2025 ANNUAL Conference: Turning Pages, Opening Doors

The National Book Access Association hosts an annual conference for people and organizations dedicated to improving book access—the availability and ownership of books for individuals, families, and communities, particularly those facing barriers due to socioeconomic status, geography, or systemic inequities. Book access encompasses more than simply having books nearby; it includes the ability to own, borrow, and meaningfully engage with books in ways that nurture lifelong literacy, curiosity, and joy.

The NBAA conference is an ideal space for networking and professional development. You can connect with fellow colleagues, potential partners, and thought leaders, building meaningful relationships within the book access community. Whether you’re a seasoned professional with years of experience or new to the field and eager to learn, you’ll find opportunities to share your insights, learn innovative practices, and be inspired by others’ commitment to creating a world where everyone has access to books.


Virtual Conference:
Friday, February 7, 2025
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM EST | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM CST | 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM PT

Register Today!

$50 Conference Fee (Non-Members)
Free for NBAA Members

Join us for the National Book Access Conference 2025, focusing on the power of book access to open the world to children, adults, and families who need opportunity and connection. This virtual event brings together leaders, innovators, and passionate advocates in the field of book access. Whether you’re looking to enhance your organization’s book distribution efforts or connect with peers, this is the conference for you!

Conference Focus Areas

Our program features five 50-minute sessions covering a range of critical topics in the field of book access. Here's a quick look at our focus areas:

  • Book Management: Dive into best practices for book operations, purchasing, and acquisition.
  • Fundraising & Development: Learn strategies to grow and sustain your organization's funding.
  • Marketing & Communication: Explore effective ways to spread the word about your mission.
  • Programming: Discover innovative partnerships and collaborations to expand your impact.
  • Volunteers: Engage volunteers more effectively and create meaningful opportunities for involvement.

Detailed Agenda

11:00 AM ET: Welcome and Opening Remarks (5 Minutes)

  • Welcome by Emily Cicchini, NBAA and Kyle Zimmer, First Book
  • Housekeeping details and platform navigation tips by Kelly Cates, Promising Pages

11:05 AM ET: Session 1: Book Management (50 Minutes)

1A: Book Bank Operations: Deep Dive with the Maryland Book Bank (25 Minutes)

  • Presenter: Kim Crout, Maryland Book Bank
  • Pre-recorded video tour with insights on: Book quality control and sorting processes, volunteer integration for increased output, and inventory management and physical setup
  • Q&A with Maryland Book Bank Team

2B: New Book Purchasing Power (25 Minutes)

  • Presenters: Angie Miller, Dibs for Kids & Kari Kurjiaka, Reach Out and Read NY
  • Topics covered: Curating for "choice" and purchasing in bulk; Sourcing high-demand and foreign language books; Negotiation tips for better pricing
  • Group purchasing insights

1C. "Tools" of the Trade Slideshow (10 Minutes)

  • Member-submitted resources: photos, links, and tips for sorting bins, tables, and storage

12:00 PM ET: Session 2: Programming, Partnerships, and Collaborations (50 Minutes)

Partnerships and Distribution Methods - PANEL

  • Moderator: Aarika Riddle, Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream
  • Panelists: Larry Abrams (Book Smiles - Food Banks), Beth Scoonover (For the Love of Reading - Schools), and Dr. Annie Norman (Delaware Division of Libraries - Libraries)

1:00 PM ET: Session 3: Volunteers (50 Minutes)

Volunteer Recruitment, Retention, and Management - PANEL

  • Moderator: Jill Gonzalez, Women’s Storybook Project of Texas
  • Panelists: Maria Dismondy (Making Spirits Bright - Board Volunteers), Rashelle Chase-Miller (SMART Reading - Books + Tutors), Angela Brooks (An Open Book Foundation - Outreach and Recognition), and Eileen Minogue (Book Fairies - Tiered Stewarding Systems)

Key Questions Addressed:

  • Recruitment strategies
  • Retention across generations
  • Volunteer-donor relationships
  • Volunteer management software recommendations

2:00 PM ET: Break and Networking Session (30 Minutes)

  • Informal, unmoderated networking opportunity for participants to connect

2:30 PM ET: Lunch & Learn (30 Minutes)

Using Logic Models & Strategic Planning

  • Presenter: Lesley DePaz, Story Orchard
  • Discussion on aligning organizational goals and strategic planning

3:00 PM ET: Session 4: Fundraising and Development (50 Minutes)

4A. Diversifying Your Funding Stream (25 Minutes)

  • Presenter: Bianca Paz-Cisneros, BookSpring
  • Topics: Individual donors, monthly giving, year-end appeals; Corporate giving and workplace giving; Sponsorships and fundraising events

4B. Grant Writing for Book Distribution Nonprofits (25 Minutes)

  • Presenter: Laura Chynoweth, Granted Fundraising
  • Topics: Crafting compelling grant narratives and using current research; Finding foundation and government grants; How to work with a contract grant writer

4:00 PM ET: Session 5: Marketing and Communication (50 Minutes)

Storytelling for Impact

  • Presenter: Katherine Lacefield Macdonald
  • Topics: Creating compelling narratives to emphasize book access impact; Donor and recipient communication strategies
  • 4:50 PM ET: Closing Remarks (10 Minutes)

  • Summary of key takeaways
  • Feedback and next steps for attendees
  • Final remarks from Kayla Hand, Books Between Kids
  • 5:00 PM ET: End of Conference

    Conference Archives
    Explore recorded sessions from previous webinars by clicking the conference links below. (Must be a member to view.  Join today!)

    2024

    2023




    The National Book Access Association is a Sponsored Program of First Book. Founded in Washington, D.C.
    in 1992, First Book is an award-winning nonprofit social enterprise dedicated to eliminating barriers to learning and inspiring young minds.




    Contact us at hello@nationalbookaccess.org

    National Book Access Association c/o First Book
    1319 F St NW, Suite 1000, Washington DC 20004




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