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Description

We all know the importance of libraries and the benefits children receive from having access to high quality reading material and information. But what about the students for whom books and other forms of written language is a struggle? The library is even more beneficial for them!

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the impact of dyslexia on children's academic, social, and emotional well-being.
• Strategize improvements to library space, collection, or programming to fully support students with language-based learning differences.
• Identify opportunities to advocate for and support the learning of children with dyslexia and their caregivers.

Anonymous feedback from the 2024 ALSC National Institute session of this presentation:

• "Simple, clear, concrete shifts in practice public library professionals can go home and implement right now no matter their size or budget. Incredibly well done and much needed!”

Presenters

Claire Elam is a National Board Certified Teacher who began her education career in 2006 teaching middle school humanities in the Seattle area. In 2019, she transitioned to the role of Middle School Librarian, which is now her job at the Hamlin Robinson School (HRS). Her son has dyslexia and is an HRS student who is finally thriving at school. She loves connecting students who haven’t seen themselves as readers with books they love.

Danielle Melilli spent the first 15 years of her library career at an independent school library in Southern California. In the fall of 2021, she moved to Seattle to join the Hamlin Robinson School (HRS) faculty in their mission to "ignite the academic and creative potential of students with dyslexia."

Accessibility Information

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.