Two New WI Historical Society Books for Young Readers

 From Wisconsin Historical Society press releases:

An Essential Introduction to Civics for Young Readers Newly Revised and Updated

What are the different levels of government in Wisconsin? How are laws made? What is a political party? Who is allowed to vote in elections? How can citizens, young and old, get involved in their communities? These questions and many more are answered in the newly revised edition of Voices and Votes: How Government Works in Wisconsin, a comprehensive introduction to civics geared for students in grades 3–5. Filled with color photos and illustrations—as well as diagrams, maps, and vocabulary words that make the material easy to absorb—this book explores: • The fundamentals of federal, state, local, and Tribal government • How Wisconsin’s constitution was created and how it has changed • The way elections work and why voting matters Readers will also find compelling examples of citizens from Wisconsin’s past who spoke up and worked to change laws and policies to improve the state and their communities, including: • Gaylord Nelson, who advocated for the environment as a state senator, congressman, and Wisconsin governor • Jesus Salas, who worked with state agencies to improve the lives of migrant farmworkers • Vel Phillips, who fought for fair housing as a member of Milwaukee’s city council Voices and Votes also offers contemporary stories of young people engaging with their communities, working to solve problems, and sharing their voices. This brilliantly updated edition will inspire new generations of readers to understand and participate in our democracy. Paperback: $20.00 112 pages, 56 color and b&w photos and illustrations, 8 x 9 ISBN: 978-1-9766-0026-5 Ages 8-12 Publication Date: Feb. 4, 2025 Ordering Information: This book is available from most library distributors, Maris Dambekaln (262-695-9365), and the Chicago Distribution Center at orders@press.uchicago.edu or 800-621-2736. Published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, which has been sharing Wisconsin stories since 1855 in service to the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society. www.wisconsinhistory.org/whspress A Compelling Biography of Civic Leader and  Social Justice Advocate Vel Phillips for Young Readers Valiant Vel: Vel Phillips and the Fight for Fairness and Equality tells the remarkable story of fair housing advocate and civic leader Vel Phillips, a groundbreaking figure in Milwaukee’s and Wisconsin’s civil rights history, for readers ages 11 and up. Drawn in part from Vel Phillips’s unpublished autobiography and extensively researched by author Jerrianne Hayslett, Valiant Vel explores Phillips’s inspirational journey, from her childhood experiences facing racial discrimination, to achieving her dream of becoming a lawyer, to her long career in politics and civil rights. Valiant Vel also recounts one of Phillips’s most significant contributions in office: her courageous six-year campaign to confront Milwaukee’s decades-long practice of housing discrimination, culminating in the passage of a citywide fair housing ordinance in 1968. As the first Black woman on the Milwaukee Common Council, Wisconsin’s first Black judge, and the first Black woman to win statewide office after being elected secretary of state of Wisconsin, Phillips fought for justice and equality for all people and left a lasting legacy that has inspired generations. Featuring historic photographs as well as original illustrations by Milwaukee artist Aaron Boyd—plus an afterword by Phillips’s son, Michael, a glossary of terms, and sources for further research—Valiant Vel is both an engaging lesson in civics and an inspiring story of an activist who dedicated her life to making the world a better place. WRITTEN BY JERIANNE HAYSLETT Jerianne Hayslett is an award-winning journalist, a writer, and a trial-court information officer. She left her native state of Virginia at age nineteen and lived overseas and in several states before settling in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Valiant Vel is her first book for young readers. ILLUSTRATED BY AARON BOYD Aaron Boyd knew by age six that he wanted to illustrate children’s books. He has illustrated dozens of books, including The Story of Civil Rights Hero John Lewis and the Wisconsin Historical Society Press title Brownie the War Dog. Aaron lives with his family in Milwaukee. AFTERWORD BY MICHAEL PHILLIPS Michael Phillips is the son of Vel and Dale Phillips and administrator and board member of the Vel Phillips Foundation. Paperback: $20.00 152 pages, 55 color and b&w photos and illustrations, 8 x 9 ISBN: 978-1-9766-0043-2 Publication Date: February 18, 2025 Ages 11-14 UPCOMING EVENTS Jerianne Hayslett, Aaron Boyd, and Michael Phillips Feb. 15 at Milwaukee Public Library Ordering Information: This book is available from most library distributors, Maris Dambekaln (262-695-9365), and the Chicago Distribution Center at orders@press.uchicago.edu or 800-621-2736. Contact: For review copies of the book, author interview requests, author and book photos, and book event information, please contact Susan Jevens, Sales & Marketing Manager, Wisconsin Historical Society Press; susan.jevens@wisconsinhistory.org. Published by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press, which has been sharing Wisconsin stories since 1855 in service to the mission of the Wisconsin Historical Society.

