Monday, June 30, 2025

Down with Dewey?

Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash

I attended a session at WLA in Green Bay in November of last year about the Whitefish Bay's Book Seek classification system for their nonfiction collection presented by Valerie Morris. The gist of the session was the multitude of reasons that the Dewey Decimal System needs to go! This session inspired me to change how our children's nonfiction collection is classified (a work in progress). And, after doing more research into the negative side of the Dewey Decimal System, and its creator, I'm firmly on team Ditch Dewey! 

School Library Journal published an article in 2019 titled The Trouble with Dewey, which stated, "Dewey is in many ways an outdated mess. Racist and sexist, it classifies 'women's work' separately from jobs, and African American culture separately from American culture." And, those are only two examples of the problematic nature of continuing to use a system created by a biased creator over 150 years ago.

Is your library still using the Dewey Decimal System?

You can read the School Library Journal Article here: [The Trouble with Dewey. Marrocolla, Elisabeth. School Library Journal. 10/01/2019. https://www.slj.com/story/The-Trouble-with-Dewey-libraries]

For those of you interested in diving further into Dewey himself, I recommend: 

Saturday, June 28, 2025

Tips and Info from DPI's June 26, 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 June 26, 2025 edition  

youth-services-banner

Hello All,

Check out these valuable youth services resources and reminders!

WiSciFest Bioblitz

  • The 15th Annual Wisconsin Science Festival (WSF) will be held October 16-26, 2025. Again, this year, the Wisconsin Water Library at UW-Madison is assisting the WSF to support libraries' participation in the WiSciFest Bioblitz - a community science event that collects data on biodiversity in Wisconsin.  Libraries are a perfect fit for hosting a mini bioblitz and the Water Library is here to help.
  • A bioblitz gives community members the opportunity to explore and record the surrounding flora and fauna and can run for one hour, one day or for the whole run of the science festival. 
  • A free, one-hour informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 11:30. This is an opportunity to learn the basics of community science and how you might participate. The webinar is designed for both new and experienced bioblitzers. Learn more and register for the webinar. 

CSLP Newsletter

  • Check out the latest Collaborative Summer Library Program newsletter featuring a Partnership Spotlight, Library Staff Self-Care tips, Manual Highlights, and more. You may even recognize a Wisconsin public  library or two highlighted in the Color Our World video!

SLJ Picture Book Palooza

  • Thursday, July 17th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
  • Join School Library Journal July 17th for the fifth annual SLJ Picture Book Palooza, an all-day, free virtual celebration of authors and artists from around the world, who bring picture books to life with their extraordinary art. Register for a day dedicated to their craft and hard work, with a schedule that includes keynotes, author panels, and illustrator spotlights with visionary creators.
  • Visit the exhibit hall, chat with authors and publishing teams, download digital galleys & resources, and be prepared to be inspired as you build your collection, one picture book at a time.
  • Registration and more information

Building Community Based Summers (BCBS) National Cohort

Jeni Schomber
Public Library Consultant

The DPI does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only.


Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Friday, June 27, 2025

Wisconsin Science Fest Bioblitz Coming!


Good day awesome librarians!

The 15th annual Wisconsin Science Festival (WSF) will be held in our state in October 16-26, 2025. Again, this year, the Wisconsin Water Library at UW-Madison is assisting the WSF to support libraries’ participation in the WiSciFest Bioblitz – a community science event that collects data on biodiversity in Wisconsin.  Libraries are a perfect fit for hosting a mini bioblitz and the Water Library is here to help.

 

A bioblitz gives community members the opportunity to explore and record the surrounding flora and fauna and can run for one hour, one day or for the whole run of the science festival. Hosting a bioblitz is easy and the Wisconsin Water Library (co-hosts a Great Lakes Bioblitz in the spring) have put together some resources for you.

 

  1. bioblitz resource guide contains important information you need to host your own bioblitz.
  2. A free, one-hour informational webinar will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025 at 11:30. This is an opportunity to learn the basics of community science and how you might participate. The webinar is designed for both new and experienced bioblitzers.

    Click to register for the webinar.

