Alabama LM Update April 2026

📅 First Fridays Continue April 3rd!

We’re excited to keep the momentum going with our monthly First Fridays professional learning sessions designed for librarians!

Join us for two engaging sessions on Friday, April 3rd:

• 9:30 AM – What’s New in Atriuum ILS : 539789
• 1:30 PM – Literacy Partnerships to Build School and Home Libraries with Scholastic Bookfairs: 539795

Please note: Since many librarians will be out on April 3, both First Fridays sessions will be replayed on Monday, April 6 during the same time blocks.

• You will register using the same PSPL course whether you attend live or watch the recording on April 6th.

• Credit may be earned for one April AM session and one April PM session only.

• Presenters will not be present for the replays; all questions will be forwarded to them.

• I will be present during both the live sessions and the replays.

Recorded Replays for PSPL Credit (note, these are the only recorded sessions available for PSPL credit) on Monday, April 6, 2026:

• 9:30 AM – What’s New in Atriuum ILS : 539789
• 1:30 PM – Literacy Partnerships to Build School and Home Libraries with Scholastic Bookfairs: 539795

As we begin planning for the upcoming school year, I am seeking input from school librarians across Alabama to help shape our monthly First Fridays professional learning sessions. These trainings are designed to address timely and relevant topics in public school librarianship-- from instructional strategies and collaboration to collection development, technology integration, advocacy, and alignment with the Alabama Course of Study. Your feedback will help ensure that our sessions remain practical, forward-thinking, and responsive to the real challenges and opportunities you are experiencing in your schools. Please take a few minutes to share your ideas and topic preferences so we can build a professional learning plan that truly supports your work and strengthens library programs statewide. The deadline for completion of the survey is April 7, 2026.

ACCESS THE SURVEY HERE.

When the fourth period bell rings at Cherokee High School (CHS), the library becomes a hub of energy as twenty-seven 8th graders come through the doors. Some walk in reading a book, some head straight to the shelves in search of the next title of their favorite series, while others line up patiently to check in their book. For Courtney Sizemore, these lively moments are a daily joy.

“I went into education because my mother’s youngest sister was an elementary teacher, and she instilled in me the love for teaching. She later became my principal here at CHS,” explains Sizemore.

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The clock is ticking. Students have minutes to uncover a clue hidden in a credible source, decode the answer, and “unlock” the next challenge. In this moment, you witness focused collaboration, productive struggle, and serious research happening in real time. This is what it’s like to participate in an escape room. Perfect for both the classroom and library, students interact with a series of clues, puzzles, ciphers, and activities where they use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to collaborate with their group and “escape”.

Your Gale resources, available through the Alabama Virtual Library, have free, premade escape rooms, as well as a template that you can use to make your own. Available through the AVL Gale Support Site, you can explore available escape rooms on Parts of Poetry & Scientists and Inventors (Elementary), American Government and Civics & Ancient Civilizations (Middle School), and the Arctic (Opposing Viewpoints). These are free, premade, and printable with easy printing and setup directions included. There is also a template to make your own escape room, and a recorded webinar walking you through the process.

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The Alabama Educational Technology Conference (AETC) returns to the Von Braun Center in Huntsville on June 16–19, 2026. This year’s theme, Learning Without Limits: On the Fast Track to Learning and Innovation for All, highlights forward‑thinking practices across the state.

We are excited to once again offer a dedicated Library track designed specifically for Alabama librarians. The conference will feature 16 library‑focused sessions, along with many additional presentations that may be valuable to library professionals.

On Tuesday, June 16th, we will offer a pre-conference at no additional cost. The pre‑conference agenda is available here. Participants must be registered for the Alabama Educational Technology Conference to attend the pre‑conference. Register for AETC at: https://www.eventsquid.com/event.cfm?id=30804. For additional information, contact Educational Technology at 334‑694‑4641.