Meet WI Librarian/Author Shelley Tougas

Shelley Tougas

I was captivated reading a brief interview of Shelley Tougas, director at the Hudson Area Public Library at the IFLS Keeping Up with Kids blog . Interviewer Leah Langby shared it in a recent post.

Besides getting to know her, Shelley shares rare insights into how kids use libraries and approach the books they choose and the vital importance of librarians who work with children. Here is just one brief quote from her: "Who ensures all kids have access to books that reflect their life experiences? Librarians, librarians, librarians. We build the entrance ramps from the book world to our communities."

To read this fascinating interview and find out more about Shelley and her books please stop here. [An Author in Our Midst. Langby, Leah. IFLS Keeping Up with Kids. January 8, 2024]

Coming out 2/24 from Roaring Brook Press

Books for Juvenile Offenders

In a timely and fascinating post on the ALSC blog from the ALSC Intellectual Freedom Committee, Dr. Karin Perry, Associate Professor of Library Science at Sam Houston  State University argues passionately for libraries' role in working collaboratively within the community to provide materials and programs to youth in juvenile detention centers.

Dr. Perry writes: "Juvenile detention centers play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and development of young offenders. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of providing access to books and other reading materials for these young people. Research conducted by criminal justice scholars emphasizes the need for a correctional system that focuses on rehabilitation rather than just punishment.

According to a study conducted in juvenile detention centers, the implementation of programs that promote reading and provide access to literature has shown significant positive effects on offender outcomes. These programs include structured reading time, access to a variety of books, and literacy-based activities. Studies have shown that access to reading materials can have a profound impact on the lives of adolescents in detention centers."

Please stop here to read this important blog post. [The Vital Role of Literature for Juvenile Offenders. Perry, Dr. Karin. ALSC blog. December 12, 2023.]

2019 Youth Services Development Institute

Wisconsin Youth Services Development Institute
Sunday, August 25 - Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Heartwood Conference Center • Trego, Wisconsin

Overview
The Wisconsin Youth Services Development Institute provides professional development and networking for Wisconsin public library staff who serve babies, children, and teens in smaller public libraries. The Institute targets library staff who have no graduate degree in librarianship and/or work in rural/isolated library communities. For these individuals, there is a need to improve skill and knowledge base, foster a supportive network, and develop stronger peer-to-peer and professional community connections within the Wisconsin public libraries infrastructure.

Over the course of three days, Institute participants experience foundational training related to youth services, including programming, advocacy, and collection development. In addition, emphasis will be placed on developing technology and leadership skills. Training is conducted by the state library agency's Youth and Inclusive Services consultant and experienced professionals from around the state. The Institute is limited to 25 participants in order to facilitate an effective, intimate, and focused Institute experience. Face-to-face interaction in a small group setting is considered an important element of the Institute and the basis for future networking and professional participation, online and in-person. 

In addition to the in-person experience, participants can expect to communicate regularly with the cohort and trainers via email. Engagement in the Institute begins upon acceptance of a spot in the 25 person cohort and continues through the 12 months following the in-person training in Trego. The Institute experience requires a commitment of time and energy. In return, participants can expect professional transformation. Graduates of the 2013, 2015, and 2017 Institutes described their experiences as "life changing." 

Logistics
There is no fee for Institute participants; the costs are covered through an LSTA grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the Public Library Development Team at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). 