 

I hope to see in September and watch your observations roll in during the October event!

 

Take good care,

 

Anne Moser

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

How To Train Your Dragon Read-alikes

 The live action version of How to Train Your Dragon has flown into theaters to rave reviews, rekindling interest in Cressida Cowell's book series and sparking the age old question, what do you read next?  Here are two suggestion lists to fill the void after readers finish their adventures with Toothless and Hiccup.

Emily Drabble over at BookTrust writes, "A knee-jerk reaction for fans of How To Train Your Dragon might be to suggest more books with dragons. For the dragon-obsessed child this might work. But other children may find these new dragons slightly less interesting than Toothless (and how come the new dragon doesn’t speak Dragonese?) We have to remember that children didn’t only read the series simply because there were dragons in it!"

Stop here for her list of read-alikes! [How to Train Your Dragon: what to read next. Emily Drabble. BookTrust blog. Undated.]

Then soar over to OverDrive  for more read-alikes! [How to Train Your Dragon read-alikes to captivate young readers. Overdrive blog. June 16, 2025.]

Monday, June 23, 2025

What to Suggest when all your Elephant and Piggie books are checked out

 What to Suggest when all of your Elephant and Piggie Books are Checked Out

If your library is anything like mine it doesn't matter how many Elephant and Piggie books you buy, there will not be a single one on your shelf all summer. These books are beloved by kids and adults alike for a reason. Lindsay Barrett, writing for Brightly reminds us that, "these titles delight readers in so many ways, from their expressive dialogue, positive messages, playful illustrations, and of course, the endearing characterization of the duo at the series' heart." But, don't fret! You don't have to send kids away empty handed! There are other fun options out there for those early reader Willems fans. 

Some suggestions from Barrett include Archie and Reddie by Candy James, Jack Blasts Off by Mac Barnett, and Croc and Ally by Derek Anderson. 

Find the rest of the list here: [17 Delightful Books for Kids who Love Elephant and Piggie. Barrett, Lindsay. 2019, updated in 2025. https://www.readbrightly.com/books-like-elephant-and-piggie/]

Saturday, June 21, 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 summer solstice listing:

Mead (Sheboygan) Public Library            Associate Librarian
The Mead Public Library provides quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities to meet the needs and interests of our diverse community. The function of the Mead Public Library is to serve our customers in a way that establishes a relationship of mutual gratitude – our gratitude for our customers’ patronage, and our customers’ gratitude for the quality and value they receive.

Under the general direction of the Deputy Library Director, the Associate Librarian position develops and delivers library programs, assists patrons in the makerspace (Imaginarium) and digital media production studio (Mead Radio), and as a member of the Public Services team, provides excellent customer service to the library community and supports other department activities. It is imperative job duties are performed with respect, integrity, objectivity and in the best interest of the City.All City employees are expected to be honest and truthful at all times.

This position will primarily focus on Youth Services while also working as part of a collaborative team at all public service points and with patrons of all ages; standard scheduling includes at least one Saturday per month and one evening per week. Job closes July 5, 2025


Responsibilities

  • Maintains circulation of library collections.
  • Coordinates makerspace (Imaginarium) activities, programs, equipment purchases, and maintenance.
  • Coordinates digital media production studio (Mead Radio) activities, programs, and equipment purchases.
  • Schedules and coordinates book displays and exhibits.
  • Provides customer service, reader's advisory, and limited research services.
  • Instructs and assists patrons with technology and equipment to include but not limited to public computers, makerspace equipment, digital media production studio, online library catalog, and digital resources.
  • Handles/counts cash and performs cash transactions.
  • Leads ad hoc teams or projects; participates in and leads staff committees.
  • Collaborates with Public Services team in the planning, development, and delivery of programs in the library and community.
  • Reports building malfunctions, safety, and security matters to management, safety specialist and/or maintenance staff.
  • Develops and maintains cooperative relationships with community organizations.
  • Interprets, explains and applies library policy and procedures to respond to customer concerns.
  • Prepares invoices for payment.
  • Provides input to managers in the improvement of library policies, plans, and goals.
  • Attends library conferences and workshops.
Education & Experience
  • Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Arts & Sciences or closely related field required.
  • Minimum of two years direct experience working with the public or in a direct customer service role (such as retail or hospitality) and community engagement or public service experience required.

