2026 VLA Scholarship Winners
The Virginia Library Association's Scholarship Committee is excited to announce their award recipients for 2026. The three winners were selected from a competative pool of applicants from across the Commonwealth. Each winner will receive $3,000.00 for their graduate tuition. Winners will be honored on Sunday evening's Award Reception on October 18 at the 2026 VLA Annual Conference in Norfolk, VA. Congratulations to all of the winners listed below!
Talitha Cunio, Fairfax County Public Library
We are delighted to announce that Talitha Cunio is a 2026 VLA Scholarship Award recipient. Talia is currently employed as a Youth Services Library Information Assistant at Fairfax County Public Library. She is actively involved in several VLA forums, including Youth & Family Services, Graphic Novels & Comics, and LGBTQTIA+. Talitha has been working in Virginia libraries since 2018. She has held a variety of roles, from circulation to programming. In her current role serving children and teens, Talitha created a Teen Advisory Board (TAB) to better understand the needs of teens. Through this outreach, thoughtful and inclusive opportunity, Talitha has been able to craft meaningful programs alongside teen input. In addition to teens, she also facilitates storytimes. Talitha reflects that her favorite part of storytime is when a headstrong two-year-old believes that the storytime is worth a “high-five AND a fist bump.” Because of Talitha’s demonstrated excellence, she has received a staff award for her work in developing and coordinating the Library’s teen advisory board. Talitha strives to be a role model for her family and community as she earns her master’s degree; her determination, groundedness, and sincerity are aspirational. Congratulations, Talitha!
Jeremy Hanes, Suffolk Public Library
We are delighted to announce that Jeremy Hanes is a 2026 VLA Scholarship Award recipient. He is currently an Administrative Services Supervisor for Suffolk Public Library. Jeremy is involved in several VLA and committees, with a particular focus on increasing grant funding and mentorship opportunities. Jeremy has been working in Virginia Libraries since 2022, and he has provided robust programming support and leadership development to his libraries. When working to craft engaging programming, his portfolio of ideas ranged from social-emotional learning opportunities for “little humans” to “Bingo Boogie” for adults. Jeremy has also worked with the Virginia Library Directors Association (VPLDA) to launch a grant support group, with the goal of developing a coalition of peers that can assist in finding and reviewing grant proposals. Jeremy’s colleagues reflect that he is a tenacious thinker that is ready to challenge others and himself. He has proven himself as a dedicated leader and mentor that seeks to build trust across the library and other stakeholders. Congratulations, Jeremy!
Jenna Austin, Halifax County, South Boston Public Library
We are delighted to announce that Jenna Austin is a 2026 VLA Scholarship Award recipient. Jenna is currently the Library System Director for the South Boston Public Library in Halifax County. Jenna is a current member of VLA, the Mid-Atlantic Library Alliance, and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library: Halifax Country Chapter. Jenna’s journey to librarianship spans years of being a volunteer for summer storytimes to now being a library director. Jenna has worked to broaden outreach efforts by handing out books during Halloween, and she is working to make the library a more welcoming space for all. One of Jenna’s most impactful projects was the addition of a sensory room for children with different sensory needs. The library was able to win an award from the local hospital to install the space– the first of its kind in the county. Jenna writes, “My hope is that more people will get to experience the library in the same way that I did growing up, and that they will love the library as much as the library loves them.” Congratulations, Jenna! |
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2026 VLA Awards: Call For Nominations
The Virginia Library Association is now seeking nominations for our 2026 Awards. These awards will recognize contributions of library workers in Virginia during 2025. Please use the online submission form to submit your nominations by the deadline of May 31, 2026.
Our awards recognize excellence in librarianship and library services in Virginia. Submit a nomination that allows us to celebrate your mentees, mentors, coworkers, or friends on a statewide level. We invite resubmissions if you have submitted a nomination in the past that did not win.
Virginia Library Association award winners are determined by the VLA Awards and Recognition Committee, with the 2026 committee chaired by Rachel Kopchick of the Virginia Beach Public Library. The Award Winners will be honored at the VLA Annual Conference in October 2026 in Norfolk, Virginia.
Each nominee must meet the criteria for the award for which they are nominated. Nomination forms and accompanying documentation must be submitted prior to May 31, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Visit the VLA Awards page to view a complete list of VLA awards and their criteria.
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Call for 2026 Virginia Library Association Conference Proposals
The Virginia Library Association's 2026 Annual Conference will be held from Sunday, October 18 - Tuesday, October 20 in Norfolk, Virginia at Hilton Norfolk the Main.
