friday, 1 May 2026 to secure your place.
We look forward to welcoming members, guests, and the wider community for a truly inspiring night of recognition and celebration.
#SLANSW26 #AwardsNight #LibraryCommunity #LiteraryEvents #ProfessionalCommunity
The first SLANSW Professional Learning Summit of 2026 is fast approaching!
Join us face-to-face at Abbotsleigh Senior School, Wahroonga, on Saturday 16 May (9:00am – 4:00pm) for a full day of inspiration, connection, and practical learning.
✨ Theme: All the Literacies: Read, Discern, Discover
We’re thrilled to welcome an outstanding lineup of keynote speakers:
The program is designed to support you with:
✔ Practical strategies to enhance reading engagement
✔ Insight from industry leaders to help you choose the right tools
✔ Opportunities to connect with fellow library professionals and partners at our Trade Fair
To explore the full summit program or to register: https://slansw.net.au/event-6597483
This is the flagship event on the SLANSW professional learning calendar for 2026—don’t miss it. Add it to your calendar today!
#SLANSW26 #ProfessionalLearning #SchoolLibraries #Literacy #TeacherLibrarians #EducationEvents #LibraryProfessionals
Join us at the upcoming SLANSW Meet Up: Bringing AI to the Library This Tuesday the 24th of March online at 7pm. Register:https://lnkd.in/gByk_pza Guest presenters from various library and AI backgrounds will lead a discussion on how Teacher Librarians integrate generative AI tools into their teaching practice in the school library. In this very practical-based meetup our presenters will each share a unique perspective on AI and the school library:
An opportunity for all Library Professionals to embrace and get Premiers Reading Challenge off to a great start for 2026. Join us at the work-friendly time of 2pm on March 18th to get some great tips from Jade Arnold the NSW Premier’s Programs Officer, discuss fantastic PRC display ideas and explore the rule changes and resources to make PRC a success at every school. The group will also discuss books to read aloud in secondary and primary schools to jumpstart your students’ PRC challenge!The Mentoring Special Interest group is currently taking expressions of interest for mentors and mentees up until the 18th of March. Mentorship provides a very rewarding way to deepen your professional learning and networks. This group will include inspiring teacher librarians of all experience levels. Be sure to secure your place in this dynamic group!
SLANSW will be starting 2026 with a focus on setting up for success!
Join our special guests on Tuesday 17th February 2026 (7pm-8pm) in the SLANSW Zoom Room for a look into the actions that lead to positive and engaging library programs. This session will focus on practical strategies to effectively begin the new school year.
This is a FREE event for MEMBERS. Non-members are also welcome and will pay a registration fee.
Register now! https://slansw.net.au/event-6554013
Engage your school community for a successful year ahead!
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