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

UW Madison iSchool Fall CE Courses

There are some great course coming up this fall to enhance your youth services work. If you enroll up to two weeks before the course starts, you are eligible for a 10% discount. 

Roll with it…Gaming in Libraries

Sept 8 – Oct 5 (4 weeks)  $165

Games are a multifaceted (and often, underutilized) way to engage with patrons of all ages at your library. In this class, we’ll discuss collection development and policy creation for video games, board games, and TTRPGs (tabletop role-playing games). We’ll also strategize the development and implementation of gaming clubs, from casual board game meet-ups, running Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, to after school video game clubs and more! Instructor: Dusty Karls, La Crosse Public Library

Bringing the Science of Reading into Library Storytimes and Play Spaces

Sept 15 – Oct 26 (6 weeks), $275

The “Science of Reading” is a term gaining traction and informing legislation but it is not new. Gough & Tunmer brought us their model for reading comprehension in 1986, The Simple View of Reading, and described a simple formula: RC = D x LC. Reading Comprehension (RC) is the product of Decoding (D) and Language Comprehension (LC) proficiencies. The science of reading remains grounded in this same research and now encompasses thousands of studies. As librarians, we can employ specific strategies to incorporate this knowledge into our programming and play spaces. Let’s focus on concrete ways we can bring this research into our daily work to assist our youngest patrons on their lifelong reading journey through weekly reading assignments, discussions, and reflection on our current practices. Instructor: Katelyn Martens-Rodriguez,  Washington County Library (MN)

STEAM For Youth Services
Oct 6 – Nov 2 (4 weeks) $165
Are you interested in exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) for youth ages 0–5? This course will highlight why STEAM matters in early childhood, how libraries can foster curiosity and discovery, and how to incorporate STEAM into programs and storytimes in developmentally appropriate ways. We’ll also explore what’s emerging in the field of preschool STEAM. You will learn:

• Understand how young children’s brains develop alongside early STEAM skills and milestones.
• Identify and explain the core concepts of STEAM and how they appear in early childhood learning.
• Design developmentally appropriate library programs or storytimes that integrate STEAM concepts.
• Explore current trends and future directions in early childhood STEAM learning.

Instructor: Kristin Caldwell, formerly La Crosse County Library

Trauma-Informed Care: An Introduction for Libraries

Oct 13 – Nov 23 (6weeks) $275

Trauma-Informed Care started in the healthcare field, but there is a lot to being trauma informed that can equip libraries to best serve our complex communities. A trauma-informed library is a place where staff understands the perspectives of people who have experienced trauma and provides positive and unbiased service. All the decisions we make are opportunities for retraumatization or healing; so we might as well make them deliberately! Learn how to apply a trauma-informed lens to improve your service, space, and work culture. Topics:

• What “trauma-informed” means in a library context
• Toxic stress and the brain, and what that means for our work interactions
• Applying trauma-informed principles to library work
• The importance of workforce wellness in a Trauma-Informed approach
• An introduction to the concepts of historical trauma and institutional oppression

Instructor: S. Bryce Kozla, Washington (OR) County Cooperative Library Services

Youth Services 101
Oct 13 – Dec 7 (8 weeks) $360
Looking to ground yourself in the basics of youth services for public libraries? Whether you are new to the field, need a refresher, or just need a breath of fresh air, this course will look at the past, present and, future of great service for children and teens. Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the basics of child development and trends
• Create age-appropriate collections and programming
• Perform advocacy and outreach activities
• Establish effective community partnerships
• Build kid-friendly environments
• Work through difficult patron situations
• Learn about recent trends in youth services
• Libraries and the Customer Experience, Oct 20 – Nov 16

Instructor: Brooke Newberry, La Crosse (WI) Public Library

You can see these additional courses of interest at the iSchool CE page go.wisc.edu/ischool-ce

• Advanced Public Library Administration, Sept 8 – Nov 30
• Introduction to Digitization Projects, Sept 8 – Nov 2
• Public and Community Library Services, Sept 15 – Dec 7
• Basic Public Library Administration, Sept 15 – Dec 7
• Basics of Cataloging, Sept 22 – Nov 16
• NEW! Starting Strong: A Guide to the Initial Phases of Library Facility Planning, Oct 6 – Nov 16
• Making a Collection Count: Collection Management Basics, Oct 13 – Dec 7
• Nonfiction RA: Beyond the Basics, Oct 20-Nov 16
• Libraries and the Customer Experience, Oct 20 – Nov 16

Call for Proposals - New WI-based National Conference Announced

Those fabulous folks at UW-Madison iSchool Continuing Education Dept just announced another innovative two-day national conference centered around technology and library service. Upgrade joins their other conference offerings like Power Up: A Leadership Conference For Youth Services Managers And Staff; Lead the Way: Libraries At The Heart Of Community Engagement Conference and Back In Circulation: A Conference For Managers And Staff In Access And Circulation Services. These national conferences offer cutting edge content that libraries in WI can take full advantage of by attending and presenting at them. This conference has great possibilities for strong youth content. Read on!

