Tips and Info from DPI's March 12, 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 March 12, 2026 edition:

Hello All,  Check out these youth services weekly resources and reminders!  2026 Programming and Activity Count Tracker  This workbook can be used to track programs and activities throughout the year, and prepare program, activity counts, attendance, and participation for Sections III and XIII of the Annual Report. Visit Wisconsin Public Library Annual Report for more information.  Summer Math Adventure Program The purpose of this Wisconsin Mathematics Council program is to bring fun, engaging mathematics related activities to students and families across Wisconsin. This year’s updated version includes all new activities for grades 6-8. All materials are free. If you are interested in receiving updates and the link to printable versions of the activities, please complete the 2026 WMC Summer Math Adventure Interest Form.   Promoting Your TeachingBooks Access at the Public Library  Wednesday, March 25, from 12 to 12:30 p.m. Make the most of your TeachingBooks access with tips and tricks for promoting the site to your library patrons. Explore resources that can be easily included in patron interactions and programs, increase staff awareness of time-saving tools, and bring reading to life in your community. Even if you can’t attend the live webinar, you can still register here to receive a recording of this session.  Job Posting: Project Coordinator Bureau of Libraries (DPI)  The Bureau of Libraries is seeking applicants for a Project Coordinator. This position is responsible for the coordination of complex projects and activities among staff of the Bureau of Libraries working with public library systems, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies, public and school libraries, vendors, and organizations representing external partners. For full details and how to apply, visit https://wj.wi.gov/20324  CSLP Theme and Slogan Wordsmithing Sessions  Do you adore wordsmithing words and phrases? Do you love word play? Staff from Wisconsin libraries are welcome to join the Theme & Slogan Committee for a deep dive into developing the short list of slogan options for 2029's Nature theme. Join us and share your thoughts.  We're offering two 90 minute Zoom sessions to try and get input from as many libraries as possible:  Register for Tuesday, March 24 at 1pm PST/2pm MST/3pm CST/4pm EST  Register for Wednesday, April 8 at 10am PST/11 am MST/12pm CST/1pm EST    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

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!

In-Person Summer Reading Workshop

Sustainably Grow Your Summer Reading Program

Monday, November 17
1 - 3:30 pm
Brookfield Public Library

Looking for ways to keep your summer library programs energized and transformative? This workshop will inspire you with tips and strategies to align your youth and adult programming with ALA’s sustainability values. Bring environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable practices to your library through hands-on program and policy fun! 

Through the exploration of arts and science activities, community collaborations, summer self-care, and more, learn how a sustainability mindset and the unique characteristics of your community can transform your SLP and nurture community resilience. You’ll have a chance to try out some fun activities and brainstorm with your fellow planners. Attendees will leave with creative ideas and resources to strengthen summer engagement and lead your library to a more just and sustainable future.

Presented by Dawn Tevis, LaCrosse Public Library.

Register here.

Tips and Info from DPI's September 18, 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 September 18, 2025 edition 

Hello All,  Check out these youth services resources and reminders!  CSLP Committee Volunteer Application Now Open  Committees are essential for building an engaging and successful summer program at CSLP. Check out our Committees page to discover the different committees, each with unique focuses, roles, and responsibilities. Find the one that suits you best and get involved!  Applications are open through October 15 - CSLP Committee Application form  For questions about committees, contact CSLP Executive Director, Dawn Krause.  Cosmic Canvas Art and Astronomy Program Guides  The new, free Cosmic Canvas Program Guides give educators everything needed to invite families to explore the universe through creative, hands-on activities that blend art and science. Each guide (Exoplanets and Stellar Evolution) can be run as a full 90-minute program or standalone activities. Check out the “Informal Educators” menu at NASA’s Universe of Learning for more!  Summer Starts in September Webinar and Meet & Greet  Join the National Summer Learning Association for this FREE, dynamic, two-day event to help program leaders, educators, librarians, and partners reflect and prepare for summer 2026.   Register here.    Jeni Schomber  Public Library Consultant

Reflective Assessment in Our Service

Dr. J. Elizabeth Mills, writing on behalf of the ALSC Research committee, has written a clear and well researched call to youth staff to consider ways we can assess our services. This short but meaty post in the ALSC blog gives practical tips on how reflection in our service assessment can build on our learning both during programs and after.

Dr. Miller writes: “Assessment refers to gathering information about  something you are doing to determine progress and effect meaningful growth (Campana, Mills, & Ghoting, 2016). Assessment data can give you the basis for an advocacy story to share the ways in which you are having an impact through your work. This can, in turn, inform your own professional development. Another way to think about assessment is that it’s about understanding what has taken place so that you can continue to strengthen what you do and how you do it.”

