Wednesday, December 11, 2024

YSS Chair's Corner - November 2024

This November YSS board meeting update is from Cathy Pescinski, our YSS 2024 Chair and Teen Librarian at Shawano County Library.

Greetings from the YSS Board!

Thank you to all of those who joined us at our first YSS Breakfast Club at WLA! New connections were made, engaging conversations were had, and a delicious breakfast was consumed! We did, however, decide that next year there should be balloons, so look for that in Middleton! One of our primary goals is to help create connections within youth service staff around the state. As such, we are always looking for ways to provide networking opportunities for youth service staff in Wisconsin and are open to ideas and suggestions on ways to do that.

With 170,00 views this year, the blog continues to thrive thanks to the work of our wonderful blog master Marge! As a reminder, any Wisconsin librarian is welcome to submit content for the blog, you do not need to be a member of YSS.

As of this writing, the WLA elections have concluded, and winners are being notified. We are, however, always on the lookout for folks who want to step up into leadership positions. The only requirements are being a member of WLA during your time on the Board and serving youth as a librarian in Wisconsin. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or are interested!

Jeni Schomber provided DPI updates including the Teen Inclusive Internship informational webinar that will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. Registration details will be coming soon. The Wisconsin Department of Children and Families is partnering with Dolly Parton Imagination Library grants for 501c3 organizations to run their own Dolly Parton Imagination libraries. Libraries already participating can also apply. She also shared some links with information about the DPI 2025-2027 Biennial Budget (Policy, Budget, and Research Team) and the DNR Park Pass program.

From Linda Jerome, WLA Liaison, the WLA Board has passed its 2025 budget. They have a goal of hosting 4 regional events throughout the state in 2025. The first event will be hosted by the Bridges Library System and the second quarter event also has a host. They still have the third and fourth quarters available. Please reach out to Linda or Laura if you or your system is interested in hosting. The events may or may not have a cost associated, depending on what the hosting library/system decides to do. There are a lot of new legislators in office in 2025, so you are encouraged to write a letter introducing your library to your new legislators! Library Legislative Day is February 11.

Our next meeting is Friday, December 27th at 1pm. We will be looking at Board position job descriptions, exploring committee development, welcoming new Board members, and looking ahead into next year!

As always, we are here to serve you, the youth service librarians of Wisconsin. Please do not hesitate to reach out with suggestions, comments, or concerns.

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