Upgrade: Enhancing Library Services with Technology

October 6-7, 2025

Pyle Center in Madison, WI

Dr. Brandy McNeil and Dr. Alex Hanna

CALL FOR PROPOSALS The University of Wisconsin-Madison iSchool is excited to announce Upgrade, a new conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology and library services. This two-day event in Madison, WI will bring together library staff from across the country to discuss innovative practices in library technology. This conference will focus on cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence applications in libraries, effective use of social media for community engagement, and the crucial importance of cybersecurity in protecting our digital resources. We are excited to feature Drs. Brandy McNeil and Alex Hanna as keynote speakers! Please submit your proposal by March 2, 2025. For more information, visit our website. Presenters will be required to present in Madison, WI. Topics may include but are not limited to: AI, virtual reality, cybersecurity and data privacy, media labs and makerspaces, social media, media literacy, podcasts, digital collections, equity, accessible and inclusive technology, and OER. Staff from public, academic, and K-12 libraries of all sizes are welcome to attend. 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 Workshop presentation: One-hour hands-on learning experience about a tool of your choice Lightning talk: 5-minute mini presentation about a new initiative at your library 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! Priority will be given to sessions that include interactive elements and audience participation. Full-length presentation speakers will receive free conference registration; lightning talk speakers and roundtable moderators will receive discounted registration. If you are willing, please include a jpeg photo of yourself that can be uploaded to Sched, our conference agenda app. This can be either a professional headshot or a more casual photo! Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement UW-Madison iSchool encourages presenters representing a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, perspectives, and voices. We aim for conference presenters to be as diverse as the communities we serve. Submissions are welcome from anyone who is interested in presenting, including students, new professionals, first-time presenters, and representatives of allied professions. This conference is an in-person event.

UW Madison iSchool Fall Youth Library CE Courses

There are some great online courses coming up this fall with great instructors. These courses are taught asynchronously which means you pick the time each week to access the course and discussions that best fits your schedule!

Registering at least two weeks before the courses begin gets you a 10% discount.  Click on the course title to get the details.

Roll with It...Gaming in Libraries        

    August 5 - Sept 1         Dusty Karls               $165         (4 weeks)

Makerspace Magic - Plan and Design Your Library's Makerspace

August 5 - Sept 1           Sarah  French             $165         (4 weeks)

Services to Homeschoolers

Sept 16 - Oct 13            Adrienne Pettinelli     $165         (4 weeks)

Youth Services 101        

Oct 7 - Dec 1                Brooke Newberry        $360     (8 weeks)

What's New in Children's Books

Nov 11 - Dec 8                Katelyn Martens-Rodriguez      $165      (4 weeks)

Plus there are many great additional courses. Stop here to see the full schedule of fall online courses for library staff.

UW-Madison iSchool Summer Online CE Courses

There's some wonderful offerings this summer to up your game in youth services no matter how small or large your library. All registrants receive an early bird 10% discount if registering at least 2 weeks before the course.

Graphic Design for Libraries            June 10- July 7 (4 weeks)       $164
A key element of engaging library patrons is communicating with them effectively. While libraries often have no shortage of staff who excel at verbal communication, few have in-house expertise in visual communication—leaving the design of flyers, newsletters, web pages and other print and digital communications in the hands of “accidental” graphic designers. Attend this four-week course to begin learning the foundational principles of graphic design and elevate the quality of your library’s visual communications. A free Canva account or standard Microsoft Office software can be used for course activities. Topics Typography; Shape and Color; Composition; Design tools and resources; Software Requirements.  Instructor: Elisa Coghlan

Strategies For Supervising Part-Time Employees      July 1-August 11 (6 weeks)      $275
Part-time staff are often on the front line of library services. Whether you manage student employees, part-time LTEs, or permanent part-time staff – supporting and supervising part-time personnel takes extra consideration. When an employee isn’t in the office every day it can lead to unintentional communication and training gaps and sometimes even a harmful sense of exclusion. This course explores how we can be strategic as supervisors and colleagues of part-time staff to engage, motivate, and empower all employees on our team. Discover practical strategies based in structural empowerment theory to create a culture that encourages employees across all levels to be change-agents at your organization. By examining ingrained institutional rituals – everything from emails to meetings to evaluations – we can develop more inclusive practices that address the unique needs and concerns of part-time staff.  Topics: Individual and structural empowerment; Inclusive communication practices; Effective training and assessment strategies; Creating opportunities for professional development and advancement; Access to formal & informal power across organizational hierarchies

