Tips and Info from DPI's May 8 , 2025 Youth Services Newsletter

Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is an email newsletter chockfull of great resources we've come to rely on. If you are a WI youth library staffer and you don't receive this weekly missive in your email inbox, please contact Jeni (jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) to be placed on the list! 

Here is the May 8, 2025 edition  

Hello All,

Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship Workshop

• Registration is at capacity for the Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship: Essential Skills for Library Media Specialists and Public Library Staff Serving Youth workshop. If you are still interested in attending, please contact me directly at jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov to be placed on a waiting list.
• This workshop is specifically structured to be most beneficial to public library staff who are new (three years or less) to serving youth in Wisconsin libraries and will provide an introduction to essential skills, resources, and strategies for working in public libraries.
• The three-day in-person workshop will be held at Hotel Mead, in Wisconsin Rapids from 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 29 through 2:00 p.m. on Thursday July 31, 2025. There is no cost to attend and most meals will be provided. Attendees, or their library, will be responsible for mileage, two nights lodging, and one evening meal.

BadgerLink Bulletin

• Learn how to find book reviews in trusted library publications in trusted BadgerLink Resources. View the full story.
• An updated Britannica School-Early Elementary webinar recording is now available on the BadgerLink Training Page. View the full story.  

Flight Path: a New Project for Libraries

• In honor of World Migratory Bird Day (May 15th) STAR Net and Tangled Banks Studios are proud to announce Flight Path, a new project for public libraries focused on bird conservation and science.
• Flight Path invites you to swoop into a robust suite of materials to create engaging and educational events that give your communities the opportunity to learn about local and regional birds, and to become local science explorers themselves.
• Learn more and apply today.

YALSA Symposium Status Update

• While YALSA leadership is exploring the future possibilities for delivering Symposium content, there will be no YALSA Symposium in fall 2025 or fall 2026. The YALSA board and staff will continue discussing details related to future YALSA opportunities with other partners.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month - News from Sesame Workshop

• Sesame Workshop works to help children build a foundation of emotional wellness by being kind to themselves, practicing gratitude, and staying healthy in mind and body.
• Whether you are helping a child manage the ups and downs of daily life, or cope with big feelings such as grief, you can use our resources to help little ones notice, understand, and name their emotions.
• Explore the resources

Have a great weekend

WLA Fall Conference Proposals Due Tomorrow, Friday May 9

Last call!

Go ahead and pitch a proposal. We always need more youth content at conference!!

The WLA Programming Committee is now accepting proposals for panels, presentations, and workshops at the 2025 WLA Annual Conference in Middleton, WI! This year’s theme is “Be the Change,” and we want YOU to be part of it.

• Who should submit? Library staff from ALL backgrounds, departments, and experience levels! Whether you work in public, academic, school, or special libraries, your voice matters.

• Session Details: 60-minute breakout sessions | Up to 4 presenters & 1 moderator

• The conference is in Middleton, WI, and runs from October 28-31, 2025

• Submission Deadline: Friday, May 9, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. CST

Be bold. Share your knowledge. Submit your proposal today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScXPHJOzJbVsD5fjmX8NToIoGBUCH6nzuveZv3kYhevFPWrOw/viewform

Please feel free to reach out to me, or the programming co-chairs listed on the proposal form, with any questions.

Carol Hassler (she/her)
carol.hassler@wicourts.gov
WLA Annual Conference Committee 2025 Chair
Save the date! The 2025 Wisconsin Library Association conference is October 28-31, 2025 at the Marriott Madison West in Middleton, WI.

Lake Superior Library Symposium Registration Open

Registration for the thirteenth Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is now open! LSLS25: Embrace, Engage, Excel: Libraries & Their Communities will be held on Friday, June 6th  at the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College campus in Cloquet, Minnesota. Library staff, administrators, trustees, and students from the Upper Midwest and beyond are invited to attend and participate. Register today!

For just $70, you’ll experience:

• a keynote by Sam Helmick from Sam For Libraries and ALA’s incoming president-elect.
• 14 inspiring presentations that will inspire you to embrace and engage your communities!
• Social networking during a catered taco bar lunch!
• A Thursday evening pre-conference trivia and social event. Stay tuned for details!

 

Register by May 23 to ensure that any dietary requests can be accommodated. 

