09/09/2026
⚓ Anchors and sails. Purpose and possibility. Community and connection.
Our annual September USD 259 Library District In-Service brought librarians from across the district together for a day of learning, collaboration, and renewed energy for serving our students. This meaningful day was thoughtfully planned, curated, and executed by Andrea Lauber Brainard, LMTS Instructional Support, whose countless hours of preparation created a seamless, engaging experience for all. With support from the Library Media and Textbook Services (LMTS) team, Andrea brought the “Anchors and Sails” vision to life, centering how school libraries stay grounded in their mission while continuing to innovate, build relationships, and help every student find the right book at the right time.
We were honored to welcome USD 259 Board of Education member Amy for Wichita Kids and Executive Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instruction Amanda Sharshel, who joined us to support and observe our professional learning.
A special thank-you to guest presenter Amy Brownlee of Sterling, Kansas, whose sessions on reader’s advisory and graphic novels explored practical, powerful ways to connect students with books and ideas. We also appreciated Erin Howerton and Lexi Ternes from Wichita Public Library for sharing new and noteworthy titles for elementary, middle, and high school readers.
Our “Open for Business” reader’s-advisory panel featured Ashlynn Kelly, Hollie Tejeda, Lauree Moore, Naomi Sevart, and Catherine Busick, who shared engaging ways to make libraries more welcoming, browsable, and joyful for students. We also celebrated William Allen White Award engagement ideas, including Melinda Hunsberger’s Robinson Middle School Rams Read initiative.
From new LMTS Supervisor Christy Aberg’s unforgettable “Firework” book-cover performance to our whole-group Viking row, the day reminded us that a great library program has both strong anchors and full sails. Thank you to David Stiles and Bound to Stay Bound Books for providing breakfast bagels, and to every presenter and librarian who made the day meaningful.
Here’s to charting a purposeful course together! ⚓📚
