ALSC National Institute 2026

ALSC National Institute 2026
The Association for Library Service to Children's National Institute is a biennial conference for those serving children and families in libraries; children's literature experts; education and library school faculty; and other interested professionals. This intimate, intensive learning experience is fantastic opportunity to network with colleagues from across the country, attend practical and meaningful professional development programs, and hear from field leaders and children's literature creators at keynote sessions.

Please sign in to your ALA account to start the registration process and see pricing. If you do not have an ALA account, please visit us here or click "Create a new account" to the right. 

National Institute and Teen Services Development Day have sold out! If you are unable to join us in Buffalo, please mark your calendar for January 2028, when National Institute will shift days, time of year, and frequency – and will close with the Youth Media Awards! Registration will open next summer.

If you would like to be added to the waitlist for National Institute 2026 or have questions about registration for this year, please reach Sarah Polen (spolen@ala.org).


Please note: Both Preconference, as well as TSDD are sold out.

Important note if you are registering others: please make sure you have your registrants ALA member number so you can receive the proper pricing for all. 

 

Please note: There is a major sporting event in Buffalo the weekend of ALSC National Institute. The ALSC Housing Block has SOLD OUT. 

Please check local prices for nearby hotels before registering, as **walkable** hotels outside the block are averaging $250-$300/night if departing on Sunday, 10/4. 

More information is available at on ALSC's website [https://www.ala.org/alsc/confevents/institute/institute-housing]



For more information about ALSC National Institute 2026, please visit: ALSC National Institute | Association for Library Service to Children
 
When
10/1/2026 12:00 PM - 10/3/2026 7:00 PM
Where
Hyatt Regency Buffalo 2 Fountain Plaza Buffalo, NY 14202 UNITED STATES

Program


1. Preconference

Description
Strong National Museum of Play and Rochester Public Lib Tour
This full-day preconference takes attendees to Buffalo’s nearby neighbor, Rochester, for a library and museum tour! Attendees will begin the day at the Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County, with a tour of the facilities and light refreshments. In the late morning, attendees will receive a guided tour of the Brian Sutton-Smith Library & Archives of Play at the Strong National Museum of Play, followed by lunch and then self-directed time to explore before heading back to Buffalo in time for Opening General Session!
Category
1. Preconference
Time
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
10/1/2026 8:00 AM

Bookmaking and Printmaking in the Library
This half-day preconference, facilitated by Buffalo’s Western New York Book Arts Center, located just two blocks from the Hyatt Regency Buffalo, will provide two hands-on crafting experiences: Bookmaking: Simple Techniques. Participants can expect to learn about various bookmaking structures and complete at least two (2) different handmade origami books, difficulty appropriate for children & tweens. Letterpress Printmaking. Group will engage in hands-on typesetting & printing with antique letterpress type and imagery, operating a press from the 1930s to create a commemorative, collaborative custom broadside or greeting card. Time will be devoted to discussing alternative simple printmaking methods for young students. Participants will be able to create materials using WNYBA’s expansive knowledge and resources and learn practical applications for bookmaking and printmaking programming in their communities. Space is limited.
Category
1. Preconference
Time
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
10/1/2026 1:00 PM

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