WAPL-palooza!

A favorite rite of spring for many Wisconsin public youth librarians is the WI Association of Public Librarians conference. This year's event (May 1-3 in Lake Geneva) is chock-full of goodies to stimulate your mind, your conversations and your practice of great librarianship. Conference registration runs through April 15 and early bird hotel registration through April 8. Below find just a few highlights of interest to youth librarians. You won't go away disappointed!

Wednesday Highlights
7:00 p.m.
WAPL Conference Chair’s Reception: Apps ‘n’ Apps
Apps 'n' Apps will informally showcase some of the amazing apps available for mobile devices. We have apps to eat and apps to tap. Be ready to share your favorite app and you will be rewarded!. 


Thursday Highlights
 10-11:30 am
♦Everything You Need to Know You Can Learn In Storytime
Library directors talk about the skills and expertise they honed as youth services librarians, and how that has helped them in their current leadership positions.

♦Making It @ Your Library
Discover ways in which the Lomira QuadGraphics Community Library is using makerspace and digital media lab tools to facilitate transliteracy and STEM learning as well as fun.

1:30-2:30 pm

♦Creating a City of Readers: Milwaukee Public Library Transformed Their Summer Reading Program
In 2008, the Milwaukee Public Library re-branded its summer reading program as “Super Reader.” nearly doubling participation. Find out how program branding, advocacy, staff education and community support have created this highly successful program.

2:45-3:45 pm 
♦Creating a City of Readers: Bringing Super Reader to Underserved Populations
When the Milwaukee Public Library took on the challenge of rebranding its Summer Reading Program, an important component included summer reading outreach to nearly 8,000 children. Learn how MPL advocates for underserved populations, educates staff and evaluates its outreach efforts.

5:00-6:00 pm
YSS Board Meeting 
We'd love to have you join us at our board meeting and learn more about what YSS is working on for youth librarians in Wisconsin. This is often followed by an informal get-together for supper and a chance to get to know each other better.Can't see why that won't happen again!

Also on Thursday, there is meditation; programs on re-imagining space and collaborative fundraising, keynote speaker Carolyn Brewer; poet laureate Max Garland and more programs sponsored by units of WLA!!

Friday Highlights
 9-10:15 am
♦Growing Wisconsin Readers in Your Library
Tessa Michaelson Schmidt  will discuss  the new statewide early literacy initiative "Growing Wisconsin Readers". Learn about the print, web, and mobile components and roll out campaign. Find out about upcoming trainings and grant opportunities.

♦Leaping Into Social Media: One Small Step for Man, One Giant Leap for Libraries
 Learning the ins and outs of popular social sites can be tricky, but with colleagues the journey can be rewarding and fun for you and your library.

10:30-11:45 am
♦Spanish for Library Staff
Learn simple Spanish phrases that you can use with your Spanish-speaking customers. Receive templates for "cheat cards" that front-line staff can use.

All followed by lunch with author Leslie Kagan.

Honestly, who would want to miss this spring learning/networking opportunity in a great location?!?! We hope to see you there!