To read this powerful post, please stop here.  [The Ripples We Make: Reflective Assessment in Children’s and Youth Services. Miller, Dr. J Elizabeth. ALSC blog. May 29, 2025.]

Let's Get Crafty!

In a recent ALSC blog post, Alicia Hulten, writing for the ALSC Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers, wrote a really helpful post on combining crafts with learning opportunities. for youth ages 3-12.

Alicia writes: "Youth library programs play an important role in enriching young minds by providing a wide range of inclusive activities that promote learning and fun. Key components of these programs are the crafts and activities as they help children explore new ideas and express their creativity all in a warm, welcoming environment. Let’s take a look at some tips that will help you choose engaging crafts and activities for youth library programs. "

To read her handy tips, please stop here. [Crafting Joy for Everyone: Selecting Crafts and Activities for Youth Library Programs. Hulten, Alicia ALSC blog. April 5, 2025]

Tips and Info from DPI's March 6 , 2025 Youth Services Newsletter

Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is chockfull of great resources. 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 March 6, 2025 edition

Katherine Applegate CSLP Color Our World Writing Contest

• Librarians, sign up to receive promotional materials for the Katherine Applegate Color Our World Writing Contest! 
• The first 200 libraries to sign up will receive a promotional easel and bookmarks to promote the Color Our World Writing Contest.
• Find out more about the contest online here: https://bit.ly/ColorOurWorldContest

Wisconsin Mathematics Council’s Summer Math Adventure Program.  

• The purpose of this program is to bring fun, engaging mathematics related activities to students and families across Wisconsin, and our public libraries are the perfect partner to help accomplish this goal.
• WMC is pleased to announce that Version 3.0 of the program will be released later this spring with all new activities for four age groups: PreK, Kindergarten – Grade 2, Grades 3-5 and Grades 6-8.  As in previous years, all of the materials will be available for FREE on the WMC website. You can view previous versions there now.

Carole Boston Weatherford 2025 Virtual and In-Person programming

• Carole Boston Weatherford, Young People's Poet Laureate, Children's Literature Legacy Award winner and the author of more than 80 diverse books for children and teens. is excited to announce Summer 2025 virtual and in-person program offerings, including a Juneteenth celebration, rap writing workshop, genealogy quest and rainbow scratchboard art workshop.
• See the program guide for more information.

govDelivery Subscription List

• DPI is transitioning our subscription lists to a new provider, govDelivery. This change will help us improve communication security, accessibility, and overall efficiency. No additional action is required on your part. You will continue to receive the Weekly Reminders and Resources email, just in a different format.
• What You Need to Know
• Uninterrupted Communication: You will continue to receive the DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources email without disruption.
• New Email Address: I shared last week that you may notice a new sender address in your inbox and asked you to add this address to your address book: DPILibraryYouthServices@info.dpi.wi.gov. Please wait on adding this address to your inbox. I am waiting on confirmation of the new address.
• Branding Changes: Future communications will feature the DPI’s official branding, including our logo and colors.

Don't forget to Spring ahead this weekend!

Share Your Dia Plans

El día de los niños/El dia de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), commonly known as Día, is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30.

Día is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. It is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages, and cultures. The common goals of all Día programming are to:

• Celebrate children and connect them to the world of learning through books, stories and libraries.
• Nurture cognitive and literacy development in ways that honor and embrace a child’s home language and culture.
• Introduce families to community resources that provide opportunities for learning through multiple literacies.
• Recognize and respect culture, heritage and language as powerful tools for strengthening families and communities.

Share Your Día Plans! Submit your programming to the National Día Program Registry   Are you hosting a 2025 program to celebrate Día? We’d love to hear about it! ALSC invites libraries, schools, and community organizations to register their upcoming programs in the National Día Program Registry. By using the registry, program planners help build a searchable database that showcases all types and sizes of programs that celebrate El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) and Diversity In Action. The Día Program Registry also is a space where planners can share diversity programming ideas and practices with colleagues around the country.

SUBMIT YOUR PROGRAM

Creating a School Age Graphic Novel Club

Image by Susana Gonzalez from Pixabay

Recently, Jackie Partch, writing on behalf of ALSC's School Age Programs and Services Committee in the ALSC blog wrote a great how-to post on all you need to create graphic novel programming for your school age children.

Jackie writes: "Graphic novels are wildly popular with kids–and librarians also know that they can help build visual literacy skills, increase reading confidence and strengthen vocabulary knowledge. Kids who read graphic novels also show increased reading motivation. So why not offer a graphic novel book group at your library?"

Please stop here to read this great post. [Starting a Graphic Novel Book Group at Your Library. Partch, Jackie. ALSC blog. January 8, 2025.]

