Performer Showcase

Photo by Conor Samuel on Unsplash

Planning for the next Virtual Performer's Showcase has begun! The Performers Showcase, presented by the Youth Services Section of the Wisconsin Library Association, connects performers with members of the Wisconsin library community through live virtual demonstrations. 

Our last showcase was held in 2024 and we are hoping to discover some new and engaging acts to feature this year! We are looking for performers interested in sharing quality programming for children, teens, and/or families at a reasonable cost for Wisconsin libraries.  

How you can help:

• Do you know of an amazing performer that you think more people should know about? 
• Fill out this Google Form to suggest them for the showcase!

• Are you yourself a performer looking to expand your presentation offerings?
• Send us an email at yss.wla@gmail.com with your name and contact information

• Do you have specific performer needs you're looking for?
• Email us at yss.wla@gmail.com

Genius Files: The Launchpad

Kate Davis, YSS Board Member and Programming Consultant for the Prairie Lakes Library System has introduced a new new email blast for her library system called The Genius Files. Here's the newest edition:

Greetings!

Today's genius idea comes from me (Kate Davis). It's a passion project I've been working on for months and I'm finally ready to release it to the big wide world... The Launchpad: Lift-off Ready Programs

Screengrab from The Launchpad blog

This all-ages programming blog comes filled with not just ideas, but marketing templates, supply lists, accessibility/inclusion suggestions, book lists, reusability ideas, and so much more. I want this to be a one-stop shop to make your program planning time more effective and less stressful.

I'm constantly adding new programs and would love to add your ideas as well! Here's a link to send those ideas to me. It's also located on the homepage of the blog.

Please share this with your colleagues and cohorts. And, as always, let me know of any suggestions or ideas!

It's a Hit! Musical Bingo!

Musical Bingo is a fun twist on the classic game using song titles in place of letters and numbers. And I can’t recommend it enough as a low-cost and low-prep teen program.

I hosted my first Musical Bingo for teens last summer after seeing a post about it on the Teen Services Underground Facebook page by Megan Reddin. She details how she runs the event (coming up with themes, compiling a playlist, creating bingo cards, and gathering prize options).

Since running the program last year, my teens have requested Musical Bingo over and over again. We have a weekly Wednesday teen program and Musical Bingo has become a regular in our rotation of activities. While I usually get between 15–22 teens a week, I find that Musical Bingo will draw in teens that don’t normally attend or participate in the organized activities. 

Example Musical Bingo sheet

I’m always shocked by the songs they know, and it’s incredibly wholesome when the whole room starts singing along.  Their excitement for Musical Bingo continues to surprise me. After our last game, they asked if they could start compiling a list based on their favorite songs. Absolutely, they can 😊

For our next game, all the song lists will be put together by the teens, and I’ll make the boards and provide the prizes. Naturally, a sing-along will break out and fun will be had by all! 

Let us know if you try it out in your teen programming!

To read more about Musical Bingo, visit the Megan's original post on the Teen Services Underground Facebook group.

Curing the Idea Slump

Image by sumit kumar from Pixabay

Recently, Wisconsin Librarian Kirsten Caldwell wrote in the ALSC blog about ways to fight off "idea fatigue.

Kirsten writes: "Have you ever found yourself in a rut after being creative nonstop in our job? As librarians, we’re constantly brainstorming new programs, crafts, and storytime themes. But sometimes, the well runs dry. It’s tough to keep coming up with fresh ideas, and that’s okay! Here’s what I do when I find myself with idea fatigue."

To read her tips on reinvigorating your idea generating activity, please stop here. [Idea Fatigue. Caldwell, Kirsten. ALSC blog. February 8, 2025.]

What's Your Best NLW Program?

As we approach April, DPI is seeking information about any WI libraries that might be offering unique programs, events, or celebrations in honor of National Library Week (April 23-29). 

We are hoping to highlight a few of these offerings in an upcoming DPI ConnectEd Stories article; ConnectEd is shared to and read by thousands of folks statewide, so it’s a great opportunity to do a shout out about your exciting library initiatives.

