Name: SLA Annual Conference 2026
Start: 2026-06-05T10:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-06-06T16:00:00+01:00
Location: University of Winchester

The 2026 SLA Conference will be held on 5th and 6th June at the University of Winchester, Hampshire.
This is the only conference of its kind in the UK focused solely on school libraries and bringing together school librarians and school staff from across primary and secondary, state and independent schools and sixth form settings.
The theme for 2026 is ‘Changing Narratives’ – a timely and important focus as we celebrate a National Year of Reading, a campaign seeking to transform attitudes to reading across the nation.
We are all aware of the often negative narratives around children and young people’s reading, learning and wellbeing. The 2026 conference will explore how school libraries and school librarians have the power to change these narratives, offering an all-important antidote to many of the challenges facing school communities today.
Delegates will hear from a range of key voices in the sector, with workshops including interactive learning opportunities for skills development that will enable new ways of working to be implemented in school, alongside exploration of new research and strategies to both reflect on, and elevate, professional practice. Our aim is to inspire new thinking and a solution-focused approach to ensure children and young people can reach their full potential.
As we bring our members and colleagues in the sector together, opportunities for networking, sharing best practice and meeting exhibitors will be on the agenda.
On the 2025 SLA Conference:
“Excellent conference again - each year it gives me the boost I need to plan for another year ahead. So inspiring and reassuring.”
“It's an invaluable event that connects library staff with each other and suppliers. No other organisation caters for school library staff like the SLA.”
“I had such a brilliant time at the last SLA conference that I knew I had to attend again this year. The combination of learning, inspiration, and community made it an experience I didn’t want to miss. The keynotes were thought-provoking and energising, the author sessions were a real highlight, and the exhibitors brought so many fresh ideas and resources to explore, it felt like a real celebration of what school libraries can be.”
The SLA Annual Conference offers a valuable training opportunity and a chance to reinvigorate your practice.
Book now to take advantage of our super early bird weekend rate:
https://bit.ly/4l6zMbO
Super Early Bird: £205 + VAT weekend ticket (members) / £295 + VAT weekend ticket (non-members)
Day tickets available at standard rate of £145 + VAT (members) / £185 + VAT (non-members)
Details of how to book Friday night's celebration dinner are coming soon.
Join the SLA today to benefit from the discounted member rates: https://bit.ly/4lONSzD