Meet the Board: Anne Hamland, Director at Large

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some enchanting questions and even more enchanting photos.

Anne Hamland, Director at Large

Name & Library

Anne Hamland, Wisconsin Valley Library Service

What was your favorite childhood book?

Ender's Game/Ella Enchanted: The first time I can remember staying up late into the night to read was with Ella Enchanted. It was the first book where the villian and plot made me angry, heartbroken, and then elated. Ender's Game was the first book that challenged me to consider politics, manipulation, and the ethics of sacrificing or acting for the "greater good." I firmly believe that children should read Ender's Game... and then read it again in high school and AGAIN as adults. You'll get something new out of it each time.

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook? Why?

 PRINT BABY! Print is comforting, calming for me and seeing my progress as I make my way through a thick book is satisfying while also instilling a competive urge to finish the book. I LOVE audiobooks (OverDrive and Libby ROCK!) for days at home with sick kiddos or house chores. I fly through cooking and dishes when I have a good book.

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

 Read, house projects. We've been in our house for a year, but our darn kids keep us so busy! My perfect day would be HGTV muted on the tv, audiobook playing, while my hands are busy with a house project or laundry. Yes, I said laundry.

What are you reading right now?

 Hey Kiddo (print) and Crazy Rich Asians (audiobook), yes I know I'm a little behind. That's what two kids under two does to you!

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2018?

 For youth librarians across Wisconsin to know how YSS can serve and support them! YSS provides many useful resources (YSS blog and conference sessions are a MUST), but I believe the friendships and mentorships that naturally form between youth librarians is the most important peice. YSS provides opportunities for gathering with fellow youth librarians to learn about hot topics and professional practice and for building solid support systems. 

Anything else you’d like to share?

Go to the YSS social and any YSS session at WAPL for a great professional, educational and valuable relationship building time!

Contact Anne: ahamland@wvls.org

Meet the Board: Claire Parrish, Director at Large

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some enchanting questions and even more enchanting photos.

Claire Parrish, Director at Large

Name & Library

Claire Parrish, Rice Lake Public Library

What was your favorite childhood book?

The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf

Song of the Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook? Why?

I like print and ebooks.  Print because I love holding the book in my hands and ebooks so no one knows I'm reading really bad trashy romance novels!

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

Read while snuggled up with my kittens, binge watch murder mystery shows, and go for walks

What are you reading right now?

I just started Cherry by Nico Walker and I'm also listening to Becoming by Michelle Obama on audio.  I tend to space out when listening to audio books, so I'm challenging myself to pay attention this year. These are both kind of heavy, so I'm also about to start The Summer of Jordi Perez (and the best burger in Los Angeles) by Amy Spalding, which will hopefully balance things out. 

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2018?

Some of my goals include offering some great webinars through Powerhouse Presents and coordinating awesome meet-ups through-out the state to facilitate idea sharing, professional development, and fun!  YSS is such an amazing resource and group of people, I want all YS librarians in the state to join us!

Contact Claire: claireparrish@ricelakegov.org

Meet the Board: Katherine Schoofs, Chair-Elect

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some enchanting questions and even more enchanting photos.

Katherine Schoofs, Chair-Elect

Name & Library

Katherine Schoofs, Aram Public Library in Delavan

What was your favorite childhood book?

How do people pick favorites? lol  Let's see...I love Charlotte's Web, Anne of Green Gables, the Bunnicula series, anything folk and/or fairy tales, Sideways Stories from Wayside School, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, The Westing Game, Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark...  Just to name a few!  HA!

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook? Why?

I read print and graphic novels, primarily.  Audiobooks are also a delight, especially if the reader is phenomenal (Hearing Neil Patrick Harris read his own biography?  Or TIM CURRY reading A Series of Unfortunate Events?  YES, PLEASE.)

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

In addition to reading, I love spending time with my family and friends, listening to music, taking pictures, going treasure hunting at thrift stores, singing karaoke, dance parties with my daughter, and impromptu road trips.  Oh, and binge watching some of my favorite shows: Parks & Recreation, Bob's Burgers, Psych, etc.

What are you reading right now?

We're in the process of reading the first few Oz books as a family.  I'm also about to start Margot and Mateo Save the World by Darcy Miller. 

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2019?