The Institute will begin at 4pm Sunday evening and conclude at 1pm Wednesday afternoon. All meals, from Sunday dinner through Wednesday lunch are included. Individual, single room lodging will be provided for participants. Participants are expected to stay on site throughout the Institute versus lodging elsewhere or commuting. Furthermore, the Institute is designed as an immersion experience for participants—family and guests are not welcome in this intense and intimate training. Participants must provide their own transportation to and from the conference center. Carpooling from different regions of the state is encouraged.

Application Process
Applications are due by Tuesday, April 30, 2019, through the online application process. Twenty-five applicants will be selected, preferably representing all 16 public library systems. If necessary, a waiting list will be maintained. Participants will be notified by mid-May. In addition to basic contact information, the online application asks the following open-ended questions (maximum 1000 characters each):

1.       Why do you want to take part in the 2019 Wisconsin Youth Services Development Institute?  

2.       How do you think you would benefit from year-long membership in the Institute cohort?

3.       Please briefly describe your library background and any relevant training in the field of youth services.

4.       What is the one thing you hope to know or do after attending the Institute?

WLA Conference 2018 - YSS THURSDAY & FRIDAY Highlights

The WLA Conference is just around the corner and the youth services offerings are abundant!  Check out what is coming your way at WLA on Thursday and Friday:

Thursday

Nighttime is Teen Time
La Crosse Center South Hall - B3

Rebecca Barry, Chilton Public Library; Terry Ehle, Lester Public Library, Two Rivers; Lisa Pike, Manitowoc Public Library
Are extracurriculars keeping teens from your after-school programs? Struggling to find the best time to get teens in the door? Then after-hour programs may be for you! From big ideas to small, our panel of late night experts will share their experiences with teen programming after the sun goes down and the library doors close. Panelists will share after-hours experiences including a new community initiative that brings a late night program every weekend to teens in the community; tips and tricks on how to get started; and ideas for monthly themed teen nights and Random Fandom after-hours events.

Shaking Up Your Collections!
La Crosse Center South Hall - B1

Candi Fitzsimons, Johnson Public Library, Darlington; Tara Fortney, Schreiner Memorial Library, Lancaster
Turn your Children’s collection into an easily-navigated, exciting treasure trove for your patrons, young and old! Our small libraries completely re-imagined our picture book organization and came up with a fresh, fun way to browse and shelve! Using popular categories, colorful signage and things you already have in your storage closet, you can create a system that your staff and patrons will love to dive into! We’ll also give you tips on how to dump “Dewey” in both your Children’s AND Adult sections!

Your Library as a Resource for Families of Children with Special Needs
La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom B

Maria Dietrich, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville; Jeni Schomber, Beloit Public Library; Karen Wendt, Monona Public Library
Public or school, rural or urban, large or small--all public libraries serve children with disabilities in their communities. Panelists will share experiences getting started with Sensory Storytimes, and success partnering with a Parenting Connections initiative to make their libraries vibrant hubs where caregivers of children with special needs can connect with local and regional resources. Learn best practices for sustainable community partnerships, how to develop a community needs assessment, ideas for programs, and inclusive marketing strategies, as well as accessible customer service and how to make existing children’s programs more welcoming for all abilities.

"Yeah, Sure, I Don’t Care." A Mantra to Improve Your Children’s Area
La Crosse Center South Hall - B1

Kari Preuss, Elroy Public Library, Nikole Verde, Elroy Public Library
Stop looking at the Children’s area as a stodgy Librarian. A small library doubled the children’s checkouts and tripled the summer library program over two years. How? We focused on what is important; what will make the kids WANT to return. We’ll share a few ideas that worked including changes in collection, space, attitudes, collaborations, forgiveness, and a staff who smiling says to the kids, “Yeah, sure, I don’t care.”

Burr/Worzalla Children's Book Award Winner
La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom C

Darcy Miller, Author, Prairie du Sac
Join this year’s Burr/Worzalla Award winner as she presents on her book, Roll, a hilariously funny and poignant coming-of-age story about Lauren, who would rather be called “Ren,” who learns about friendship, family and Birmingham Roller Pigeons after he moves to the country.