Instructor: Ashley McHose

Tackling Tough Workplace Conversations     July 29-Auguust 25 (4 weeks)    $165
Sometimes there are situations at work or with work colleagues that are frustrating, and the best way to remedy it is to have a tough conversation. But where do we start? How do we prepare? What if the conversation doesn’t solve the issue? Tough conversations with co-workers are not always comfortable, but steps can be taken to ensure they aren’t terrible. This course will cover tools and best practices to ensure that these conversations will result in a more pleasant workplace. In this course, learners will: Develop leadership skills to navigate tough conversations; Learn how to build trust with colleagues; Determine methods for staying calm; Practice active listening

Audience: Any librarian or staff member who is looking to strengthen their communication skills.
This course has been adapted from Having Difficult Workplace Conversations. 

Instructor: Jamie Matczak

Roll with It: Gaming in Libraries        August 5-Sept 1 (4 weeks     $165

Games are a multifaceted (and often, underutilized) way to engage with patrons of all ages at your library. In this class, we’ll discuss collection development and policy creation for video games, board games, and TTRPGs (tabletop role-playing games). We’ll also strategize the development and implementation of gaming clubs, from casual board game meet-ups, running Dungeons and Dragons campaigns, to after school video game clubs and more! You will learn how to…Design and implement a collection development strategy for games of all types and formats, for all ages; Strategize policies and best practices for game circulation and programs; Build and grow programs using the games in your collection. Instructor: Dusty Karls

Library Advocacy and Storymaking: The Hero’s Journey from Community to Page

AUgust 5 - Sept 1 (4 weeks)      $165
As librarians we’re steeped in story—through our patron interactions, in our communities and programs, and, of course, on our shelves. How can we use the power of story to bring out the best in our communities and our work? How can we craft library advocacy stories with the greatest transformative effect? This course explores the impact of advocacy stories in a shifting library landscape and how to implement library advocacy through strategies that both uncover and inspire community heroes. Participants will workshop their own short library advocacy story using a storytelling model in which the library user is the central figure in the tale of how they use their library to access what they need to create the community they want. Whether you’re new or established in the field, advocating from the director’s desk or through front-line service, this course will prepare you to recognize, craft, and deliver library stories that support and strengthen your evolving community and profession. Go beyond data to create stories that can be used to bolster support for the library in your community, advocate for your library with municipal leaders, and build innovative connections with area organizations. In this course, learners will: Identify the elements of powerful library stories; Recognize ways humans are wired to engage story; Craft an advocacy story that applies to your library to take with you; Evaluate storymaking policies and procedures for your library; Identify potential audiences for your advocacy story and explore ways to share. Audience: Public, school, or academic librarians who are getting started on their advocacy journey, or those who want to learn about new techniques that enhance their current advocacy efforts. Instructor: Dawn Tevis

Makerspace Magic – Plan and Design Your Library’s Makerspace

August 1 - Sept 4 (4 weeks)        $165
Have you ever wondered how a well-designed makerspace can inspire and connect with your library’s visitors? Maker programming provides an additional way to utilize the library’s space and resources by providing hands-on education and access to materials, tools, and technologies. This course will cover how to plan, implement, facilitate, and evaluate makerspaces and maker programming. By the end of this course, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to establish, manage, and maximize the impact of a makerspace in their library. You will learn: To design a makerspace that addresses the needs of your library users.; To formulate makerspace policies and procedures.; Best practices for planning and facilitating maker programming.; To evaluate and refine your makerspace and maker programming. Audience: Public, school, or academic librarians interested in developing or revitalizing a makerspace in a library; those who are just getting started with makerspaces and those who have experience with makerspaces but are interested in current best practices and new innovations in the field. Instructor: Sarah French

Youth-Centered CE from UW-Madison iSchool

For those of you hankering for some outstanding autumn CE focused on youth services, you can't go wrong with the many online offerings this fall from UW-Madison SLIS. These courses are taught by some of the best in the children's and teen field and are worth every penny. You will recognize, as your instructors, the names (and talents) of many current YSS members and former members now working in other states.  There is a 10% early bird discount if you register 2 weeks before each class begins!