We are now accepting session proposals through three submission forms; a general VLA session form, VLA's Chapter of the Association of College & Research Libraries (VLACRL) form, and a poster session form. General VLA sessions and poster sessions are selected by the 2026 VLA Conference Committee. The VLACRL hosts a "Conference-Within-a-Conference"; their session proposals will be peer reviewed by their chapter. Please note that all poster sessions will run on Sunday evening. All other sessions will be scheduled for Monday afternoon, Tuesday morning, or Tuesday afternoon.
Preview the proposal submission forms before you submit:
General Session Proposal Form
VLACRL Conference-within-a-Conference Proposal Form
Poster Session Proposal Form
The deadline to submit a proposal is now Monday, April 20, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
About the Conference Theme
Libraries are known as places that provide care to their communities, but who cares for the people who make this possible? Library workers are navigating external pressures and growing demands that can cause burnout, chronic stress, and mental health challenges. As a response, the 2026 Virginia Library Association President Nancy Falciani, in collaboration with the 2026 Conference Committee Chair Kelsey Cheshire, has chosen to turn the focus of care inward with the 2026 theme, Caring for Our Collective.
The 2026 VLA Conference Committee welcomes proposals that focus on strategies, practices, and relationships that strengthen our support system. While individual self-care is important, the goal is to encourage collective, community care and shared responsibility. Proposals should acknowledge the realities of the strains on our profession, but offer practical and compassionate strategies that empower us to create a culture of mutual support.
Examples include; How can we make sure our practices are inclusive and don’t leave anyone behind? How can leaders practice radical empathy? How can we reframe “failures” as learning experiences that allow us to grow together? In short - what can we do for one another? These ideas of mutual support may focus on the communities we serve and include topics on the digital divide, the library as a third space and a provider of social safety nets, and how to inspire ‘library joy’.
Conference proposals do not need to directly tie into the conference theme and may focus on any topic that is timely and relevant to library workers.
Know Your Session Type Before You Submit
Presentation – A 45-minute time slot to host a 30 - 40 minute presentation on a particular issue, program or service followed by a 5 - 15 minute casual discussion and/or Q & A session with audience. Usually features 1-3 speakers.
Panel Discussion – A 45-minute time slot to host a moderated session featuring multiple speakers focused on a particular issue, program, or service. Panel discussions allow panelists to share thoughts, opinions, and experiences about a particular issue, program, or service followed by discussion driven by audience participation. May feature 3-5 speakers including a moderator.
Poster Session – Create a poster to showcase your program or research. This event on Sunday evening will incorporate public, academic, special libraries, and library partnerships and coalitions. Please note that poster spaces will be assigned and that the maximum size of a poster is 4 feet by 4 feet.
FAQs
How are proposals selected?
The 2026 Conference Committee reviews and selects the conference proposals. VLACRL proposals will be peer reviewed by the chapter. Please see the VLACRL submission form for their guidelines.
Does my presentation have to focus on the conference theme?
Conference proposals do not need to directly tie into the conference theme and may focus on any topic that is timely and relevant to library workers.
Are speakers required to register for the conference?
Yes, all speakers must register. Up to two presenters per session receive $75 off the conference registration fee.
When will I know if my proposal is accepted?
All submissions will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of decisions by May 2026. Applicants who are not selected will also be notified and are encouraged to refine their proposal for submission next year.
What are the next steps if my proposal is accepted?
Accepted speakers must submit a Speaker Intake Form to confirm their acceptance. This form must be filled out with ALL presenter information by May 30 at 11:59 p.m. to avoid forfeiting acceptance.
Can I select the date and time I present?
Please indicate on the proposal form if you have any conflict times. Requests will be honored wherever possible, but are not guaranteed.
What is provided for presenters?
Please bring your own technology, such as a laptop, adapters, and charger. We will provide AV equipment, including one handheld microphone per room - AV is not guaranteed. If available, presenters are required to use microphones. We appreciate that many presenters feel comfortable speaking loudly, but this is not accommodating to our members with hearing differences. Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference center. However, if you are using visual aids, we recommended downloading something like your slide deck beforehand in an abundance of caution.
I am an author/vendor who would like to speak at the conference. Do I submit a proposal?
We recommend submitting a proposal outlining what you would like to cover in your presentation.
I forgot to submit a proposal and it's now past the deadline. Can you still consider adding my poster?
Our submission deadline is firm due to limited space.
Are you accepting proposals for Lightning Talks?
Lightning Talks are in the works - a separate proposal submission for these sessions will be available in early summer. Check your inbox for the email announcement.
I'm having technical difficulties submitting a proposal - who do I contact?
Please email the VLA Communications Manager at [email protected] |
Announcing a New Publication: The VLA Blog
The Virginia Library Association (VLA) has launched the VLA Blog, a new online platform designed to connect members and provide a space for sharing ideas, expertise, and experiences from across the Commonwealth’s library community. The launch of the VLA Blog expands the association’s long tradition of supporting professional development, collaboration, and communication among library professionals. The blog is hosted by Substack to offer members the opportunity to receive posts directly to their email.
