The School Library Association Annual Conference 2026 will take place on 5th – 6th June at the University of Winchester, Hampshire. The theme for this year is Changing Narratives.

With strands relating to young people’s reading, learning and wellbeing, the programme of keynote presentations and interactive workshops will allow participants to explore new strategies and solution-focused approaches to tackle the challenges facing school communities and ensure that all children and young people can reach their full potential.

Keynote speakers include:

• Jonathan Douglas CBE, CEO of the National Literacy Trust.
• Jamie Smart, award-winning creator of comic books and graphic novels.
• Dame Jacqueline Wilson, award-winning children’s author.

Workshops:

• Diverse Narratives
• Supporting SEND and wellbeing
• Media Literacy
• Building Reading Communities
• Empathy in the School Library
• Censorship
• Making Reading Accessible
• YA Fiction and Teen World Views
• The Power of Storytelling

View the full conference programme here.

Cost: £235/£325 ex VAT for SLA members/non-members for weekend ticket. Single day ticket also available. Early bird discount available.

About the School Library Association: The School Library Association (SLA) is an independent charity and membership organisation that believes every pupil is entitled to effective school library provision. The SLA supports all those responsible for school libraries through advice, training and advocacy.