Tips and Info from DPI's July 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 July 2, 2025 edition

Hello All, Check out these valuable youth services resources and reminders! Little Learners, Big Win Britannica School: Early Elementary has been named “Overall Early Childhood Education Solution of the Year” by the EdTech Breakthrough Awards. Read the BadgerLink Bulletin story to learn more! Book Drop in Your Library (STARnet Libraries) Join STAR Net and Twin Cities PBS for Book Drop, an exciting new children’s series that blends storytelling, animation, and real-world STEM 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. Attendees will receive the Book Drop Educator Guide and library kits that include materials to do the Book Drop activities and copies of the books featured in the show! Attendees agree to participate in brief evaluation surveys post-training and post-implementation. Learn more and register.  Reorganization at Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Superintendent Jill Underly is beginning her second term by announcing a new organizational structure for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction. This reorganization empowers the agency to do the work required by law and the work required to fulfill the DPI’s vision of engaged learners creating a better Wisconsin together.   Under this new structure, the Division for Libraries and Technology will use the working title Division for School and Library Operations. Within the division will be the Bureau of Libraries, previously known as the Library Services Team. Ben Miller will continue leading the work of the Bureau of Libraries and assume the title of State Librarian. Beth Tomev will also continue in her leadership role within the Bureau overseeing Library Development. As this reorganization progresses, the Bureau of Libraries will send further details regarding the make-up of the Bureau.   This new structure will be in place beginning July 28, 2025. Please let me know if you have any questions. The DPI remains committed to building a focused, collaborative, and outcomes-driven agency. More specifically, the Bureau of Libraries' work will continue to empower Wisconsin libraries to best serve their communities.  Enjoy the long 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