One of my biggest goals for YSS in 2019 is to spread the word about our section and how much we have to offer!  I also hope to connect with youth services folk all over the state--both members and nonmembers--and continue expanding our welcoming network of support and idea sharing to one and all!

Anything else you’d like to share?

YSS is the bee's knees,  The cat's pajamas.  If you're thinking about joining, please do!  If you're thinking of volunteering or getting more involved, please do that, too!  There are so many ways to get out there, connect with other like-minded library rock stars, and make your unique voice heard!

Contact Katherine: aramkids@aramlibrary.org

Meet the Board: Katie Kiekhaefer, Chair

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some enchanting questions and even more enchanting photos.

Katie Kiekhaefer, Chair

Name & Library

Katie Kiekhaefer, Whitefish Bay Public Library

What was your favorite childhood book?

I like to say that my sense of humor can best be understood by my favorite childhood books (shout out to the Wayside School books) and Tedd Arnold's No More Jumping on the Bed is a pretty spot on example of that.  I loved the madcap, zany absurdity of that book, and I would like to use this platform to publicly thank my parents for the endless re-readings!

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook? Why?

I tend to stick with print and graphic novels, but every year, I resolve to explore eBooks more.  Maybe this year will be the year?

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

Truthfully, I watch a lot of Great British Bake-Off reruns.  I also love music, so putting together new playlists and attending concerts is how I recharge.  

What are you reading right now?

My coworker gave me The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking, and I'm enjoying the practical tips to make winter in Wisconsin a little cozier.

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2018?

My goal for 2019 is to continue the amazing work done by previous Chairs.  As Sarah mentioned earlier, we're using our survey responses to better support library staff serving youth in this state, and I'm excited for everyone to see what we can do in 2019.  Watch this space!    

Anything else you’d like to share?

(Nope :D)

Contact Katie: kiekhaefer@gmail.com

Meet the Board: Emily Zorea, Director At Large

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some enchanting questions and even more enchanting photos.

Emily Zorea, Director at Large

Name & Library

Emily Zorea; Ithaca School District Library

What was your favorite childhood book?

The Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett 

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook? Why?

I love reading eBooks on my kindle paperwhite! That one device ensures that I always have a book with me, and I am able to take advantage of 5-10 minutes of random waiting that happens so often. I also love Audiobooks, and Libby makes it so easy to get them on my phone. I listen to most audiobooks while running or bicycling. 

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

 Cook! I love delicious food and it makes me happy to make new recipes. I also love to run, read, and go on family drives with my family. 

What are you reading right now?

 Just finished The Borden Murders: Lizzie Borden and the Trial of the Century last night. Started on When Dimple Met Rishi today. I am trying to read in a multitude of genres this year, not just my favorites. 

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2018?

 Create and strengthen partnerships with WEMPTA.

Contact Emily: emily.zorea@ithaca.k12.wi.us

Meet the Board: Susie Menk, Secretary

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some enchanting questions and even more enchanting photos.

Susie Menk, Secretary

Name & Library

Susie Menk, Manitowoc Public Library

What was your favorite childhood book?

Freckles by Gene Stratton-Porter

Light a Single Candle & Gift of Gold by Wisconsin author Beverly Butler

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook? Why?

I read print and e-books, but lean more toward e-books because at my age the ability to change the font size is huge!  Audiobooks are also a favorite.  I love listening to books when walking or making car trips!

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

I like to read of course!  Rubber stamping with my sisters, walking, visiting my family and spending time with my grown-up children keeps me busy. 

What are you reading right now?

I am working my way through the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan on audiobook and I am starting the print version of Bridge of Clay by Marcus Zusak.  I have Marissa Meyer’s Renegade series on hold right now too!

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2019?

I have found the connections made through YSS and the idea sharing we do to be SO helpful. My hope is that we can continue to reach out to other youth librarians and make their work easier by pooling our resources and ideas!

Anything else you’d like to share?

YSS has been great for me.  I have been involved in this group for the past few years and so many ideas that were shared at meet ups or in the YSS blog are now part of what we do at our library.  When I go to conferences it is always nice to meet up with fellow members and touch base.  The ideas and sharing that happen through this group are just AMAZING!  If you are a part of YSS—way to go!  If you aren’t—please join.  It is totally worth it! YSS ROCKS!

Contact Susie: smenk@manitowoc.org

Meet the Board: Sarah Cournoyer, Past-Chair

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some enchanting questions and even more enchanting photos.

