Every other year, we host the CLiF Rural Library Conference, a free virtual learning opportunity for librarians who work in small communities across Vermont and New Hampshire. This year’s event takes place on Thursday, Nov. 13, from 9am to 12pm.
This conference serves as an outlet for librarians to learn from one another, gain practical ideas on programming, and share inspiration for thinking outside the box. We also welcome anyone connected to libraries of any size, educators, and those serving children and youth in VT or NH.
Schedule of Events:
9-10am | Keynote Address
Authors Megan Dowd Lambert and Breanna McDaniel will deliver the keynote presentation applying Lambert’s Whole Book Approach to favorite titles published in 2025. Drawing on the expanded 10th anniversary edition of Lambert’s book, Reading Picture Books with Children: How to Shake Up Storytime and Get Kids Talking About What They See, they will offer tips and tools for story time and book talks to inspire readers of all ages.
10:15–11:00am | Wild Scientist Book Club with Susie Spikol
Join Susie Spikol, naturalist at the Harris Center for Conservation Education and author of Forest Magic for Kids and The Book of Fairies, to learn how to start your own Wild Scientist Book Club. Drawing from the popular program she leads at Jaffrey Public Library, Susie will share ways to bring the wild to your library, get kids excited about reading, and create hands-on STEAM experiences inspired by nature.
11:15–11:45am | Panel: Youth Programming & Community Engagement
Join Ruth Shattuck Bernstein (New Haven Community Library, VT), Caroline Pynes (Chichester Town Library, NH), and Danielle Hinton (Oscar Foss Memorial Library, NH) for a panel discussion on reaching kids and families during afterschool and out-of-school hours. Hear creative ideas from fellow youth librarians and explore new ways to connect, engage, and bring young readers into your library community.
11:45am-12pm | Wrap-up and Book Raffle
Closing thoughts, and your chance to win new books for your library!
Pre-registration is required for this free event. No same-day registrations will be permitted.
Learn more about our featured presenters below:
Megan Dowd Lambert created The Whole Book Approach storytime model in collaboration with The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art. A former Carle educator and Simmons University faculty member, she received an Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Honor for A Crow of His Own (Charlesbridge, 2015) and has since authored many children’s books, including the Every Day with April & Mae series. Her books for adults include Reading Picture Books with Children (2015), Book Bonding (2023), and Read It Again (2023). The mother of seven, Megan grew up in Vermont and lives in western Massachusetts. Learn more at megandowdlambert.com.
Dr. Breanna J. McDaniel (she/her) is a writer and scholar whose debut picture book Hands Up! (Dial, 2019) launched a growing body of celebrated work, including Atlanta, My Home, Impossible Moon, and Go Forth and Tell: The Life of Augusta Baker, winner of the 2025 Ezra Jack Keats Writer Award and a Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor. Her fifth book, Cute Toot, was published in 2024, with more forthcoming from Henry Holt. Co-founder of REIYL, Breanna earned her PhD in the UK and advocates for literacy access and representation for families from the Global Majority. Learn more at breannajmcdaniel.com.
Naturalist and writer Susie Spikol has spent her life exploring where nature and story meet. Over a 30-year career, she has taught thousands of children, parents, and teachers, and given hundreds of talks at schools, libraries, and conferences. When not exploring the outdoors with kids or her own three children, she writes. Her first children’s book, The Animal Adventurer’s Guide, was published in 2022; followed by Forest Magic for Kids in April 2025, and Book of Fairies in September 2025.