The VLA Blog will serve as the organization’s official blog and a hub for timely discussions on librarianship in Virginia and beyond. Members can expect posts on current issues in the field, innovative initiatives, professional experiences, practical resources, and emerging ideas shaping library services today.
Content for the blog will be developed collaboratively by VLA’s forums, members, and leadership. Forum members will contribute monthly posts highlighting topics relevant to their objectives, while additional submissions will be invited through periodic calls for member contributions. The VLA Executive Committee and VLA Staff may also share updates, announcements, and calls to action related to the association’s work. By sharing perspectives and experiences from professionals across the field, we hope to strengthen our community and highlight the important role all library employees play in supporting access to information. Posts are intended to be timely, accessible and practical, offering insights and ideas that benefit library workers across all types of institutions.
The blog is managed by VLA’s Communications and Member Engagement Manager who oversees content coordination and supports member contributors. A special thank you to the forum chairs who will oversee and coordinate member contributions:
Collections and Technical Services Forum (CaTS) - Anita Rose, Blackwater Regional Library
Graphic Novels and Comics Forum - David Titus, Ohef Sholom Temple Library
LGBTQIA+ Forum - Nico D'Archangel, Richmond Public Library
Librarians of Color Forum - Brea Gilliam, Arlington Public Schools
Local and Family History Forum - Annie Hatton, Library of Virginia
Makerspace Forum - Natasha Payne Brunson and Cammy Richards, Henrico Public Library
New Members Roundtable - Joy Doukas, Chesterfield Public Library
Youth and Family Services Forum - Taylor Foreman, Alexandria Library
The launch of the VLA Blog complements the association’s existing publications, including its scholarly journal, Virginia Libraries, and reflects VLA’s continued commitment to fostering communication, professional growth, and collaboration within Virginia’s library community.
To learn more and read the latest posts, visit the VLA Blog directly.
More Information About Blog Policies, How to Contribute, and How to Opt Out
All current members are currently subscribed to receive new posts directly in their email inbox and stay informed about developments within the association and the broader library profession.
Members may unsubscribe at any time or read posts directly on their desktop by accessing the blog's url. Click this link to learn more about VLA's decision to use Substack, about the platform, or how to unsubscribe. Answers to your questions can be found by scrolling to the bottom of the page for frequently asked questions. |
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Congratulations to the VALLA 2026 Cohort
The Virginia Library Leadership Academy (VALLA) evaluation team received 87 applications for the 2026 cohort. They are excited to announce the following 22 individuals whose applications strongly demonstrated VALLA’s core commitment to equity, accessibility, inclusivity; personal growth; connection building; and individualized leadership. Each of the 22 individuals selected to attend the 2026 cohort stood out as being diverse and primed to continue to develop their leadership skills and embark on their own, personal leadership journey.
Those accepted to the VALLA 2026 Cohort will begin their individualized leadership journey with a 3-day, in-person, intensive workshop, followed by a year’s worth of leadership topics and mentorship to continue to explore and develop their leadership capacity, at no cost to the participants, thanks to our generous sponsors.
The application evaluation process was anonymous, having redacted any personal identifying information, and multiple evaluators scored each application utilizing a predetermined rubric to ensure an objective decision was reached. The 22 chosen applicants represent different types of libraries: Academic (8), Public (13), and one (1) library school student, with a variety of backgrounds and lived experiences.
Please join us in congratulating the following individuals on their acceptance into the 2026 VALLA Cohort:
Allison Brueckner, Massanutten Regional Library
Angie Taliferro, William & Mary Wolf Law Library
Cindy Scheu, J. Robert Jamerson Memorial Library
Crystal Boyce, George Mason University
David Mercer, Fairfax County Public Library
Delwyn Elizabeth, Prince William Public Library
Diana Aleman-Davey, Christopher Newport University; Newport News Public Library
Donovan O’Daniel, Roanoke County Library
Emma Daugherty, Suffolk Public Library
Jenny Meslener, George Mason Public Library
Jessie West, Virginia Beach Public Library
John Cyrus, Virginia Commonwealth University
Katherine-An Bishop, Chesterfield Public Library
Keirstin Winslow, Suffolk Public Library
Kelly Pecora, Virginia Beach Public Library
Kelly Senser, Loudoun County Public Library
Kerri Copus, Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library
Mariam Ismail, Virginia Tech
Marika Mortimer, Student
Natasha Payne-Brunson, Henrico County Public Library
Summer Arawjo, William & Mary Library
Tray (David) Reynolds, Pittsylvania County Public Library
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