To share please email jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Thank you for your work and collaboration!

 

Best,

 

Jeni Schomber

Public Library Consultant

Library Services Team

Division for Libraries and Technology

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

608-266-2749

jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Chair's Corner - March 2023 YSS Board Updates

Today's March 2023 YSS board meeting update is from Alison Loewen, our YSS 2023 Chair and Youth Services Librarian, Mead Public Library, Sheboygan

March is a month of expectation, the time when we begin to plan projects that will carry us through the year. I have high hopes for what we can accomplish as a board in 2023, and that we will find ways of bringing more voices together in celebration of our accomplishments and in conversation for how we can move forward as a community.

One hope we have for 2023, is that we will amplify our YS voice within the larger WLA community.  We encourage you to apply for a position on a WLA section committee.  By having YS representation on WLA Sections like WISL, TSS, SSCS, we can assure that concerns unique to youth services are discussed and considered at the State level. A few of these sections are still in need of leadership, so if you are inspired to do so, inquire with WLA Executive Director, Laura Sauser. And if not this year, there is always opportunity in the future!

Another opportunity to get more involved is to simply become a WLA member- or renew your membership if you haven't already this year.  As a WLA member, you have free access to the WLA Presents webinars, so please consider joining or renewing your membership this year.  Throughout the year, YSS plans a few of the webinars as a way to showcase amazing projects and learn from one another.  This Spring, we have an exciting line-up that focuses on teen services, and by becoming a WLA member, you are given free access to these webinars.  You also get reduced registration to the WAPL conference coming up in April  - there is no better time like the present to take advantage of these benefits and become a member!  

And one more way we hope to hear from you, is by inviting you to inspire others by sharing a few of your most successful programming ideas.  I’ll be the first to admit, I dig around the internet for programming ideas, and I'm sure many of you do too!  I appreciate the extra effort that some put in to write up a how-to that includes booklists, project ideas, and logistics.  If you are proud of a recent program and have a good plan you can present to others to help them get something similar off the ground at their library, we'd love for you to share.  Connect with the YSS Shout Out Blog and make a submission.  

And lastly, we want to invite you to join the conversation between DPI,  public librarians and school librarians, and attend the next Connecting Wisconsin Libraries meeting on April 26th at noon.  Reach out to Jeni Schomber (jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) for the meeting link.   If you are at all curious on how you can support your school librarians, want to know more about projects happening that connect the two worlds, or if your library has something amazing that can serve as inspiration, this is the group for you.  

We are better together- let your voice be heard and roar like a March lion in support of Youth Services!

A Look at Hybrid Programming

Image by Estefano Burmistrov from Pixabay 

In May, the Children and Technology Committee of ALSC held an online community chat on hybrid programming. They shared takeaways from the chat in a recent ALSC blog post.

They write: "Our committee was inspired to host this conversation because the evolving nature of library programming (primarily in public libraries) has been a recurring theme in our own committee meetings throughout this term. We were also excited to bring in other library professionals as guests who have expertise, and a variety of experiences on the subject. The conversation was robust, and just what we were hoping for!"

To read through the great ideas and issues shared, stop here. [Hybrid Programming: Evaluating Takeaways from the Pandemic and Moving Library Services Into the Future. Aronofsky, Manuela. ALSC blog. June 11, 2022].

What Are You Thinking for SLP?

Image courtesy of Aimee Haslam 

Three posts came across our desk recently with plans for programs during the upcoming summer - and a cautionary note about not burning yourself out with complex programs. Talk about "Oceans of Possibility!" Check them out!

Cassandra over at Teen Services Underground shared some fun ideas for teens including water monsters, sand art, trivia, water bookmarks and more. Check out her ideas here. (Summer Program Preview. Cassandra. Teen Services Underground blog. April 18, 2022).

