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Every other year, the State Library hosts an in-person, two-day, biennial conference in the spring about all things youth services. Join us for award-winning keynote speakers, breakout sessions from in-practice librarians, networking with librarians from all across Iowa, and meeting vendors, nonprofits, and government organizations that support your library work, all while you earn Continuing Education credit.
Back to topConference Registration
The next Pop YS Con will take place April 16 and 17, 2026 and will be presented in a virtual format at no cost to attendees!
There's sure to be something for everyone at this year's virtual Pop YS Con! You're welcome to come for all or part of the time. Register to make sure you don't miss any updates!
Keynotes, Breakout Sessions & Daily Schedule
The State Library is pleased to announce the lineup of keynote speakers for Pop YS Con 2026!
- Thursday Morning: Musician Jim Gill will present A Joyous Way To Learn: Music Play To Promote Readiness, Literacy, and Math Development.
- Thursday Afternoon: staff from the Iowa Dept. of Education will present Connecting Librarians to the Iowa Comprehensive Statewide Literacy Plan.
- Friday Morning: Jennifer Humphrey, a Youth Services Assistant Manager in Carmel, Indiana, will present Public Libraries and the Science of Reading: How To Support Parents, Kids, and Educators.
The conference will also feature many in-practice Iowa librarians who will share their ideas and expertise with attendees. View each day's schedule, including keynote and breakout session descriptions, as well as information about the presenters:
Back to topSponsorship Opportunities
The State Library has two levels of sponsorship at Pop YS Con 2026. Registration has closed for sponsorship for 2026.
Thank you to our 2026 Sponsors for your generous support!
Back to topAbout the 2026 Conference
The State Library made the decision to shift to a virtual conference after listening to librarians who were concerned about Pop YS Con occurring the same year as the Public Library Association (PLA) conference. Offering a virtual conference in 2026, especially since PLA will be held nearby in Minneapolis, gives librarians the chance to attend both conferences without having to choose.
The good news is that in 2027 we plan to return to an in person format for the youth services conference with the same fun energy as always! By moving our conference away from the even-years PLA conference schedule, we hope more librarians will be able to attend in the future.
Back to topConference Background
Our Youth Services conference has been known as Pop YS Con, and before that, Kids First. The first Kids First event was held in 1997 and it has grown as a learning and connection experience every year since then! The conference is partially funded through the Hazel Westgate Endowment. Hazel Westgate was a beloved children's librarian who worked at the Iowa City Public Library for 39 years. The Endowment carries on her work in educating librarians and advocating for youth in the public library. Additional conference support comes from the State Library's federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services
This program or resource is made possible in part by the IMLS under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.
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Des Moines, IA 50319