On October 10, 2025, educators and librarians from across Western New York gathered at the West Seneca Public Library for WNY School Libraries: Leading Media Literacy—a professional learning event hosted in partnership with the Western New York Library Resources Council (WNYLRC) and regional BOCES School Library Systems.
The event focused on strengthening libraries as anchors of media literacy education, helping districts equip students with the critical thinking and research skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex information landscape—one shaped by social media, algorithms, and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence.
Dr. Faith Rogow, author and founding member of the National Association for Media Literacy Education, opened the day with practical strategies for integrating media literacy into classroom instruction. Journalist and author Nora Neus followed with an engaging discussion on misinformation, news literacy, and how educators can help students discern credible sources in an evolving media environment.
Participants also explored the New York State Media Literacy Toolkit, collaborating on ways to bring consistent and effective media literacy practices to classrooms across the region.
The E2CCB School Library System played a key role in organizing and supporting the event, highlighting how school librarians serve as vital connectors and leaders in this work. The team helps districts curate trusted resources, guide instruction, and strengthen digital literacy efforts across grade levels. Their ongoing mission is to ensure students are prepared to think critically and responsibly in a world where information—and misinformation—spreads faster than ever before.
The event reinforced that libraries remain central to modern education—not only as resource hubs, but as leaders in digital citizenship, information fluency, and collaboration. Through regional partnerships and ongoing professional development, the E2CCB School Library System continues to be a cornerstone resource for educators across Western New York.