 

The Symposium will take place in-person with registration opening at 8:00 am and concluding with the last session at 4:15 pm at the Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College campus in Cloquet, MN.

 

LOCATION & ACCOMMODATIONS

Our conference is located in beautiful Cloquet, which has small town hospitality and is adjacent to the scenic St. Louis River. The region features plenty of outdoor activities for enthusiasts and art murals throughout town at local businesses.  Find local accommodations and activities at Visit Cloquet Minnesota. 

 

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES!

We are offering two different scholarships for the 2025 Lake Superior Libraries Symposium! The scholarships will cover the cost of conference registration ($70).

• Student Scholarship: Students currently enrolled in a library science program are encouraged to apply for a scholarship to attend the 2025 Lake Superior Libraries Symposium.  Apply here.
• Working Professional Scholarship: Individuals who are currently working at a library, museum, or local history institution that would have difficulty paying the registration cost for their employees are encouraged to apply for a scholarship to attend the 2025 Lake Superior Libraries Symposium. Apply here.

 

ABOUT US

The Lake Superior Libraries Symposium is a conference developed by library staff members from Northwestern Wisconsin and Northeastern Minnesota. The Symposium was created to promote resource sharing and communication between organizations and to help librarians develop enhanced professional networks. Our continued operations are thanks to the in-kind and monetary contributions of our supporters.

 

Have questions? Contact us:

http://lakesuperiorlibrariessymposium.com/contact/

School Visit Tips

Photo by Nathan Cima on Unsplash

In the lead up to summer, a lot of us are getting ready for school visits. These can be daunting whether you are new to youth services or a seasoned librarian. Over on the ALSC Blog, Jennifer Peterson put together some helpful tips for planning and presenting your upcoming visits. 

Along with her top 5 tips, she advises "Be present at the visit, share the basics, talk to the kids and engage with them in a warm, friendly, and respectful manner.  Be remembered as the adult that gave them a positive reason to think of the library.  I loved when kids came to the library and said, “I know you!!” or “I told my mom we had to come see you.” Sometimes you learn those kids never visited the library until you came to their class.  Wow!  It made all that extra effort worthwhile and was one of the most rewarding parts of being a youth librarian.  So go out there, don’t be shy, learn from your mistakes, and make it the best experience you can!"

The post includes links to other sites featuring ideas and suggestions for school outreach.

Stop here to read the whole post. [My Top 5 Tips for a Successful School Visit. Peterson, Jennifer. ALSC blog.  April 26, 2025.]

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is a early May listing:

L.E. Phillips (Eau Claire) Memorial Public Library            Youth Services Assistant (part-time)

The L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, seeks an enthusiastic, creative, organized team member who enjoys interacting with people of all ages, particularly children and their caregivers.  This Assistant position provides reference and reader’s advisory for the youth services division, assists with children’s programs, with direction, promotes library services through displays and bulletin boards, helps with division organization and communication through statistical tracking and so much more.

This is a part-time non-exempt position, averaging 19 hours per week. The starting wage is $19.59 per hour and includes paid floating holiday. The proposed schedule includes a variety of daytime and afternoon hours, a regular weekly evening shift and rotating Saturdays.

To apply please fill out the employment application and submit a cover letter. The deadline to apply is Monday, May 12th at 8:00 a.m.

Compete job description and details can be found on the City of Eau Claire’s website.

DPI and WLA IMLS Funding Update

 

IMLS Funding Update   (An update from Ben Miller, Director of Library Services, DPI) Hello again Wisconsin Library Friends! I want to provide you with an update on the status of federal funding for Wisconsin library services through the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program administered by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. On April 23, IMLS awarded the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction partial LSTA 2025 Grants to States funding. The partial award is for $1.6 million, roughly half of what IMLS granted to the DPI in 2024.  In their message, IMLS indicated plans for increasing the amount to a full award “subject to the availability of funds, IMLS discretion, and other actions.” At this time, the DPI has not received a final allotment table indicating the amount of funding Wisconsin will receive. This is not the typical fashion in which these funds are granted to states, but receiving a partial award provides some stability and relief in the short term. At this time, based on the uncertainty surrounding the amount and timing of future LSTA funds, Library Services is not planning to open grant subawards to library systems in Wisconsin in July as is typical. In order to continue to provide Wisconsin libraries state-wide service, the DPI will prioritize the Library Services salaries and the tools necessary to do their jobs with this partial allotment. The team will reassess the viability of providing subawards once more is known about the future of IMLS and LSTA funding. As this situation continues to evolve, I will provide updates to the field when conditions change. Please reach out if you have specific questions or concerns, my virtual door is open to you all. I want to personally thank the library community for sharing your stories, working with elected officials, and remaining steadfast in the incredible services you provide every day. You are the reason we do what we do. Keep being loud and proud about the meaningful work happening in your libraries and communities. Together we can do great things!  Ben Miller (he/him/his) Director of Library Services Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Jeni Schomber Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

