Course description
Join the School Libraries Team on 5 June 2026 for an engaging online program that is packed with creative ideas, practical strategies, and plenty of opportunities to connect with colleagues across the state.
It will be a day full of learning, laughter, collaboration, and inspiration.
We look forward to welcoming you to some or all sessions.
Sessions will be recorded and made available at School Library Professional Learning for a set period.
This free event is open to school staff from all sectors.
Enrol by June 4th, 2026 to receive the Microsoft Teams meeting link.
| 9.00am | Welcome Rachel Hyland, School Libraries Team & Mary Brooke, Children and Young People Services Coordinator, Libraries Tasmania |
| 9.15am – 10.15 am | Session 1: Graphic Novel workshop with Alyssa Bermudez Alyssa Bermudez is a New York–born author, illustrator, and art teacher now based in Tasmania. Known for her vibrant watercolour and digital artwork, Alyssa has contributed to more than a dozen picture books, fabric collections, and even stage productions. Her debut middle‑grade graphic memoir, Big Apple Diaries (2021), draws on her NYC childhood and is now part of the 9/11 Memorial Museum’s permanent collection. Her newest memoir, Run Home, is a heartfelt exploration of friendship, running, and navigating grief with creativity and resilience. Passionate about inclusivity and emotional honesty, Alyssa celebrates diverse voices through her work. https://www.alyssabermudezart.com/ermudez |
| 10.15am – 10.30 am | Q&A with Rachel Hyland & Mary Brooke |
| 10.30am – 11.00 am | Break |
| 11.10 am – 12.10 pm | Keynote: The three spheres of library skills with Mali Jorm Mali Jorm is a respected leader in library and information management. She is known for her practical, research‑informed approaches to helping schools strengthen their library programs. With more than 20 years of experience working with learners from early childhood through to adult education, Mali brings a wealth of insight into how libraries can support student wellbeing, engagement, and achievement. Often recognised as the “lady in black with the facts,” Mali is an energetic and inspiring speaker who blends psychology, marketing, and community outreach to help schools build library services that truly connect with students. Her session will offer clear, actionable strategies that school teams can use to enhance their library’s impact. www.threespheresoflibraryskills.com |
| 12.15pm – 1.00 pm | Youth engagement with Mary Brooke Fresh, innovative ideas for connecting young readers with books and library spaces. https://www.libraries.tas.gov.au/public-libraries/for-young-people/ Tasmania |
| 1.00pm – 1.30pm | Break |
| 1.30pm – 2.00 pm | Slam poetry for wellbeing with Riffat Sadia Riffat Sadia is a Librarian and talented Tasmanian poet recognised for her standout performances in the 2025 Australian Poetry Slam. Showcasing her powerful voice and creativity, she competed in heats across Burnie, Rosny, Launceston, Devonport, and Deloraine—winning the Rosny heat. Her work was featured as part of a vibrant community event that celebrated emerging poets and creative expression. In this session, Riffat will share how poetry can be used as a wellbeing tool, supporting literacy, reflection, and student voice in school settings. https://www.australianpoetryslam.com/tas-slams |
| 2.10pm – 3.00 pm | State Library of Victoria TBC https://www.slv.vic.gov.au/schools |
Please email questions to school.libraries@libraries.tas.gov.au
Course outcomes
- Identify strategies to engage students with rich reading experiences.
- Update knowledge and skills about trends and issues in the school library sector.
- Identify strategies to provide contemporary school library services.