At the ALSC blog, Aimee Haslam of School-Age Programs and Services Committee gathered some of their library's ideas for kids and teens that they are planning scavenger hunts, DIY bookmark designs and more.  You can read her post here. (Summer Reading Program Planning at Washington CO Public Library System. School-Age Programs and Services Committee. ALSC blog. April 24, 2022).

Bethany Dietrich, another Teen Services Underground agent, in discussing with her supervisor some borderline burn-out issues around the upcoming SLP, had a moment of clarity. Her supervisor said: "So ask yourself: when do you hit that point when you just don’t care anymore. Once you figure that out, just plan easy programs or do programs you’ve already done before after that time.” That sparked her thoughts in planning and what REALLY matters when working with her teens. Stop here to read her post (Do Yourself a A Favor and Plan Easy Programs. Dietrich, Bethany. Teen Services Underground blog. April 27, 2022.).

What fun - and unstressed - do you have in mind? Let us know in the comments.

ALL.THE.THINGS. With Jonathan Dolce - March 2022

Image by Gerhard G. from Pixabay 

Jonathan Dolce is back at the ALSC blog with his monthly celebration of program ideas and quirky finds. 

As always if you are looking for ideas, inspiration and a few laughs, you can't do better than checking out this hefty post. From upcoming important days and weeks to celebrate, a deep dive into comics and graphic novels all the way to fun activities for kids and parent resources, Jonathan has it all.

Check out this month's post here (March Activities, News, STEM, and More. Dolce, Jonathan. ALSC Blog 2/27/21)

ALL.THE.THINGS. With Jonathan Dolce - February 2022

Pixabay Image

Jonathan Dolce, who blogs at the ALSC blog, is a most generous and prolific gatherer of information and cool - and often, free - links and resources that can spark our creativity in providing service to children and teens.

His columns are brain dumps in the best sense. Dolce provides dozens and dozens of links to program ideas, collection alerts, pop culture and media be-aware's and so much more. He doesn't disappoint in February where he will seriously lift you out of any winter and pandemic programming or idea doldrums.

Check out his latest ALSC blogpost Winterizing  Your Library Programming here.

ALL.THE. THINGS. with Jonathan Dolce - October 2021

It's time to link to wunderkind Jonathan Dolce and his monthly mega-share from the ALSC blog. His focus is on fall and he shares what he has...which is alot!!

You'll find grant opportunities, craft ideas for the season, ideas for parents, inclusion ideas, a boatload of teen content, media tie-ins, children's program ideas, STEAM ideas, juicy news from the youth publishing field and SO.MUCH.MORE.

Don't hesitate, click here and start grabbing up his freely shared ideas!

ALL.THE.THINGS. with Jonathan Dolce - April 2021

The inimitable Jonathan Dolce (he of the "free") is back blogging at the ALSC Blog this week. And he is sharing all the FREE ideas that he can put together revolving around spring.  There are ideas for poetry; earth day ideas; STEM ideas; program ideas; teen program ideas; a h/t to Beverly Cleary; new online books that are free; comic book updates; and really all the free things Jonathan can gather.

And best of all, he provides outstanding links to all this material. So stop here and start clicking the links and finding great ideas to make your community truly excited about the library!

Imagine Your Story Webinar, Courtesy of Our Michigan Neighbors!

The Library of Michigan’s Youth Services Advisory Council did an Imagine Your Story Webinar with ideas for early lit-teens last week and you can find it here: https://youtu.be/WrHglCmfszI.

Imagine Your Story: Ideas & Tips from the Library of Michigan’s Youth Services Advisory Council

[Recorded 1/7/2020]

Programming ideas and tips for the Collaborative Summer Library Program’s 2020 summer reading program, “Imagine Your Story,” are shared from your peers in the field.

This program is supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Cathy Lancaster

Youth Services Coordinator

Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915

Interactive Hocus Pocus!

Looking for a fun, easy program to celebrate the spooky season?

Why not try your hand at an interactive movie?  (Think Rocky Horror midnight show, but family-friendly.)