Qualifications & Skills
  • Demonstrate outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to interact with the diverse local community
  • Basic knowledge of library services and procedures
  • Ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised systems, procedures, and workflows
  • Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment
  • Resilient to changes in the library profession and work environment
  • Ability and willingness to learn, adapt to new technologies, flexible when faced with changing situations, and ability to work in an ambiguous environment
  • Ability to effectively communicate ideas and information both in written and oral form, effectively read and understand written information
  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment with frequent interruptions
  • Ability to calculate basic arithmetic problems (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division)
  • Ability to exercise good judgment, investigate, define problems and offer solutions, research and collect data, analyze information and establish facts and draw valid conclusions
  • Ability to create documents in MS Word and spreadsheets in MS Excel, ability to use and maintain e-mail and calendars
Job offers for this position are contingent on the individual passing a pre-employment background check.

Work Environment:
On a frequent basis, stands, walks, sits, talks, and reaches with hands and arms. On a somewhat frequent basis, lifts, bends, stoops, lifts and caries books, files, and/or boxes weighing up to 30 pounds, and pushing and pulling objects on wheels weighing up to 35 pounds. Position requires the operation of office equipment and required repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer equipment. Occasional attendance at programs outside of normal working hours and meetings off site required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

For more details, please stop here.


Kewaunee Public Library                Children's Librarian
The Kewaunee Public Library is seeking an innovative, tech-savvy, customer-focused, and self-motivated individual to join our team that serves the community of Kewaunee and Kewaunee County. The ideal candidate enjoys working with children, readily adapts to change, and projects a welcoming and helpful personality.

Applicant must have excellent written and oral communication skills and be comfortable helping people of all ages in a group or one-on-one setting. Candidates with work experience in youth services settings, library, customer service, or technology are preferred. On the fly tech instruction is a frequent part of the job, so the qualified applicant must be comfortable using and troubleshooting a wide range of technology. Attention to detail and organization is key. Providing high quality early literacy learning experiences is the goal.

The Position is 20 hours a week. Applicant must be willing to work one or two evenings a week and one Saturday per month.

Applications are available online at www.kewauneepubliclibrary.org or at the library. Please submit completed application with cover letter and resume to Carol Petrina, Director Kewaunee Public Library 822 Juneau St. Kewaunee, WI 54216, kew@kewauneepubliclibrary.org

Position open until filled. Applications will be reviewed on a continual basis. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Friday, June 20, 2025

Tips and Info from DPI's June 19, 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 June 19, 2025 edition  

 


youth-services-banner

Hello All,

Check out these valuable youth services resources and reminders!

WLA Leadership Development Institute - Application now open!

  • Are you ready to take the next step in your library leadership journey? Join the Wisconsin Library Association Leadership Development Institute for an inspiring and transformative experience designed to cultivate visionary leaders in the library profession. This opportunity is open to experienced and emerging library workers of ALL types: Academic, Public, School, and Special. Library workers of all backgrounds and identities are encouraged to apply and participate. 
  • Learn more and apply

Serving Neurodiverse Library Patrons - A StarNet Webinar

  • July 16 at 1:00 pm CT
  • Neurodiversity includes a spectrum of cognitive differences, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other unique ways of thinking and experiencing the world. Although each person with these conditions has different skills, abilities, and needs, there are a variety of ways that libraries can tailor their programs and facilities to support neurodiverse patrons.
  • Join this webinar to hear from a variety of experts, including leaders in the NASA's Neurodiversity Network (N3) project and NASA@ My Library's #actuallyautistic PI Anne Holland. We invite you to share your own efforts and experiences in supporting neurodiverse patrons! 
  • Learn more and register.

 

Jeni Schomber
Public Library Consultant

The DPI does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only. 


