Annual Conference 2026
University of Winchester aerial shot
Next year, the SLA Annual Conference will be held on 5th and 6th June at the University of Winchester, Hampshire.
This is the only conference of its kind in the UK focused solely on school libraries and bringing together school librarians and school staff from across primary and secondary, state and independent schools and sixth form settings.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Changing Narratives’ – a timely and important focus as we celebrate a National Year of Reading, a campaign seeking to transform attitudes to reading across the nation.
We are all aware of the often negative narratives around children and young people’s reading, learning and wellbeing. The 2026 conference will explore how school libraries and school librarians have the power to change these narratives, offering an all-important antidote to many of the challenges facing school communities today.
Delegates will hear from a range of key voices in the sector, with workshops including interactive learning opportunities for skills development that will enable new ways of working to be implemented in school, alongside exploration of new research and strategies to both reflect on, and elevate, professional practice. Our aim is to inspire new thinking and a solution-focused approach to ensure children and young people can reach their full potential.
As we bring our members and colleagues in the sector together, opportunities for networking, sharing best practice and meeting exhibitors will be on the agenda.
On the 2025 SLA Conference:
“Excellent conference again - each year it gives me the boost I need to plan for another year ahead. So inspiring and reassuring”
“It's an invaluable event that connects library staff with each other and suppliers. No other organisation caters for school library staff like the SLA.”
“I had such a brilliant time at the last SLA conference that I knew I had to attend again this year. The combination of learning, inspiration, and community made it an experience I didn’t want to miss. The keynotes were thought-provoking and energising, the author sessions were a real highlight, and the exhibitors brought so many fresh ideas and resources to explore, it felt like a real celebration of what school libraries can be.”
The SLA Annual Conference offers a valuable training opportunity and a chance to reinvigorate your practice.
First Speakers Announced:
We couldn't be more pleased to share that legendary children's author Dame Jacqueline Wilson will be delivering the closing keynote at the 2026 SLA conference.
Dame Jacqueline Wilson is one of Britain’s most outstanding writers for young readers, and had published over 120 books for children. Known for her contemporary stories, she has also used historical settings for many books such as Hetty Feather, Opal Plumstead and The Runaway Girls. She has been writing full time for all her adult life and over 40 million copies of her books have been sold in the UK alone.
We are so looking forward to hearing from Jacqueline Wilson in the context of our Changing Narratives conference theme. As a writer who has shaped childhoods and raised generations of readers, we can't wait to hear some of the wisdom and experience she has gained along the way. Jacqueline will share some insights into what it is like creating books that have kept young readers engaged, entertained and emotionally nourished over several decades, right up to the recent publication of The Seaside Sleepover, a new funny, heartwarming story in the bestselling Sleepovers series.
Bestselling comic book creator Jamie Smart will also be joining us at the SLA conference. Jamie will lead a live Bunny vs Monkey draw-along for delegates and share his insights into the enormous rise in popularity of comic books and graphic novels, in conversation with the SLA.
As a part of our Changing Narratives focus, we'll explore the importance of considering graphic novels as valuable reading material, and how librarians, teachers and parents can harness children's enthusiasm for these titles to boost reading engagement and enjoyment.
As we mark the National Year of Reading, Jonathan Douglas CBE, CEO of National Literacy Trust, will be joining us to share critical insights into the current reading landscape, reflections on the campaign so far, and updates from recent research reports.
Jonathan's keynote will set the tone for an insightful and practical conference weekend that will contextualise the vital work of school librarians within the national culture of reading.
Book now to take advantage of our early bird weekend rate – there are limited tickets available at this discounted price!
Super Early Bird: £205 + VAT weekend ticket (members) / £295 + VAT weekend ticket (non-members) ***SOLD OUT***
Early Bird: £220 + VAT weekend ticket (members) / £310 + VAT weekend ticket (non-members)
Standard: £235 + VAT weekend ticket (members) / £325 + VAT weekend ticket (non-members)
Day tickets available at standard rate of £145 + VAT (members) / £185 + VAT (non-members)
Accommodation Information
Book your Friday night dinner ticket here
Exhibition Applications and Author Submissions - Now Live
Applications are now open to exhibit at the SLA Conference 2026. The opportunities available are detailed in the downloadable - conference pack, where you can find more information on all the exhibitor packages.
Complete an application form now to be a part of this flagship event for school librarians across the UK, and to highlight the support, goods and services you offer to the school library sector: SLA Conference Exhibitor Form 2026.
Submissions are also open for authors to speak at the conference. To submit a pitch for one or more of your authors, please complete the following online form: SLA Conference 2026 Author Submission.
You are welcome to pitch author sessions without booking an exhibition stand. However, we would love to see lots of publishers represented in our busy and vibrant exhibition hall too!
Join the SLA today to benefit from discounted member rates!