Wisconsin State Park Pass Program Info

 As seen in IFLS Keeping Up with Kids blog , November 20, 2024 issue

Deep dive: Wisconsin State Park Pass program for 2025

The Wisconsin DNR is excited to announce that the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program will return for 2025. We would like to invite you and your library to join us again in the new year.

The 2025 Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program will launch on Jan. 1, 2025, with passes being available for ‘check-out’ throughout the full calendar year. A pre-purchase period for passes for next year will open Wednesday, Nov. 13. Passes will be delivered in mid-December, so they are available for use on Jan. 1.

New in 2025

1. The daily pass distributed through the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program has been updated. Starting in 2025, a new pass will be implemented that is specific for this program. The new passes will read “Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program” and will only be available to participating libraries. The new passes will come as an 8.5×11 flat sheet of 9 passes, so purchase quantities will look different in 2025. Minimum number of passes per purchase is 9. This new pass format will allow for easier shipping and storage of pass inventory.

2. 2025 marks the 12th anniversary of the Wisconsin State Park System. This milestone will be marked with family-friendly events, fascinating park system history and recreation opportunities for visitors of all abilities and experience levels. Libraries and library patrons are invited to join the DNR in celebrating this anniversary occasion. Digital resources with information on events and state park system history will be available for libraries. If you are interested in more information on how to get involved with the 125th anniversary, please reach out to Sara Bernaski by email.

Other program details:

• Daily passes will remail $5 per pass, this discounted price is only available for libraries.
• Passes can be purchased via credit card, check or invoice.
• Digital resources are available from Wisconsin State Parks Pass Program | Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
• Learn more about Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library by visiting Check out Wisconsin State Parks at your Library | | Wisconsin DNR

Wrapping up 2024
Please note that the red daily passes that are currently in use by this program will be phased out of use by the Wisconsin State Park System starting in 2025. Libraries can use the red passes until they are gone.

However, librarians and library staff should be aware that Wisconsin State Park System properties will no longer be selling the red daily passes. Park properties will now distribute a daily pass in a receipt paper format when a customer purchases a daily rate admission. Park system staff are aware that red daily passes are in circulation due to the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks program and may be used by library patrons.
Purchasing and contact info

To purchase passes for 2025, please contact Dawn Hirst via phone or email. Orders can be placed by calling Dawn Hirst at Devil’s Lake State Park at 608-356-8301 Ext.110 or emailing Dawn.Hirst@wisconsin.gov. Please reference the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program and include your contact information.

Have the following information ready: contact name, library name, mailing address, phone number, email, number of passes and payment information.

For all other questions about the Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program, please email Sara Bernaski at Sara.Bernaski@wisconsin.gov.

Jbrary Talks STEM Toys and Games

Recently Lindsey Krabbenhoft at Jbrary shared her list of STEM toys and games that she uses at her library. The post was based on an article she wrote for YACCING Magazine, part of the British Columbia Library Association's Young and Adult and Children's Section.

Lindsey is thinking three main access points at the library:

• Drop-in Use – available in your public space any time
• Programming – for use with small or large groups with mediation by library staff
• Lendable Kits – to be checked out and used at home with caregivers

In this post she concentrates on toys and games you can consider lending at your library. The post contains some great ideas and, in the comments section for the post, youth librarians are adding their favorite library-friendly STEM recommendations.

Please click here to read the post (and share ideas at Jbrary about your successful STEM games and toys for library use. [STEM Toys and Games at the Library. Krabbenhoft, Lindsey. Jbrary. September 2, 2024.

DIY Escape Rooms!

In a recent ALSC blog post, Ann Baillie broke down her method and tips on creating escape room programs for any age and any theme. 

Ann writes: "When planning programs, I often try to create programs around based around patron requests. When kids ask me to do a program about a favorite comic book or TV show character, I make it happen. One of my favorite ways to fulfill a patron’s request is with an escape room. If you have never hosted an escape room before, these are fun programs where patrons have one hour to solve a series of puzzles to escape a room."

Please click here to read the full post with some great resources included to spark YOUR creativity! [Unlocking Adventure: Creating Themed Escape Rooms. Baillie, Ann. ALSC blog. July 26, 2024]

Be Part of WI Science Fest BioBlitz

WiSciFest BioBlitz at your library: DPI invites libraries throughout Wisconsin to host community bioblitzes during the weeklong Wisconsin Science Festival (October 14-20). A bioblitz is an event which gives your 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 week. 

• Our friends at the Wisconsin Water Library and Wisconsin Sea Grant, who host the annual Great Lakes BioBlitz in the spring, have assembled an amazing bioblitz resource guide with all the important information you need to host your own bioblitz.
• They are also holding an informational webinar on Thursday, September 19 at 11:30 to introduce both new and experienced participants to the joys of bioblitzing. Be sure to register for the webinar.