Here are the youth-specific offerings coming up this fall:

Programming with Purpose 
Sept 21-Oct 18.  Instructor: Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser
We all want our libraries to have strong programming. How do you know if your library is producing meaningful, intentional programs that align with your vision, support your mission and recognize staff capacity versus simply falling into the "more is more" trap? This course will explore both broad perspectives on identifying programming values and goals as well as in-depth strategies for planning thoughtful, intentional programs for any age. Participants will actively focus on defining programming priorities; staying rooted in community; implementing tools and resources; and change management.

Youth Services 101
Sept 28-Nov 22. Instructor: Brooke Newberry
Looking to ground yourself in the basics of youth services for public libraries? Whether you are new to the field, need a refresher, or just need a breath of fresh air, this course will look at the past, present and future of great services for children and teens.

Teens in the Library
Oct 12-Nov 22. Instructor: Linda Jerome
You've got teens in the library - now what? Or maybe you'd like to have more teens in the library. So how exactly do you do this? This course will help provide library staff a foundation upn which they can build successful service to teens in their community through programming, attractive space for teens in the library, teen collections and outreach and community partnerships.

What's New in Children's Books?
Oct 19- Nov 15 Instructor: Crystal Brunelle
Are you looking for ways to keep your children's collection inclusive, relevant and up-to-date? Designed for librarians and library workers in service to children, this course will provide a survey of new books for readers birth-12 years old. Participants will learn about current evaluation and selection techniques and resources for finding a wide variety of books for young readers. Books examined include outstanding new (2017-present) board books, picture books, graphic novels, poetry along with fiction and nonfiction in various formats.

You can also find outstanding courses on beginning Spanish, trauma-informed care; graphic design, and so much more! Stop by the main UW-iSchool CE page for all the course listings, dates and costs.

Lead the Way Community Engagement Conference Registration Open

If you are feeling a tad bit "ALA Left Behind," don't despair. UW Madison iSchool Department of Continuing Education is sponsoring a national conference April 20-21 focusing on the many ways libraries can engage their communities. The Lead the Way: Libraries at the Heart of Community Engagement conference boasts speakers from both our state and across the country with over 32 sessions to choose from. There is significant youth-focused and collaborative content.

At $325 registration fee and reasonable hotel rates, this new conference is a great ROI opportunity. Some scholarships (including some exclusive to WI library staff) are available.

Click here for all the information and to read more

UW-Madison Online CE Classes

Looking to up your game? There are a number of youth services-focused classes offered by UW-Madison iSchool COntinuing Ed Dept. coming in early 2020 perfect for you. Here's the  line-up. Click on the title for class details and description.

Online Classes

Register two weeks before the start date for a 10% discount!

Groups of 5 or more? Contact us about a reduced rate: ahpalmer@wisc.edu

NEW! I’m a School Library Media Specialist… Now What?!

Feb 3 – March 15

Amanda Struckmeyer successfully made the switch from public to school library and has a wealth of experience to share.

Babies in the Library 

Feb 3 – March 15

Join YSS member Brook Newberry sharing all the things on service t babies and their caregivers.

Reinvent Your Summer Library Program

Feb 3 – March 1

YSS member Sue Abrahamson gives practical, do-able tips to create change for your SLP

Solving Copyright Dilemmas for K12 Libraries

Feb 3 – March 1

All you need to know when working with your students

Questions? Contact Anna Palmer

Learn a Ton Anytime

The fall schedule of UW-Madison iSchool's online continuing education courses is out - and it has great content for youth services staff. These courses are all asynchronous - which means that you access them within each week at times convenient to YOU!

Teens in the Library Oct 14- Nov 24 (6 weeks)
A brand new course developed by teen services guru and YSS member Linda Jerome, this is a great way to strengthen and support your skills in all things teen.

What's New in Children's Books  Oct 21- Nov 17 (4 weeks)
You've been asking for a return of this perennial favorite and UW heard you. This updated course is taught by Crystal Brunelle, blogger at Rich in Color  and school librarian extraordinaire whose wide ranging knowledge of children's literature will help you update and strengthen your collection development skills.

Service to Homeschoolers  Oct 7 - Nov 3  (4 weeks)
Don't miss this chance to improve your strategies for service to your hmeschooling community taught by noted subject expert Adrienne Pettinelli of NY.

To register, just stop by the main CE page of UW-Madison iSchool

Inaugural Conference on Community Engagement Call for Proposals

Do you have ideas to share about engaging your community? Lead the Way: Libraries at the Heart of Community Engagement is an ideal venue to share your exciting projects and practices!  Librarians and staff from all types of libraries are invited to attend and present. The program committee will accept proposals until September 6, 2019.

Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• community engagement for beginners
• how to be an engaged leader
• service outside the library
• making connections & partnerships within the community
• community engagement and strategic planning
• library as a lead community engagement institution
• community engagement as library advocacy
• services focused on diversity and inclusion
• community engagement related to all forms of accessibility
• teaching as a form of engagement
• leveraging technology to enhance engagement
• community engagement and programing re-boots
• using community data to inform decision making
• how to fund community engagement projects
• administrative strategies to foster community engagement

Find out more HERE.

Arbuthnot Lecture Archived Livestream

Dr. Debbie Reese, a powerful advocate for realistic depictions of indigenous peoples in children's and teen books, presented the ALSC May Hill Arbuthnot lecture at the University of Wisconsin-Madison on Saturday April 13. The speech was deep, thought-provoking, and an honest look at Dr. Reese's journey and work. Every youth librarian needs to watch this important speech.

The livestream archive is available through Wisconsin Public Television.

Arbuthnot Lecture Livestream!

Did you miss your chance to snag a ticket for "Indigenous Critique of Whiteness in Children's Literature," the upcoming Arbuthnot Lecture by Dr. Debbie Reese?



You can view it on Wisconsin Public Television livestream online!



The lecture will be held on Saturday, April 13th at 7:30pm, with livestream viewing available HERE.

Want more information?  Here's the original press release:

The Cooperative Children’s Book Center along with the UW-Madison iSchool and UW-Madison School of Education were selected to host this year’s Arbuthnot lecture, sponsored by the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) of the American Library Association. Support is also being provided by the Friends of the CCBC, Inc. and the Ho-Chunk Nation.

Dr. Debbie Reese is a critic and scholar whose research and writings on representation of Indigenous people in children’s and young adult literature have informed the work of librarians and teachers and other scholars across the country. Her work, including on her American Indians in Children’s Literature web site and blog, is an essential resource for practitioners today.

Click HERE to explore the American Indians in Children's Literature website and blog.

Thanks to the ever-fabulous Tessa Michaelson Schmidt for keeping us up-to-date on all the rad opportunities available to us, including the email informing us about this very livestream!

EDIT: I was also informed that the livestream will be recorded and the link location will be shared after the event.  Thanks again, Tessa!

Tickets Available for Arbuthnot Lecture With Debbie Reese in Madison

Debbie Reese, enrolled member of the Nambe Pueblo nation, blogger at American Indians in Children's Literature and fierce advocate for diversity, inclusion and authenticity in portrayals of First Nation peoples in youth literature will be presenting the national ALSC Arbuthnot lecture in Madison WI on Saturday, April 13, 7:30-9 pm.

The lecture, sponsored by the CCBC, UW-Madison iSchool and UW-Madison School of Education, is free. It will be held at the Wisconsin Institutes for Discovery - DeLuca Forum / Main Floor - 330 North Orchard Street.

If you can't make the event, the lecture will be livestreamed. Information on that will be forthcoming.

You need to register to reserve your ticket. But don't delay, this event will sell out quickly.

Summer Learning for Library Staff Serving Youth

There's still a chance to sign up for the UW iSchool's course "Creating the Summer Library Program of Your Dreams" co-taught by two of YSS's amazing members, Marge Loch-Wouters and Sue Abrahamson.

Utilizing their experience and examining summer learning through various lenses, this course is an opportunity to learn from them and from your peers throughout the nation. Summer is THE season in the library and there's much to consider when planning and evaluating your summer library program.

The first session of this course filled so quickly that the iSchool added a second session and seats are still available. For more information or to register, visit the Program at a Glance page. This session runs from March 11 - April 7.

2019 National May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture Scheduled in Madison!!

Debbie Reese, PhD

An alert peer noticed a tweet on August 11 from the CCBC's KT Horning:

"Mark Your Calendars! The 2019 May Hill Arbuthnot Lecture by @debreese wil take place in Madison WI on Saturday April 13 7:30 pm. #2019Arbuthnot, @UWMadison@wearealsc"

This is big news! The CCBC, UW School of Education and UW-Madison iSchool successfully collaborated on an application to host this annual honored lecture featuring Dr. Debbie Reese, champion of of Native representation and strong advocate for inclusion.

The free Arbuthnot lecture is held all over the US (last year in Bellingham WA) so having it close to home is great!

You can read about the details of next year's lecture here and read general information about the lecture and Arbuthnot here.

Mark those calendars now for Saturday April 13 at 7:30 pm. We'll keep you posted on location, how to get free tickets and final details as they happen!