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

Early Math Educators Summit

Early Math Educators Summit: Developing Our Eyes and Ears for Mathematical Thinking in the Early Years
Presented by Mary Hynes-Berry and Laura Grandau, Erikson Institute in collaboration with the DPI Early Learning Advisory Group. 

This interactive session demonstrates the importance of seeing, hearing, and identifying math all around us.   Together we explore opportunities to do math, as adults ourselves, and with the children in our classrooms.  This session will support teachers' increasing attention to math in the early childhood curriculum, while highlighting components of developmentally appropriate practice.  Afternoon breakout sessions will further focus on mathematical ideas for birth-3 and PK-1 from both the national and Wisconsin perspectives.  Participants will also receive a book on the big ideas in early math that is published through the Erikson Institute. 

The registration link to the Pre-Conference EC Math event on May 3rd is live:

http://wismath.org/event-2462859 

Under "Grade Band" you can choose elementary (it doesn't really matter which one you click) but under "Strand" you can choose Early Education.

Math Literacy Resources

Reading and math can go hand in  hand, as can math and games or math and books. Games like Pyramid - a game based on making tens - or Napier's Bones - a tool for calculating multiplication and division 400 years ago, are great fits with S.T.E.A.M. programs, afterschool programs, or summer programming. Other ideas for books and math can be found at websites and Pinterest boards like these:

Math, Literacy, and a Library Card

Math, Literacy, Library

Elementary Schools Library Math Literacy Books

Two new books that just arrived at my library are puzzling enough for adults but offer lots of rich discussion opportunities with a child:

Odd One Out

Where's the Pair?