Sarah Cournoyer, Past-Chair

Name & Library

Sarah Cournoyer, Youth Services Librarian at Beaver Dam Community Library

What was your favorite childhood book?

Once I began reading, I enjoyed series. I read my way through the Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, and the Chronicles of Narnia.

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook? Why?

I read in all formats now. I like eBooks because they are convenient to carry since they are on my phone or Kindle. I like print because there is no glare and sometimes the font is an integral part of the story that doesn’t come across in an eBook. I also enjoy listening to audiobooks because that is generally a shared reading experience with my husband or family. Plus, audiobooks are great for listening to on the go.

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

 I’m an avid knitter who likes to listen to music, garden, and hang out with family and friends. I also like to find time to be in nature or to be still and renew my busy mind.

What are you reading right now?

 I’m reading The War Outside and The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle in print, as well as listening to Lamplighter by D.M. Cornish with my husband.

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2019?

 YSS’s Membership Committee completed a multi-year project to survey our members and non-members serving youth in libraries across the state in late 2018. Using that data to inform our efforts as the YSS Board is something we’ll be focusing on for 2019.

Anything else you’d like to share?

I’m super excited about a new book that arrived Sing a Song of Seasons: A Nature Poem for Each Day of the Year. As soon as it is cataloged, I’ll be reading it. It inspired me to include a poem at every storytime for spring.

Contact Sarah: sarah@beaverdamlibrary.org

Meet the Board: Sarah Cournoyer, Chair

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some delightful questions and even more delightful photos.

Sarah Cournoyer, Chair

What was your favorite childhood book?

The one that comes to mind right now is the Wizard of Oz, but there were many more! I generally read one to two books a day back then. My favorite series was the Hardy Boys because they were intrepid, intelligent, and solved mysteries.

In what format do you like to read? EBooks? Print? Graphic Novel? Audiobook?

I like print books, but have really gained an appreciation for eBooks in terms of convenience, carrying weight (only 8.54 oz no matter how many pages!), and being able to read them on multiple devices.

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

Free time is scarce, but I like to make time for knitting, cooking, yoga, and family and friends. A few of my favorite ways to recharge are being outside, taking road trips, and watching the clouds pass by or the wind move in the trees.

What are you reading right now?

I'm about 63% of the way through Ms. Bixby's Last Day according to my Kindle. What a fabulous and profound coming of age story! It's full of moments and quotes that resonate with me.

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2018?

I feel it is imperative to continue providing value to our membership through resources like the YSS Powerhouse Presents series of webinars, regional meet-ups, leadership opportunities, and professional development, while enticing new members to join and to attend conferences.

My biggest goal is to be accessible, approachable, flexible, and adaptable in how, why and what YSS does in order to benefit our members, our organization, and the youth and families in our state.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Being a librarian has got to be the best career in the world! Every day brings something new and there’s never any time to get bored. I urge you to join me in spreading the word about our awesome and necessary profession to kids and teens that are contemplating what to be when they grow up. We need diverse library staff.

Contact Sarah: sarah@beaverdamlibrary.org

 

Meet the Board: Sue Abrahamson, WLA Board Liaison

It's a new year and we have a new YSS Board!  This series will introduce each board member with some delightful questions and even more delightful photos.

Sue Abrahamson, WLA Board Liaison

What was your favorite childhood book?

I do not remember having books in my house as a child.  The first books I remember reading for pleasure (more like a trainwreck that you can’t take your eyes off) were the V.C. Andrews Flowers in the Attic books.

In what format do you like to read?

I prefer print and graphic novels, but always have an audiobook in the car CD player.  eBooks are great for travelling ….  Just need to go somewhere.

What do you like to do in your free time to recharge?

Bicycle, walk, play with grandkids, work on family tree (Ancestry.com), dream about vacations we could take

What are you reading right now?

In the car CD player: The War I Finally Won by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, read by Jane Entwhistle.

For book club: Turtles All the Way Down by John Green

Working my way through 2017 CCBC Choices: Moo by Sharon Creech

What is your biggest goal for YSS in 2018?

Inviting more members to join and participate.  It’s all part of WLA President Marge’s charge to: Invite, Excite and Ignite! I can’t wait to see the 12 months of coding product that YSS is working on now.

Contact Sue: sabrahamson@waupacalibrary.org