Thursday, June 19, 2025

Throw It Thursday - Use Your Shelves

Ashley Borman, Technical Services Librarian at the Clintonville (WI) Public Library, is back with another weeding tips - and collection development - column. 

Are you always trying to come up with ideas to liven up your bookshelves and make them more enticing for patrons? Have you weeded everything to the max and still worry about getting circs? Do you have a little bit of extra space somewhere, anywhere? Make your collections more appealing by adding some interest to your shelves!

This could be as easy as displaying one or two books face out on each shelf. Or you could get creative. With a few cheap tricks, you could renovate some of your shelves and make them pop! A little bit of paint and decoupaging can go a long way. Check out the articles below each picture for some inspiration and use your shelves!

https://dontyoushushme.com/2022/02/28/embracing-dynamic-shelving/




https://www.openingthebooktraining.com/en-ca/courses/public-library-training/merchandising-library-shelves/

Wednesday, June 18, 2025

DIY Stickers

Looking for a low-cost, fun, maker-y activity for teens (and tweens)?  Try DIY stickers! All it takes is parchment paper, unlined paper, coloring tools, and scissors. In her most recent post on Teen Librarian Toolbox, Karen Jensen (with an assist from her own teen) details the process. 

She writes, "Like a lot of teens today, my teen is obsessed with stickers. She also loves to spend her free time coloring. Thus, she started making her own hand-colored stickers in a very low-tech way. She saw people making their own on social media and adapted the process in a way that works for her. Today she’s walking us through the steps."

This is a back pocket activity I have out for a lot of teen and tween events. I keep a container with the supplies, a few image suggestions, and the instructions ready to go in the teen space. It's worked pretty well and can be adapted to a lot of different programs. I've used it during Anime Club, Minecraft and Five Nights at Freddy's events, Teen Hangouts, and many more. It's also an easy craft to take to school visits. This summer is a perfect time to give it a try! Color Our World by coloring your own stickers!

The teens/tweens we have mainly draw their own images or trace from their phones as described in Jensen's post. However, it's a good idea to have a few suggestions if they aren't artistically inclined or don't have a device.  The suggestions I use are from Canva's free image library (it is a Pro account through our Friends group). 

I've included my instruction sheet and an example suggestion sheet below. Happy stickering!


Instructions


Suggestion sheet


Stop here to read Karen's full post. [Teen Makerspace: DIY Color Your Own Stickers, Low Tech. Karen Jensen. Teen Librarian Toolbox blog. June 17, 2025.]


Saturday, June 14, 2025

Tips and Info from DPI's June 12, 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 June 12, 2025 edition  

youth-services-banner

Hello All,

Check out these valuable youth services resources and reminders!

STARnet Webinar Series: Book Drop in Your Library

  • Join STAR Net and Twin Cities PBS for Book Drop, an exciting new children’s series that blends storytelling, animation, and real-world STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) to engage curious minds ages 4–8. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the series is designed to ignite a passion for problem-solving and scientific thinking through the power of books and imagination. 
  • This online workshop will be offered three different times over the summer (you only need to register for one). Participants will learn best practices on engaging youth in STEM through watching media and doing hands-on activities in their library programs.
  • Learn more and register

ALSC and YALSA to Become One ALA Division

  • Two youth-related divisions of the American Library Association, which originated as one association in 1941 but have been separate entities since 1957, have announced plans to reunify. The Young Adult Library Services Association, dedicated to serving teens, will be dissolved and its membership activities merged with the Association of Library Service to Children.

By the Numbers: Summer Reading

  • Check out this interesting article from American Libraries journal on how libraries keep the page turning during the summer months. Our Wisconsin libraries do all of this and more!

I will be out of the office the week of June 16th, 

Jeni Schomber
Public Library Consultant

The DPI does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only.

Friday, June 13, 2025

Power-Up a Conference Proposal

This national conference, sponsored by the UW-Madison iSchool,  conference has had some powerful presentations by Wisconsin youth librarians in the past. Here's an opportunity to offer your take on leadership and management at ANY level - including as a line staffer.