From WLA:

Greetings, WLA Members

 

The Association continues to monitor the impact of the federal Executive Order involving the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) in close communication with our state and national partners.  At the same time, we also continue to play a prominent role in advocating for funding for public libraries in the 2025-2027 state biennial budget.  We'd like to share a few updates.

 

• LSTA Grants to States Program - Our colleagues at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) have been keeping us informed about the status of the IMLS Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants to States program.  Last week, the IMLS awarded the DPI partial LSTA 2025 Grants to States funding.   Read more.
  
  
• The Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) has created a webpage with information about IMLS grant cancellations:  IMLS Grant Cancellations
  
  
• Campaign to Reauthorize Funding for FY26 - The ALA has launched a "Dear Appropriator" letter campaign for FY26 federal funding to help ensure funds for the LSTA and IAL (Innovative Approaches to Literacy) programs are appropriated in the 2026 federal budget.  According to the ALA, one way that Congress prioritizes funding for the next fiscal year is by how many bipartisan signatures are on the Dear Appropriator letters for a particular program.  They have requested each state chapter, including WLA, help by reaching out to their US House Delegation to sign these letters.   The House campaign is now underway with WLA's participation, and the Senate campaign will start in a few more weeks. 

 

Resources & Things You Can Do

While we still are not sure what all of this may mean for federal funding of libraries nationally or in Wisconsin, here are some resources and suggestions for things you can do: 

• The public library systems and their marketing staff have collaborated on a website to share resources.  Speak Up For Wisconsin Libraries 
• DPI Infographic - LSTA Funding:  Where the Money Goes

• Video Testimonials - The DPI is looking to humanize the impact of federal funding on our public libraries by compiling and sharing short video "testimonials.” Click here for more information. 

• Email your library stories to your federal elected officials. Click here for more information and links to online congressional office portals to share your unique, personalized messages.  

• DPI webpage - Tracking Federal Funding: The Effect on Wisconsin
  
  

State Biennial Budget Process 2025-2027

Given the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, our work to support state funding for public libraries is perhaps more important now than ever before. WLA is advocating for several items in the proposed 2025-2027 state budget. For more background on the 2025-2027 biennial budget process, please click here.

• In January, the WLA Library Development Legislation (LD&L) Committee budget team met with legislative leaders and each member of the Joint Finance Committee (JFC), the committee that reviews all state appropriations and revenues. 

• In February, a record number of attendees at the WLA Library Legislative Day shared stories and reinforced the importance of our state budget priorities.

• This week will mark the conclusion of the four public budget hearings with the JFC taking place around the state. A big thank you to those WLA volunteers who have shared compelling testimonials and, by virtue of sheer numbers, visually demonstrated strong support for public libraries.  Links to event photos and videos of testimonies are here. 

 

We will continue to share legislative updates as information becomes available. If you have questions, our contact information is below. 

 

 Thank you for your support of Wisconsin's libraries.

Katharine Clark, WLA President (kclark@midlibrary.org)

Peter Loeffel, LD&L Chair (ploeffel@wauwatosalibrary.org)

Tips and Info from DPI's May 2 , 2025 Youth Services Newsletter

Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is an email newsletter chockfull of great resources we've come to rely on. If you are a WI youth library staffer and you don't receive this weekly missive in your email inbox, please contact Jeni (jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) to be placed on the list! 

