“TomeCon…where authors are the rockstars.” That’s the tagline for a conference you may not have discovered yet, but for any literacy-loving educator like me, it’s an actual dream come true.
Over ten years ago, I had a vision: to create a co-curricular student club where young readers could connect and celebrate their love for books. As a fairly new school library media specialist, I searched for an existing club to serve my students, but my search didn’t produce any options. So, I linked arms with a few other media specialists, and we set out to create the club to serve our readers. This club wouldn’t just unite students within their own school; it would also foster connections with students from other schools. And so, the idea for the Tome Student Literacy Society was born.
Fast forward to today, and that dream has become a vibrant reality. We now have local chapters across the southeast, all of which eagerly read new books from our annual “Tome Society Book Award” list and submit digital competition entries showcasing their literacy skills. But the pinnacle of our literary journey? It’s undoubtedly TomeCon.
TomeCon: A Literary Extravaganza
TomeCon is more than an event; it’s a magical gathering. Students from elementary school to high school get the extraordinary opportunity to meet and learn from the authors whose books have been their literary companions throughout the school year. Our extracurricular club, the Tome Society, makes this possible.
For over a decade, TomeCon has been making waves from its epicenter in Northeast Georgia. It transforms students’ lives by bringing them face-to-face with their author icons. Imagine the excitement as students circle the date on their calendars, ready to dive into all things literacy—it’s TomeCon day!
Learning from Literary Icons
At TomeCon 2024, held in March at The Classic Center in Athens, Georgia, over 2,000 attendees gathered. Students from across the southeast mingled with authors from as far away as Australia. Jennifer Neilsen delivered a truly interactive keynote address, challenging students to explore the enduring impact of storytelling.
But that’s not all. Throughout the concurrent sessions, students learned from other honored authors. Heidi Lang shared insights on crafting tales from personal experiences, while McCall Hoyle discussed the enchanting charm of animals in children’s literature. Taryn Souders and Tracy Badua delved into the art of creating compelling narratives and relatable characters. H.J. Nelson and Dave Reardon offered invaluable advice on world-building and storytelling techniques. And Tommy Greenwald’s session on engaging reluctant readers struck a chord with attendees.
Hands-On Creativity
TomeCon isn’t just about listening—it’s about doing. Hands-on sessions like “Game Show Fun” and “Make & Take” allow students to showcase their literary genius. It’s a day that truly celebrates reading, fueled by the love of books cultivated throughout the year at the local chapter level.
Be Inspired
So mark your calendar for TomeCon—the day when authors become rockstars, and students become part of a literary community that shines brightly. It’s an event that transforms readers into lifelong learners, and it’s nothing short of magical. If you’re a literary educator, join us in March 2025 in Athens, Georgia, to see the magic in person. And if nothing else, let the TomeCon story inspire you to think about what dream you can make a reality for your own students.
More About Tome Society
The Tome Student Literacy Society was born in 2012 as a grassroots student club, sparked by the hope for an active student community dedicated to promoting literacy beyond local book discussions. Tome Student Literacy Society is a 501(c)3 nonprofit with its foundations modeled after well-known established national student clubs. Today, this student book club, led by a volunteer board of educators, boasts established chapters primarily in the southeast but with a nationwide reach, encompassing public, private, and home schools, as well as public libraries. To learn more, visit www.tomesociety.org or connect on Instagram or X with @tomesociety.
