Tips and Info from DPI's June 18, 2026 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 18, 2026 edition:   Weekly Resources & Reminders Hello All,

BadgerLink Bulletin - EBSCO Interfaces Update July 7  On July 7, EBSCO is releasing a set of enhancements to Explora, EBSCOhost, and NoveList resources that will improve the way that users engage with and navigate the interface. View Update Story.

The following content is shared as provided by the organization. The DPI Bureau of Libraries does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events.  Power Up 2027: A Leadership Conference for Youth Services Managers and Staff - Call for Proposals  Power Up 2027 will occur March 22-23, 2027, in Madison, WI. Share your strategies for project management, mentorship, program evaluation, staff morale & retention, advocacy, change management, culturally relevant programming, and more with fellow youth service librarians! Submit your proposal by September 7, 2026, for full consideration. Visit the Conference Website for more information.

Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Summer Storytelling Challenge  Sign your library up to host a Dan Santat Summer Storytelling Challenge! Dan Santat is the Collaborative Summer Library Program Summer Reading Champion. Dan is asking young readers ages 8-12 to flex their creative muscles and add their words to his art.  Libraries hosting a Summer Reading Storytelling Challenge will be responsible for running the contest in their community and selecting a winner. All libraries that sign up to host a contest will receive more information about how to host the contest and an offer for free prizing from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.  Please contact Mary Van Akin at mary.vanakin@macmillan.com with any questions.

SciStarter + Summer Reading  Turn summer reading into summer discovery! SciStarter and the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) created summer programs, with project ideas, trainings, slides, event recipe cards, and other ready-to-use resources.

 

Spark of Science Survey  The STAR Library Network and their partners at HHMI/Tangled Bank Studios are excited to begin planning for the next Spark of Science program for public libraries. Before they get too deep into planning, they wanted to make sure they have a clear understanding of current practices across public libraries. For this biology-focused initiative, they’re considering gaming, and specifically Minecraft, as a possible delivery mechanism, among others. Your response to the following questions will help them better develop a program that meets libraries where they are, and where they want to be heading! You'll also have the opportunity to indicate your interest in being a project advisor!  Complete the survey.

Jeni Schomber Public Library Consultant Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Registration Open for PowerUp 2026!

 

March 26, 2026 Virtual Conference $160-$200   Join youth services managers and staff for one day of virtual learning. Hear from our keynote Lisa Roy, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Concurrent sessions will focus on leveling up your leadership skills, strategic planning and how to best support your team. Each session will be presented live, and recordings will be available to registered attendees for 60 days following the conference.    The conference will kick off on Thursday morning with keynote Dr. Lisa Roy. Dr. Roy is a distinguished leader in early childhood education, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Dr. Roy oversaw the creation of the Department and continues to boldly lead the agency to provide comprehensive programs and services for young children, families, and early childhood professionals, including the launch of the Universal Preschool Program, which provides half-day preschool for all Colorado children in the year before kindergarten.   Register Today   In addition to Dr. Roy's keynote address, the conference will include a range of sessions such as: ·         Reimagining Summer: Centering Community in Programs and Services ·         We’ll make it work! Moving, renovating, and recreating the youth department in one year or less ·         Unintended Consequences – the story of navigating a 36% budget reduction ·         Creating Space to Thrive: Affinity-Based Mentorship in BIPOC Librarianship ·         And more!   Quick Links ·         Visit the conference website ·         View the conference schedule ·         Registration Information   Questions? Email ce-info@ischool.wisc.edu   School of Computer, Data & Information Sciences - The Information School - Continuing Education   UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN–MADISON 1205 University Avenue  |  Madison, WI 53706 ce-info@ischool.wisc.edu

WI’s Power Up Call for Proposals Deadline Near

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

Call for Proposal - Deadline August 10th

go.wisc.edu/u5448i

March 26-27, 2026

Hybrid Conference 

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.

We are also excited to announce this year’s closing keynote speaker, Dr. Lisa Roy. Dr. Roy is a distinguished leader in early childhood education, currently serving as the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Early Childhood (CDEC). Dr. Roy oversaw the creation of the Department and continues to boldly lead the agency to provide comprehensive programs and services for young children, families, and early childhood professionals, including the launch of the Universal Preschool Program, which provides half-day preschool for all Colorado children in the year before kindergarten. 

--

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

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