Youth Services Conference

Every other year, the State Library hosts an in-person, two-day, biennial conference in the spring about all things youth services. Join us for award-winning keynote speakers, breakout sessions from in-practice librarians, networking with librarians from all across Iowa, and meeting vendors, nonprofits, and government organizations that support your library work, all while you earn Continuing Education credit. 

2027 In-Person Conference

We hope to see you in Ames in 2027! Stay tuned for more details.

2026 Conference Recordings

Thank you to everyone who attended our virtual Pop YS Con this year. View recorded sessions in Workday Learning.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Registration for Sponsors & Exhibitors will open in early 2027. Stay tuned!

Conference Background

Our Youth Services conference has been known as Pop YS Con, and before that, Kids First. The first Kids First event was held in 1997 and it has grown as a learning and connection experience every year since then!  The conference is partially funded through the Hazel Westgate Endowment. Hazel Westgate was a beloved children's librarian who worked at the Iowa City Public Library for 39 years. The Endowment carries on her work in educating librarians and advocating for youth in the public library. Additional conference support comes from the State Library's federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. 

Funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services

This program or resource is made possible in part by the IMLS under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of Iowa.

Find out more about Federal LSTA funding