A few weeks ago, we held a Hex-a-Long: Interactive Hocus Pocus program at our library!

The program itself was relatively low-cost and low-maintenance.  The most labor-intensive part was deciding on the interactive elements and choosing my bewitching snacks!

I decided that we'd have spooky chocolate covered pretzels, popcorn, candy, and Witch's Brew Punch. (ginger ale + limeade + citrus sherbert = YUM)

I also found some super cute little inflatable brooms and sticky cats on Oriental Trading, so all the witches and warlocks in attendance could fly home with their very own souvenirs.

On the day of the program, I made sure each attendee had a cheat sheet to peek at during the movie and went over each of the prompts and their corresponding responses.  Additionally, I printed off the actions, taped them to the wall, and used my handy dandy pointer (and verbal cues!) to help instruct them along the way.

Once the movie began, the program basically ran itself!  Participants were encouraged to dance, sing, and quote along to their heart's content...  (I know I did!)

Needless to say, this program was such a blast and I definitely plan to repeat it in the coming years!  If anyone is interested in the cheat sheet, wall prompts, or official recipe for the Witch's Brew, send me an email and I'd be happy to share! aramkids @ aramlibrary.org

Happy fall, y'all!  

Guest Post: Plush Puppy Adoption Party!

This week's blog post and super rad program idea comes to you from
Tricia Cox, Children's Librarian at Waterford Public Library!

Guest Post: Plush Puppy Adoption Party

Author: Tricia Cox, Children's Librarian, Waterford Public Library

On Wednesday, July 31, Waterford Library hosted a Plush Puppy Adoption Party!

All summer long patrons had been asked to donate small, beanie-baby-sized stuffed dogs for us to use at the party. We also asked all participants to bring an item from Wisconsin Humane Society’s wish list to donate at the party. We delivered those items to the Milwaukee Campus later in August.

At the program, the first step for each participant was to choose a plush puppy to adopt forever. Puppies were displayed in a children’s plastic pool.

Next, participants chose a dog bed and a carrier for their new pet. Beds were made and donated by the Loose Ends Sewing Group.

All new dog owners were then invited to make an adoption certificate for their new dog and draw a picture of themselves with their new pet on the back.

Children then stayed to play with their new dog. There was a station where kids could make a collar and a leash for their new pet, a pretend play center with veterinarian’s kit, face painting, graham cracker Scooby Snacks, and a quiet corner for kids to read to their new dog. We had 97 people attend!

Guest Post: BULLIED

This week's blog post and super rad program idea comes to you from Elizabeth M. Timmins, Muehl Public Library Director & Programmer, Seymour, WI J

Guest Post: BULLIED

Author: Elizabeth M. Timmins, Muehl Public Library Director & Programmer, Seymour, WI

Thanks to Scott Langteau, homegrown Seymour, WI talent, who has written another amazing picture book. This one, BULLIED, is aimed toward middle schoolers. In the book, two bullies named Billy and Bella Bully grow up regretting their negative actions. In fact, in the hopeful ending of the book, they actually turn themselves around as adults. 6th grade students acted in a Reader's Theater production of the book on April 25, 2019 at our public library. I paired Scott’s book with a PowerPoint of the marvelous picture book BULLY by Laura Vaccaro Seeger.

We had a packed room of patrons to experience both stories and then do Q & A with Scott. Many of his high school classmates were in attendance. The support was palpable. We collaborated with the Seymour School District and the Community Family Resource Center in our community to get word out about this special event. Sadly, our program was the same evening as the funeral for two slain children in our community. However, we persevered. Scott lives in Los Angeles and was home for a small window of time that we had to optimize.

After Q & A, we had book selling and autographing time. Scott autographed a copy of his book for the library...his words are touching and wonderful! "Note to ourselves...always be ourselves...and always be KIND doing it."

Scott Langteau loved the reader's theater that I scripted for his picture book BULLIED and he gave me permission to freely share it with educators.  (Scott has a BFA in Theater and a Masters in Acting!) This is an amazing creative outlet for me!

