SALT LAKE CITY, UT — The Utah School Library Association (USLA) is proud to announce its headlining speakers for the upcoming Fall Conference, scheduled to take place on November 6, 2026. This year’s event will feature young adult and Newbery Honor author Jasmine Warga and acclaimed author-librarian John Schu bringing together two of the most dynamic voices in contemporary youth literature.
The 2026 conference theme, 'Powered by Curiosity', focuses on the transformative power of story and the critical role school librarians play in fostering young people's curiosity to learn more about our rapidly changing world. Both speakers embody this mission through their celebrated work and advocacy.
Jasmine Warga
Jasmine Warga is the New York Times bestselling author of the Newbery Honor book Other Words for Home and My Heart and Other Black Holes. Known for her ability to navigate complex emotional landscapes with grace and sensitivity, Warga’s work has been translated into over twenty-five languages. Her keynote will address the importance of representative narratives and how stories serve as both mirrors and windows for young readers.
John Schu
John Schu, widely known as "Mr. Schu," is a children’s librarian, author, and tireless advocate for the joy of reading. He is the author of This Is a School and Louder Than Hunger, and served as the Ambassador of School Libraries for Scholastic Book Fairs. His presentation will explore the gift of story as an intersection of heart and literacy, providing library educators with practical inspiration to build robust reading communities.
“We are thrilled to host these two luminaries,” said Gretchen Zaitzeff, the USLA Conference Chair. “Jasmine Warga’s lyrical storytelling and John Schu’s infectious passion for books represent the very best in young people's literature. Our members will be eager to learn from their expertise as we work to support Utah’s students.”
Registration for the USLA Fall Conference will open in early May The event will include breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and an authors and awards gala honoring excellence in Utah’s school libraries and featuring Shannon Hale, the current Utah Ambassador for Young People's Literature.
Conference Website
Contact: board@UtahSLA.org