Miller’s book was selected as the winner by the Children’s Book Award Committee of the WLA Youth Services Section (YSS) after the examination and evaluation of titles from 2017 by authors and illustrators with a Wisconsin connection.

No One Checked It Out: Transforming Perceptions of Diverse Books
La Crosse Center South Hall - B2
Dawn Foster, Portage Public Library; Jenna Gilles-Turner, Chippewa Falls Public Library; Jessi Peterson, Chippewa Falls Public Library; Megan Schliesmann, Cooperative Children’s Book Center, Madison; Aimee Schreiber, Sparta Free Library
You know it’s important to buy diverse books. But your community is small, your budget is small, and it’s hard to justify when they rarely leave the shelf. What can you do? Embrace your power as a role model! Incorporate diverse books in story times, displays, and other programming throughout the year. Make diversity visible and show it’s valued. Let your community see that diverse books aren’t about “the other” but about “us.” This session will feature a panel of practitioners using diverse books on a regular basis across their programming.

Low - (NO!) Budget Storytime Props
La Crosse Center South Hall - B1

Kirsten Almo, Edgerton Public Library
Looking for ways to energize your storytime or preschool programs with a low (or NO) budget? Are you falling into a slump and ready for some new additions to your already awesome programs? This session will send you back with loads of ideas you can use TODAY! Even better, you can add most of these fun props without breaking your non-existent budget!

Awards & Honors Reception
Radisson La Crosse Ballroom

This is your opportunity to personally thank and interact with our award winners.

Sponsored by EBSCO

 Friday

The Biology of Sex
La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom C

Alexandra Hall, M.D., UW–Stout, Menomonie

Trained in theater, education and medicine, Dr. Hall will share what we do and do not know about the development of our biologic sex, gender identity, and sexual orientation from a scientific standpoint in this accessible and interactive session. Dr. Hall has been providing transgender health services to patients and advocating for trans health issues for over a decade and speaks both regionally and nationally on the topic. 

Experiences in Weeding Insensitive Picture Books About American Indians
La Crosse Center South Hall - Boardroom B

Valerie Morris, Whitefish Bay Public Library
This session will discuss the experiences and issues with weeding youth picture book collections of insensitive, inaccurate, and stereotypical books about American Indians/First Nations. The importance of providing accurate and respectful books on American Indians for young patrons will be presented with examples of books discarded and the reasons why. Session attendees will be provided with information and resources on identifying problematic books.

Get OUT of Here! Taking Your Summer Reading Program on the Road and Bringing the Outside In
La Crosse Center South Hall - Boardroom C

Lara Lakari, Marinette County Libraries/Stephenson Public Library
Looking for ways to engage children in your community who cannot make it into the library during the summer months? Trying to reach an audience you may have missed? We will share various methods of reaching your target audience when they cannot come to you. Mobile programs will include STEM/STEAM, Little Free Libraries, portable story times, and parking lot science. Plan on sharing your own ideas and experiences as well.

Ignite the Fire for History in Children
La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom A

Chris Sturdevant, Waukesha Public Library; Anita Doering, La Crosse Public Library
Chris and Anita share insight connecting children with history in the library. Chris has introduced award-winning Cold War era literature to book clubs for elementary school-aged children, incorporating such titles as Breaking Stalin’s Nose and The Wall. He is the author of the upcoming book Cold War Wisconsin. Anita will share her unique Badger Detectives tour with attendees. Anita’s hands-on history approach for children includes interactions with local history photographs, engages thought provoking questions and observations, and promotes civics.

Libraries for All: Inclusive Library Services for Children with Disabilities and Their Families
La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom B

Renee Grassi, Dakota County Library, Minnesota
Public or school, rural or urban, large or small--all public libraries serve children with disabilities in their communities. Librarian and advocate Renee Grassi will show how you can be more intentional about welcoming children with disabilities and their families at your library. In this program attendees will learn best practices for sustainable community partnerships, how to develop a community needs assessment, ideas for programs, and inclusive marketing strategies. Participants will also learn about accessible customer service and how to make existing children’s programs more welcoming for all abilities.

