School librarians know that helping a child find a book often starts with a conversation. What makes them laugh? What are they curious about? Is there a series they already love?
Those questions can turn “I don’t know what to read” into “Is there another one?”
At Epic, we share that goal: helping kids discover books they want to read and giving them more ways to become confident, independent readers. That’s why we’re heading to the 2026 School Library Journal (SLJ) Summit, November 6–8 in Las Vegas, to connect with the librarians who make those discoveries possible every day.
Learning From the People Who Know Young Readers
School librarians bring a valuable perspective to digital reading. They help students explore new interests, introduce them to unfamiliar authors and work alongside teachers to connect books with learning.
At the Summit, Epic plans to host a small focus group with librarians and library leaders recruited by SLJ. Participants will explore Epic and share candid feedback about how digital reading resources can better support their students, teachers and school communities.
The conversation will focus on questions such as:
- Finding the right book: How can students and educators more easily discover favorite authors, follow a series or explore a new topic?
- Supporting developing readers: What helps librarians find and choose decodable texts that connect with classroom instruction?
- Making reading engaging: When do interactive features help students connect with a story and deepen their understanding?
- Supporting educators: What resources would make digital reading easier to incorporate into everyday teaching and library programs?
Librarians see where students get excited, where they need support and what keeps them coming back for another book. Their feedback can help us make more informed decisions about how Epic supports reading in schools.
Keeping the Purpose in Digital Reading
Conversations about technology belong alongside conversations about what students need.
A child might need help finding a book about a favorite topic. Another might benefit from hearing a story while following the text. A teacher might be looking for books that give students different ways to explore the same classroom subject.
As Epic Educator Ambassador Carla Beaty explains in “Technology Can Help Every Child Find a Path to Reading,” thoughtful technology use begins with a learning goal. Digital reading tools can help students access stories, explore their interests and participate more confidently in reading experiences.
At the Summit, we’re looking forward to hearing how librarians approach those choices. Where does digital reading fit within their broader reading programs? What helps students use it with purpose? And what would make it more useful for the educators guiding them?
What to Expect at the 2026 SLJ Summit
The 2026 SLJ Summit takes place at the Las Vegas–Clark County Library District’s West Las Vegas Library Branch.
Built around three programming pillars, Engaging, Innovating and Leading, the event brings together school and district librarians, library leaders and K–12 administrators to exchange ideas about the challenges and opportunities facing school libraries.
For Epic, it’s an opportunity to learn from that community and contribute to a shared priority: helping more children find their way into reading.
Visit the SLJ Summit website for the latest program, speaker and registration details.
A Little Unicorn Magic and Prizes, Too!
Dana Simpson, author and illustrator of the Phoebe and Her Unicorn series, will also be joining the fun at the Summit! We’re excited to celebrate the humor, imagination and memorable characters that keep kids reaching for their next book.
Plus, Epic will be giving away prizes. If you’re attending, come connect with our team and join the fun!
Let’s Connect in Las Vegas
Whether you’re helping a student discover a graphic novel, researching resources for teachers or building a schoolwide reading culture, your perspective matters.
If you’re attending the 2026 SLJ Summit, we’d love to connect and hear what’s working in your library, what your students are asking for and how Epic can better support your work.
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ When and where is the 2026 SLJ Summit?
The 2026 School Library Journal Summit takes place November 6–8 in Las Vegas at the Las Vegas–Clark County Library District’s West Las Vegas Library Branch.
▶ Who is the SLJ Summit for?
The Summit brings together school and district librarians, library media specialists, library leaders and K–12 administrators to share ideas and explore issues affecting school libraries.
▶ How is Epic participating in the 2026 SLJ Summit?
Epic plans to connect with attendees and host a small focus group with librarians recruited by SLJ. The discussion will explore book discovery, digital reading experiences and ways to better support educators and students.
▶ What does Epic hope to learn from librarians?
Epic wants to understand how librarians help students choose books, support developing readers and use digital resources within their reading programs. Their feedback will help inform ongoing work to make Epic more useful for school communities.