So here are the two links where educators will be able to find it. Hurray!

https://www.teachingbooks.net/tb.cgi?tid=64793

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/BULLIED-by-Scott-Langteau-Readers-Theater-4569408

                                                                 BOOK COVER

6 students who acted out the script, Scott Langteau on right, me on left:

Fun Times with Fandoms!

Fandoms, fandoms everywhere...  How can you possibly provide programs that cover all the different subcultures your teen patrons are gushing about?

YALSA's Programming HQ is here with a solution: combine them into one giant event!

Check out these ideas to awaken your creative juices and get you started:

K Pop 101

Harry Potter Divination Class

Zombie Party

NANOWRIMO: Game of Thrones

Fandom Fridays

Clay Cosplay

Have you hosted a fandom party you'd like to share?  Post it to the HQ and share the wealth!

Thanks to YALSA for yet another fab resource!  (and thanks once again to Tessa for sending resouce goodies my way so I can pass them along to you lovely folks!)

Crack the Code: 12 Months of Coding!

Looking to incorporate more coding into your programming, but unsure where to start?  Or maybe you think coding isn't something you're able to offer, due to limited funds and/or technological resources?

YSS is proud to present 12 Months of Coding!  

*cue fanfare and confetti*

Library staff serving youth from all over our great state contributed program ideas and each offering includes detailed instructions, participant ages, approximate cost, tips & tricks, and materials needed!

The 12 Months of Coding resource is divided up into sections--No Tech, Low Tech, High Tech--and includes a Table of Contents (swoon) so you can easily navigate!

Check it out!

Introducing...The Cardigan!

Sharing ideas and information is totally a librarian's jam and, if you're anything like me, you're always on the prowl for new resources and ways to connect with other youth services librarians. 

Introducing The Cardigan, a monthly newsletter created for any and/all library staff working with children!  We're talking resources, tricks, tips, professional development, collection development, programs...SO MANY GOODIES!  They have even started creating a collection of crowdsourced book lists.  Thus far, the lists include Rhyming Storytime Books and Springtime Storytime Books. 

Want to know more?  The co-founders of The Cardigan, Allie Barton & Katherine Hickey (both Children's Librarians in Oklahoma) had a chance to share their vision on the ALSC blog earlier this month.  Click HERE to read the post!

Ready to subscribe?  Give THIS handy dandy link a whirl!

YSS Regional Meet-up: Program Swap

YSS survey respondents said that they wanted more ideas for programs they could use at their libraries large and small, rural and urban, and at minimal cost. Well, YSS Leadership listened. 

At the first regional meet-up of 2019 held at the Portage County Library in Stevens Point, WI on January 14, one of the professional development activities was a program swap. Programs had to cost $25 or less, but other than that there were no caveats. So here are the programs for kids, teens, and families that attendees shared. For more details, view the GoogleDoc version.

Ugly Sweater Party
Spy Games
Party Like a Jedi
Maker Monday After School Group: Solar Cookies (from NASA website)
Oh My Gourd! Improvised Jack-o-lanterns
Pictionary with Pudding
Chocolate Olympics
Graffiti Corner
Family Read Aloud Challenge (follow up to 1000 Books Program)
Perler Bead Program
Who’s Your Gnomie (Stuffed Sock Gnomes)
Weekly Dewey Challenge
 Cookie Clicker
Stroop Effect
Pageturners
Pine Cone Bird Feeder
Great Back Yard Bird Count
Collage Cityscapes
Vote for Book Purchases
Three Billy Goats Gruff - STEM Activity
Debate Club
Silent Library Program

 
Regional meet-ups are open to both members and non-members. They are an excellent way to gather new ideas; learn about best practices in libraries; see other spaces, collections, and displays; and grow your connections to other library staff serving youth in Wisconsin. The next meet-up is scheduled for
 the afternoon of February 22 at the Hales Corners and Muskego Public Libraries. Watch your email and this blog for a link to sign up.