Pride Without the Prejudice: Controversial Programming in the Library
La Crosse Center South Hall - B3

Rebekah Palmer, Osceola Public Library; Nick Dimassis, Beloit Public Library; Amy Mitchell, Beloit Public Library
Libraries are for everyone and librarians have the great responsibility of providing programming that will benefit their communities; even when that programming makes some groups uncomfortable. We'll share our experiences with hosting Drag Queen Storytimes in the library and discuss other ways in which we can make libraries more inclusive, across the ideological spectrum.

Putting Puppet Shows into Your Programing
La Crosse Center South Hall - B4

Murray Johnson, Portage County Public Library, Stevens Point
This session will discuss the process of creating and implementating 10-30 minute puppet shows geared for preschool to early grade school students that are performed by teen volunteers in both large rooms (holding over a hundred patrons) to small rooms (25 or fewer patrons). The presenter(s) will go through the process of selecting or writing a script, creating costumes and props, marketing the program, contacting the volunteers, rehearsals, and finally, the performance.

Sequenced Picture Books for Everyone! The Art & Literature of Graphic Novels
La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom B

Virginia Roberts, Rhinelander Public Library; Steph Cherrywell, Antigo Public Library
Graphic novels seem to be a bit overwhelming for those unfamiliar. They're so, well, graphic, at times. This panel will help you wade through once-forbidden territory--ʺcomicʺ books that have grown up into novels or even nonfiction. Popular titles and determining age appropriateness will be discussed. Discover the differences between publishing houses, formats, and foreign books now popular in the market. Reviewing and purchasing sources will be (somewhat) revealed.

Choose Leadership: Are You Ready?
La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom 

Gretchen Caserotti, Meridian Library District, Boise, ID
What does it take to be a leader? Caserotti has been working over the last decade to make her libraries and communities better and has learned a lot of lessons in her professional journey becoming a library director. Caserotti will reflect on nurturing leadership skills in oneself and in others that lead to positive, productive and healthy libraries.


 Early bird registration for the amazing conference continues through September 28

WLA Conference 2018 - YSS WEDNESDAY Highlights

The WLA Conference is just around the corner and the youth services offerings are abundant!  Check out what is coming your way at WLA on Wednesday:

Wednesday

Keynote Address: Igniting Interest in Every Child at Every Level

La Crosse Center South Hall - Ballroom

Sybil Madison-Boyd, Ph.D.

How do we ensure that everyone is supported in their journey to discover their passions and abilities?  This keynote address identifies and generates ideas, tools and design approaches to impacting youth from our realms of influence in libraries. This collective conversation focuses on libraries as public spaces that have a unique power to ignite and propel interest and development at every level.

Bringing Teens to the Library Through Volunteering

Ashlee Kunkel, Milton Public Library
They say if you feed them, they will come. But what else brings teens to the library? Volunteer opportunities! Teens are constantly looking for volunteer hours, but libraries only have so many books to shelve and crafts to cut out. Ashlee from the Milton Public Library will talk about the ways she has encouraged teens to volunteer at the library, and, in doing so, has created some lasting and unique programs.

YSS Luncheon: Saying Yes All the Way to Mr. Lemoncello's Library: One Author’s ‘yes…and’ Life
Radisson Hotel La Crosse - Ballroom

Christopher Grabenstein, Author 
Chris demonstrates how obeying the cardinal rule of improv comedy (always saying, “Yes! And…”) has guided him from being a kid with a big imagination to becoming an award-winning, #1 New York Times bestselling author. Be prepared to laugh.

An Unexpected Partnership: Adult and Youth Programmers Teaming Up to Improve Early Literacy Rates

Phil Schomber, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville; Julie Westby, Hedberg Public Library, Janesville, Jeni Schomber, Beloit Public Library
Approximately one-third of children start school without the early literacy skills they’re going to need to succeed. The problem is even more acute in low income families. Sounds like a problem for the Youth Services department, right? Wrong. Find out why the Adult and Youth Services programmers at the Hedberg Public Library and Beloit Public Library teamed up to provide early literacy training for parents in their community’s Early Head Start program.