Power Up: A Leadership Conference For Youth Services Managers & Staff 2026 Conference

March 26-27, 2026 | Hybrid Conference  (online and IRL)

Call for Proposal Now Open! 
Submit your idea today: go.wisc.edu/u5448i 

The Power Up planning committee wants your session proposals for Power Up 2026 to be held March 26-27, 2026, in Madison, WI. Share your strategies for project management, mentorship, program evaluation, staff morale & retention, advocacy, change management, culturally relevant programming, and more! 

Conference sessions can take one of several formats, and you are welcome to submit multiple proposals. 
  • Lecture presentation: 45-minute presentation + 15 min Q&A
  • Panel Discussion: 2-4 presenters focused on one big topic and sharing their experience
  • Workshop presentation: One-hour hands-on learning experience
  • Programming lightning talk: 5-8 minute mini presentation on or about a successful program
  • Roundtable discussion: Lead an in-depth full-group discussion on a topic of your choice. No need to prepare a presentation—just shepherd good conversation!

Selected presentation, workshop, and panel sessions will receive one complimentary conference registration. Selected lightning talk and roundtable presenters will receive a discounted conference rate. 

Submit your proposal by August 10, 2025 for full consideration. 

Questions? Email ce-info@ischool.wisc.edu 

Monday, June 9, 2025

Summer is coming!

Summer is coming! 

Photo by Drew Perales on Unsplash
Summer is coming, or for some it has already arrived. All the planning, all the prep, all the school visits have lead us to this moment...Summer Reading/Library Program! A coworker and I stopped at the Waunakee Public Library - shout out to Youth Services Manager Brittany who talked to us all about their summer program when we dropped in unexpectedly, and it got me curious about what libraries do for their summer program. I've seen all kinds of reading programs for in my time in libraries and I love that every time I talk to someone new I can learn something and a new idea is sparked.  

Middleton Public Library has a one size fits all summer reading program where all ages do the same program. Each person chooses their own goal (number of books or number of hours read) and gets to pick from a selection of books and sponsor coupons when they meet their goal. They are also entered into the grand prize drawings. There are separate drawings based on age group and the grand prizes are different, but other than that, it's the same for everyone. 

My favorite thing about Waunakee's program (which was broken down by Teen and Preteen, and children) was that their goals were based on days read. What a genius idea! It seems like they've found a great way to get kids to read throughout the summer, not just rush through to get a prize. They also have a separate program for adults for the summer, so everyone can participate. 

What does your library do? How does your summer program run? Have you found a great way to keep kids reading?

To learn more about Middleton or Waunakee's summer programs, visit their websites:
Middleton https://www.midlibrary.org/srp
Waunakee https://www.waunakeepubliclibrary.org/summer-reading-program



Friday, June 6, 2025

Tips and Info from DPI's June 5, 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 June 5, 2025 edition  

youth-services-banner

Hello All,

Check out these valuable youth services resources and reminders!

BadgerLink Bulletin: New NoveList and NoveList K-8 Experience Coming June 16  

  • The new NoveList Experience will go live on June 16, 2025. There's nothing you need to do to migrate from the old to the new. Read on to learn about the new features and functionality. 

Wisconsin Math Council Summer Math Adventure

  • Announcing the release of Version 3, featuring all new activities for children in Pre-K, Kindergarten-Grade 2, Grades 3-5, and Grades 6-8. 
  • Please complete the Summer 2025 Confirmation Form to confirm that your library will be participating in our program this summer. 
  • Families can access the program digitally at bit.ly/WMCSummer
  • This link (WMC Summer Math Adventure Resources for Libraries) will take you to a shared Google folder with all of the printable resources you might need. 

WebJunction Back to Basics: Sharpening Foundational Skills with LiFT

  • This new program, LiFT (Library Foundational Training), is a refreshed series of online courses designed to empower library staff with the essential skills they need to succeed. We’re working in partnership with the Idaho Commission for Libraries and are guided by feedback from project advisors and survey data. Learn more about this initiative and the focus areas of this new training.
  • WebJunction courses are FREE and you will need to create an account to access the learning. 

Have a great weekend,

Jeni Schomber
Public Library Consultant

The DPI does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only.

Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov