Iowa Library Association

SPEAKER INFORMATION

The 2026 ILA Annual Conference is set to be an exciting event!

Prepare to be inspired by our amazing keynote speakers, gain valuable insights from an informative legislative panel discussion, and engage in captivating sessions led by seasoned leaders and visionaries in their fields.

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Opening Keynote Speaker Kelly Jensen

Thursday, October 8 | 8:30 AM

Kelly Jensen is a Senior Editor at Book Riot, the largest independent book website in North America. She covers all things young adult literature and has written about censorship for over 10 years. She is the author of three critically-acclaimed and award-winning anthologies for young adults, including (Don't) Call Me Crazy, which won a Schneider Family Book Award honor and Body Talk, which has been banned in several school districts across the country. In 2024, she was named a Library Journal Mover & Shaker for her anti-censorship work. She earned similar recognition for her work in 2022, when she was named a person of the year from Publishers Weekly and a Chicagoan of the Year by the Chicago Tribune. She has twice earned commendation from the American Association of School Librarians for her anti-censorship work. Prior to her work at Book Riot, Kelly was a public librarian for children, teens, and adults in several libraries in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin.

Closing Keynote Panel featuring The Snarky Librarian, Amy Drake and ISEA Vice President, Kelly McMahon, moderated by IASL President, Linda Smithson

Friday, October 9 | 11:30 AM

Join the Iowa Association for School Librarians President, Linda Smithson, for a discussion featuring the Snarky Librarian, Amy Drake, and the Iowa State Education Association's Vice President, Kelly McMahon. From internet fame highlighting school libraries, to a perspective from the state's largest union, we'll hear incredible stories from these powerhouse educators as we close out our 2026 conference.

Amy Drake, known on Instagram and TikTok as The Snarky Librarian, is a Teacher Librarian in her 11th year of library service and 27th year in education. Having taught ELA, Speech, Debate, and Psychology alongside directing theater and advising Student Council, she brings a well-rounded pedagogical perspective to her work. She has carved out a unique social media niche in library sustainability, specializing in budget-conscious resource management and book repair. She frequently shares her tips, lesson plans, and library hacks with a growing online community of fellow educators.

Kelly McMahon teaches Kindergarten at Hoover Community School in Cedar Rapids, IA. She has spent her 25 year teaching career working with students in grades PreK -First. Kelly is a 2002 graduate from the University of Northern Iowa, where she majored in Elementary Education with endorsements in the area of Reading and Social Studies. She earned her M.A. In Reading and Language Arts in 2007 from Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, WI. Kelly currently serves as the Vice President of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). ISEA is the largest labor union in Iowa, representing more than 30,000 educators across the state of Iowa.

Linda Smithson is the District Teacher Librarian for Clinton Community School District, serving students at both Clinton Middle School and Clinton High School. With more than 30 years in education, she holds degrees in Elementary Education, Reading, and Library and Information Science. In addition to her work as a school librarian, Linda has served on the Bettendorf Board of Education and is an active member of the Iowa State Education Association (ISEA). She currently serves as President of the Iowa Association of School Librarians and is a member of the Freedom to Read Foundation.

Linda has presented at numerous conferences on libraries, education, and advocacy. She is passionate about literacy, intellectual freedom, and equitable access to school library services and enjoys creating innovative library programs that connect students with books, information, and opportunities to become lifelong readers.

Conference Session Line-Up

We are excited to introduce an exciting series of expert sessions at the Iowa Library Association conference! Hear from esteemed colleagues and field specialists who are dedicated to supporting the mission of ILA. Their insights and expertise drive impactful initiatives within their communities. Each session promises valuable perspectives and practical knowledge that can be applied to your library. You'll be inspired by their contributions!

Coming Soon

A detailed agenda outlining each session and its corresponding topics of discussion.

SCHED Agenda

Please note that the SCHED agenda will be updated as needed.

Session Schedule

A comprehensive list of sessions, scheduled times & room assignments (pending).

Thank you to our New ILA Sustaining Partner!