The in-person event brings together current and aspiring youth services innovators and public library leaders from across the country to explore cutting-edge best practices, leadership development, and the future of library service. Grounded in the belief that leadership is a mindset available to every library professional, the Summit is designed to inspire attendees and elevate both their programming and their leadership practice. This year's agenda will address Community Partnerships, Early Literacy, Out-of-School Engagement, Teens, Technology & Libraries, and Leadership Development — with a shared commitment to moving communities and the profession forward with creativity and care.

The overall goal of the summit is to highlight how community educators, parents, and caregivers can use children’s literature and other free library resources to enhance a student’s overall education. 

September is often seen as the time of year to start fresh with new educational goals. This professional development event provides an opportunity to showcase information and resources that will help our community’s key stakeholders in children’s education to support, motivate, and encourage students as they embark on a new school year and has done so since 1987.

Each year, the Conference on Children's Literature attendees learn about the many print, online, and digital resources the library has to offer that will help children succeed. They will also hear presentations by award-winning authors and illustrators, making direct connections between the author and illustrator’s work and kindergarten readiness, grade level reading, and other components of student success. Interactive sessions will be offered, allowing attendees to develop additional literacy education skills and apply them to their individual teaching circumstances.

This year’s Conference on Children's Literature (Youth Services Leadership Summit) is scheduled for Thursday, September 17 & Friday, September 18, 2026 at the Main Library. Learn more about the guest speakers and register by clicking here!

The 2026 Youth Services Leadership Summit is presented in partnership with Library Journal and School Library Journal, Broward County Library, and the Broward Public Library Foundation.

To stay tuned for updates on this year's event, follow @browardcountylibrary and @bplfoundation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram or contact the Main Library at 954-357-7444.