Attendees registered for the pre‑conference will have access to the full conference week. Be sure to check the conference website for the complete schedule.

After registering for AETC, please forward your registration confirmation to Susanne Estes at susanne.estes@alsde.edu. You will then receive additional registration information for the pre‑conference.

Pinna is an award‑winning audio streaming service from Realm that features immersive podcasts, audiobooks, music, and audio games curated exclusively for kids ages 3–12 and their families. From mysteries and interactive game shows to science and fantasy, Pinna activates kids’ imaginations while sparking conversation, creativity, and critical thinking. It offers an ad‑free, screen‑free way for kids to play and listen.

I first discovered Pinna three years ago when a fourth‑grade teacher asked about using it with her students. As I explored the web application, I quickly found a wide variety of listening and learning activities designed specifically for children. When we introduced Pinna at our school, we were looking for an engaging and alternative way for students to listen to text and then respond. We also knew this would help prepare students for the listening portion of the ACAP assessment. Over time, we found that the website and app helped students build listening skills and vocabulary while increasing overall comprehension.

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HomeworkAlabama.org gives every Alabamian free access to powerful learning support, no matter their age or stage. Through this service, learners can connect with live, one‑to‑one tutoring, submit assignments for drop‑off review, prepare for tests, explore self‑paced learning resources, and even get help with job searching.

All tutors are carefully vetted subject‑matter experts who do more than provide answers. They ask questions, encourage learning, and empower users to build confidence and skills. Tutors are available every day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., making it easy to get help whenever it is needed. Best of all, Homework Alabama is accessible anytime, anywhere, from any internet‑connected device.

HomeworkAlabama.org is also available in Spanish, making these resources accessible to even more learners and families across the state.

Click the link above to connect with a live expert tutor and explore valuable homework resources today.

At Dadeville Elementary School, professional development has gotten a makeover. Gone are the mandatory after-school workshops and lengthy training sessions. In their place? A rolling cart laden with snacks, a cheerful smile, and bite-sized learning opportunities that teachers actually look forward to.

Meet Mrs. Joie Knight, the Media Specialist who reimagined what PD could be.

The Problem with Traditional PD

Teachers are stretched thin. Between lesson planning, grading, classroom management, and countless other responsibilities, the last thing many educators want is another obligation—even a well-intentioned one. Traditional professional development, while valuable, often adds to that burden rather than alleviating it.

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Enjoy this book review and lesson plan from Tiffany Roddy, AMSTI 6-8 Mathematics Specialist

If You Hopped Like a Frog

Author: David M. Schwartz

Target grades: 6-8

This month's review is for an oldie but a goodie! Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the “superpowers” of the animal kingdom? You might be able to eat 50 hamburgers in one sitting or jump over a skyscraper! In David M. Schwartz’s 1999 classic, If You Hopped Like a Frog, these ideas are transformed into a fascinating lesson on ratio and proportion.

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As world language programs grow in Alabama, libraries play a critical role in supporting students’ language learning and cultural literacy. Whether your school offers Spanish, French, German, or heritage language classes, your library can help students develop the skills needed to earn the Seal of Biliteracy and become globally competent citizens.

Curate Multilingual Resources

Start by creating a collection of books, magazines, and newspapers in students’ target languages. Include both fiction and nonfiction from classic literature to contemporary young-adult novels to foster authentic reading experiences.

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Have questions about school library programs, compliance monitoring, curriculum integration, or best practices? Join me for monthly Office Hours—a relaxed, open forum designed for K–12 librarians and their administrators to connect, ask questions, share ideas, or simply listen in.

We typically meet on the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between morning and afternoon sessions to fit a variety of schedules. No registration required—just drop in using the WebEx link provided.

📅 Next Office Hours: Tuesday, April 7th from 8:30-9:15 AM

Let’s keep the conversation going and support each other in the great work we’re doing!

https://alsde.webex.com/meet/susanne.estes | 25981914173

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