WLA "What's Up?" Wednesdays - Take 3

This is our last in a series of posts highlighting some of the amazing content for children's and teen librarians  being presented at the Wisconsin Library Association conference coming up November 4-6 at the Marriott West in Middleton. But remember, there are a ton of non-youth programs of worth as well. To plan your schedule, stop by the conference webpage for the full listing of goodies!


Friday November 6 (chockfull of youth librarianship goodness!)

Advocacy + You = Awesome with Jenna Nemec-Loise           8:30-9:15 am
Do you really factor into the advocacy equation as a youth librarian? You bet! Learn how in this high-energy session filled with quick, easy-to-implement ways to kick-start your Everyday Advocacy efforts. Flex new muscles by writing an elevator speech and practicing your skill set through hands-on activities. Come with your questions and leave with new ideas for advocacy awesomeness!

Library Programming for Homeschooling Families                   8:30-9:15 am
Join these panelists as they share successful educational programs their libraries offer for homeschooling families. These librarians are currently offering monthly and/or weekly programs that include networking for parents, book discussions, activities for all ages and even nature journaling at a local nature center! Participants will learn important information for starting and offering homeschool programs, including ideal dates and times, age groups, marketing, content/curriculum and more! Holly Storck-Post, Christine Moede, Mary Vander Sanden

Tabletop Games with Teens                         8:30-9:15 am
The Guardian says we are in the "Golden Age of Board Games" and even the Green Bay Packers play Settlers of Catan. Come find out how to make partnerships and pull off great tabletop game programs for teens! Mary Ostrander

Busting SLP Roadblocks                                9:30-10:15 am
Put on your hardhats, grab your toolbelts and join us as we identify and demolish roadblocks to Summer Library Program success. Prizes/no prizes? Summer school sucking up all the kids? No kids in town? Tired of going nuts on decorations? 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 12 weeks - how long for SLP, how long? Develop a blueprint to creatively and effectively tackle obstacles that block your way to making summer fun for kids and staff in this audience participation session guided by your Roadblock Busting crew of SLP shakers.  Shawn Brommer, Sue Abrahamson, Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, Marge Loch-Wouters

Building Teen Collections                               9:30-10:15 am
Are all the collections in your library created equal? Libraries have vast collection offerings for younger youth and for adults. But does your library offer the same collections for teen users? Quality teen collections today should be comprised of more than just a section of general fiction and graphic novels for middle school and high school aged students. Teen spaces today should be rich with magazines, nonfiction titles, music, videos, audiobooks and video games. Learn how to build and manage worthy teen collections to ensure that teens have equal access to diverse collections that interest them.  Ashley Thiem-Menning

There's an App for That: How One Library System Tackled the Creation of an App        9:30-10:15 am
The Waukesha County Federated Library System (WCFLS) launched the 1000 Books before Kindergarten program in January 2014. While the traditional program is offered on paper, today's parents and caregivers are tech-savvy and may be more likely to engage if offered the program digitally. WCFLS partnered with the UW-Milwaukee App Brewery to create a mobile app to help parents and caregivers keep track of books read to their little ones, all while unlocking milestones along the way. In this session, you will learn how the program went from concept to product in less than two years.   Angela Meyers, Dustin Hahn

Moving to Yes - Handling Change Without Fear                       10:45-11:30 am
Maya Angelou once said, "Culture is a way in which we express our humanity." A culture that embraces change is one that continues to thrive and create courageous leaders. Fear of change is natural but it also fuels innovation and positive change. Wouldn't it be great to fling off the fear and do the things that need to be done? This panel of seasoned change agents will explore the world of yes and fear-conquering and the many pathways to get there with coworkers, patrons, colleagues and administration.  Laura Damon-Moore, Sharon Grover, Shawn Brommer, Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, Marge Loch-Wouters

The Craft of Story: Combining Film and Fiction to Attract Tween & Teen Audiences       10:45-11:30am
with author Julie Mata
Even though film and fiction are very different mediums, they share an important connection story. Children ages 8-16 love to see their favorite books made into movies because they get to experience the story in two different ways. Yet most libraries offer separate, unrelated programs for reading books and watching movies. Julie discusses the benefits of creating after-school book clubs and summer reading programs that combine books, movies, and even simple filmmaking, as a way to draw in reluctant readers, inspire new avenues of discussion about story and spark new levels of excitement among participants. 

Plus the president's luncheon with Steve Albini and a chance to learn and laugh one last half day with colleagues!