Here is the May 2, 2025 edition  

Hello All, CSLP Newsletter Check out this month’s Collaborative Summer Library Program newsletter full of great resources including the Social Media Toolkit, Media PSAs, Manual highlights, and more! The Value of Libraries and Literacy School libraries and public libraries play a vital role in literacy and how that complements the teaching of reading. Please take a moment to learn and enjoy this 5 minute message from Dr. Barb Novak, Director of the Office of Literacy at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.  Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship Workshop Only 3 spots remain! Registration is now open for the Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship: Essential Skills for Library Media Specialists and Public Library Staff Serving Youth workshop.  This workshop is specifically structured to be most beneficial to public library staff who are new (three years or less) to serving youth in Wisconsin libraries and will provide an introduction to essential skills, resources, and strategies for working in public libraries. The three-day in-person workshop will be held at Hotel Mead, in Wisconsin Rapids from 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 29 through 2:00 p.m. on Thursday July 31, 2025. There is no cost to attend and most meals will be provided. Attendees, or their library, will be responsible for mileage, two nights lodging, and one evening meal. Registration closes Monday May 12, 2025.  Have a great weekend!

Let's Get Crafty!

In a recent ALSC blog post, Alicia Hulten, writing for the ALSC Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers, wrote a really helpful post on combining crafts with learning opportunities. for youth ages 3-12.

Alicia writes: "Youth library programs play an important role in enriching young minds by providing a wide range of inclusive activities that promote learning and fun. Key components of these programs are the crafts and activities as they help children explore new ideas and express their creativity all in a warm, welcoming environment. Let’s take a look at some tips that will help you choose engaging crafts and activities for youth library programs. "

To read her handy tips, please stop here. [Crafting Joy for Everyone: Selecting Crafts and Activities for Youth Library Programs. Hulten, Alicia ALSC blog. April 5, 2025]

Puppetry in Programming Opportunities

In a recent ALSC blog post Jaime Eastman encouraged youth librarians to consider having a "host" (or co-host!) puppet at storytime. Jaime writes: "Do you ever use a host puppet in storytime? I added this practice to my repertoire when I joined my current library. Previously, storytimes were just me and the kids. Adding a host puppet felt uncomfortable and unnatural. Nearly ten years later, I can’t imagine storytimes without my trusty cat, Shadow. Still, host puppets intimidate many new storytime trainees. Here are some tips from my experience for adding one to your storytime."

To read her how-to post, please stop here. [Host Puppets: Bringing Storytime Magic to Life. Eastman, Jaime. ALSC blog. March 31, 2025]

And to learn even more about puppets in programs, join YSS and our special guest at the May 6 webinar:

Mark your calendars for our newest YSS webinar on the magic of puppetry in library programming.

Tuesday May 6    

3:00 -4:00pm. 

WLA members: free

Non-members: $25 (at the registration link, 

please use your email and set up a password to register) 

Please register here

ENGAGING, EDUCATING, AND ENTERTAINING

 WITH PUPPETS

Join two experienced librarians as they share the magic of puppetry in library programs! This dynamic presentation will explore how puppets can captivate young audiences, enhance early literacy skills, and bring stories to life in engaging and interactive ways. Learn practical tips for selecting and using puppets, incorporating them into programming, and boosting participation and excitement in your programs. Whether you're a seasoned performer or new to puppetry, you'll leave with fresh ideas to entertain and educate your young patrons!

PRESENTERS: 

Christine Culp

Christine has been a Youth Librarian for 18 years working most of them in the Manatee County, Florida Public Library System.  Her background is in Art and Design and she continues to freelance and share her love of art in library programming.  She started playing with puppets and staging puppet shows early in her career.  She also loved visiting Mister Rogers Neighborhood and was very inspired by his Land of Make Believe.  She wanted to create that magic for the kids I work with.

Mandy O'Brien

Mandy O’Brien has worked as a Youth Services Librarian at the Skokie Public Library since 1999 and was the recipient of the Illinois Library Association's 2022 Youth Services Achievement Award. Before working at SPL, Mandy worked as a magazine editor and still freelances for publishers and educational organizations. She enjoys infusing social-emotional learning and early literacy techniques into her library work and believes puppets are great partners in building relationships with kids (and their grownups)."

Dragon Tales

Image by Lorelei Cohen from Pixabay

I love putting together book bundles at my library and one of my favorites is the dragon-themed bundle.  It disappears from the shelf like magic. But anytime is a good time for dragon tales, including storytime!

Check out Storytime Solidarity's collection of dragon-themed books, songs, rhymes and felt boards compiled by Auntie Anne. Whether you are doing a dragon book bundle, display, or storytime this post has you covered.

Stop here for all your dragon resource needs. [Here be Dragons. Auntie Anne. Storytime Solidarity blog. April 23, 2025.]