Makerspace Confidential

Josh Cowles, Fond du Lac Public Library
It’s not all 3D printers and rainbows but it’s a beautiful thing when it works. The Idea Studio at the Fond du Lac Public Library opened in 2016 and has been a place of continuous change since: from staffing to equipment to policy, staff buy-in and more. Join Josh for a candid discussion of successes, lessons learned and guiding principles that have seen us through all of it.

Existence and Resistance in Recent Young Adult Literature

Morgan Foster, UW-Milwaukee
In the 1960s, a growing spate of Black writers began writing books specifically for teens that spoke to their lived experiences; writers, including Walter Dean Myers, Julius Lester and illustrator Tom Feelings, wrote about contemporary issues facing urban Black teens. However, much of that literature was focused on the lives of Black males. Today, there is a growing number of young adult novels written by women of color that speak to the authentic, complex experiences of young women of color in the 21st century. Young adult books by Angie Thomas, Kekla Magoon and Erika Sanchez are a tool for resistance and a means of refusing dominant white power structures and standards. Even more importantly, these books, written in first person, also give voices to young women. These writers, and their characters, are more important now than ever, and indicate a refusal to stay silent about violence inflicted on them and their communities.

Youth Services Coding Collective

Caitlin Schaffer, Oconomowoc Public Library; Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, Department of Public Instruction, Madison
Learn more about coding with your trusted youth services peeps! Hear about the Youth Services Sections ʺ12 Months of Codingʺ resources and DPIs Coding Initiative for Public Libraries. Get your hands on some coding materials and wrap your head around doing coding events for kids/teens on any budget. This informal and fun session will transition to a youth services escape room experience with a coding theme. Newbies and coding pros equally welcome!

Youth Services Section (YSS) Social - Escape

Participate in an escape room experience similar to that of Mr. Lemoncello's Library! Team up with other youth services librarians from across the state and flex your puzzle-solving muscles, or simply take the opportunity to socialize and network.

 Early bird registration for the amazing conference continues through September 28

Libraries Ready to Code: Call for Focus Group Participants

Does your library offer coding activities or programs for youth? ALA’s Office for Information Technology Policy (OITP) is looking for librarians to participate in a virtual focus group to help inform a new project, “Libraries Ready to Code.”

As part of OITP’s Youth & Technology portfolio, they are working on a Google-funded project to look across public and school libraries to understand better to what degree libraries provide coding programs for PK-12 youth. These virtual focus groups will build on survey data collected in the winter of programs already offered in libraries as well as a review of library blogs and articles. The groups will be facilitated by OITP staff and project researcher, Linda Braun. Your feedback will contribute to their baseline understanding of the nature and scope of coding programs in libraries.

There is no need to prepare – just bring your ideas and experience!

Please reply directly to Marijke Visser, OITP associate director, at mvisser@alawash.org. Responses by May 9 appreciated.

Think Summer - Summer Jobs That Is

This time of year, many of our minds are filled with thoughts of summer reading, summer programs and performers, as well as the prize or not-to-prize debate. There's another aspect of summer that we can turn our thoughts to and that is summer jobs. Jennifer Bahnaman, Youth Services Librarian, at McMillan Memorial Library in Wisconsin Rapids wrote a guest post for WI Libraries for Everyone about the basics of organizing a student job fair.  Read about it here.

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52 Weeks: Week 31 Fashion Nightmare

Brought to you by the Wisconsin Library Association Youth Services Section, 52 Weeks of YA Programming is a collection of teen programs submitted by YSS members across the state.

Week 31: Fashion Nightmare Submitted by YSS Member Keri Whitmore

Photo courtesy of Keri Whitmore, Franklin Public Library.

52 Weeks: Week 21 Recycle Costume Show

Brought to you by the Wisconsin Library Association Youth Services Section, 52 Weeks of YA Programming is a collection of teen programs submitted by YSS members across the state.
Week 21: Recycle Costume Show Submitted by YSS Member Amanda Brueckner

52 Weeks: Week 20 The Maze

Brought to you by the Wisconsin Library Association Youth Services Section, 52 Weeks of YA Programming is a collection of teen programs submitted by YSS members across the state.

Week 20: The Maze Submitted by YSS Member Terry Ehle