Name: Libraries as Incubators for Social Innovation: Unlocking Youth Potential Through Engagement
Start: 2026-05-01T15:10:00-0600
End: 2026-05-01T15:30:00-0600

Welcome to the 2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference! We are thrilled to have you joining us for this incredible professional development and networking opportunity.

Registration Desk
Make sure you check in to the conference at our registration desk before heading off to any meals or sessions! Here you can pick up your name tag and ask any questions you might have. The registration desk will be open from 6:45 am to 3:00 pm on Thursday, April 30, and from 7:30 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, May 1.

Using the Sched App
Use this app to build your personalized conference schedule! You will find some things have already been added to your schedule (such as meals and key speakers), but everything else is up to you.

We also encourage you to turn on the "Public Profile & Schedule" option under the "My Account" tab. This will add you to the public attendee list, helping you to connect with other delegates and helping them connect with you. This is optional.

Conference Sponsors
SLA gratefully acknowledges our many event sponsors! Without their generous support, this conference would not be possible! We gratefully acknowledge all sponsors in the "Sponsors" Tab.

Exhibitors
Make sure to visit the Exhibitor Hall located in the Gallery B! The Exhibitor Hall will be open on Thursday, April 30, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the Exhibitor Social taking place from 3:00 to 4:00 pm. Join us at the Social to visit with the exhibitors while enjoying appetizers and non-alcoholic drinks, and the chance to win great prizes!!

Libraries as Incubators for Social Innovation: Unlocking Youth Potential Through Engagement

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST

Capital A Room

Libraries have long been hubs of learning, creativity, and community connection, offering programs and resources that support youth growth. This session explores how libraries can build on their successes by offering programs such as STEM challenges, hackathons, storytelling workshops, entrepreneurship bootcamps, digital learning tools, creative arts programs, and mentorship initiatives to further empower youths as social innovators and community leaders. By acting as incubators for social innovation, libraries can provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can brainstorm, prototype, and lead projects that address real-world challenges. Participants will learn strategies to expand access, foster collaboration, and design programs that cultivate leadership, social entrepreneurship, and lifelong learning, ensuring libraries continue to open doors to opportunity, equity, and meaningful impact.

Speakers

Shiza Hirani

Student & award-winning youth advocate, Hill School of Business, University of Regina

Shiza Hirani is an award-winning youth advocate, a current student at the Hill School of Business, University of Regina, and the Founder of Youth MentorNet Café, a youth-led initiative dedicated to empowering young people and building the capacity of high-school students across Canada and internationally... Read More →

Friday May 1, 2026 3:10pm - 3:30pm CST
Capital A Room

20-Minute Sessions

2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors

Shiza Hirani

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2026 Saskatchewan Libraries Conference: Libraries Open Doors

Shiza Hirani

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