2025 YSS Board Candidates

It's almost time to vote! Here's a chance to meet your YSS board candidates.

Vice Chair/Chair-Elect (3 year term)

Katie Alford: Hello! I’m Katie Alford, the Youth Services Manager at the Menomonee Falls Public Library. I started my library adventure at the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in 2013 as a Reference/Teen Services Specialist. After relocating to Wisconsin, I was hired at MFPL to build teen services from the ground up. It was a great opportunity that included collection development, program planning, volunteer coordinating, social media marketing, school outreach, and the creation of a teen space. I later moved into the role of Youth Services Manager overseeing services to patrons 0 – 18 and their caregivers. Some highlights from my time as YS Manager: Truck Day (in 2023 we had 700 attendees and this summer we had around 1000 – it’s the best day of the year) and coordinating a redesign for our Children’s Library. I’d be honored to serve on this committee and help foster a collaboration and support among libraries across the state.

Vice Chair/Chair Elect (3 year term)
Kate Davis
Hello! I am Kate Davis, the Programming Consultant for Prairie Lakes Library District in southeast Wisconsin. I have extensive expertise in early literacy, youth programming, large-scale programming, collection maintenance, and inclusivity services, among many other practices. I have reviewed books for School Library Journal, participated in the Association of Library Services to Children’s (ALSC) 2022 William Morris Book Evaluation Seminar, currently serve on both ALA’s Mildred A. Batchelder 2025 Committee and a second term on the CLEL (Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy) Bell Award Committee to award distinction to picture books best illustrating early literacy practices. I hold a Master’s of Library and Information Science degree from San Jose State University.

I’m drawn to the Vice Chair position at WLA because I want to advocate for those working in library youth services by offering them current resources and a place to further their professional talents in an open collaboration. I offer unique perspectives and creative ideas, along with a talent for building relationships, sharing enthusiasm, and providing support. I truly enjoy the camaraderie of committees, especially when there’s a shared passion for uplifting others in our profession.

Secretary (2 year term)

Hanna Collins
Greetings! My name is Hanna Collins and I am proudly serving as the Youth Services Librarian in Slinger, Wisconsin. Hailing from Indiana, I hold a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Master's in Library Science from Indiana University. Before transplanting to Wisconsin 2 years ago, I served as a teacher and Media Specialist for over 15 years. I was the chair of Indiana's Young Hoosier Book Award Committee and now serve as chair for Wisconsin's Children's Book Award Committee. I have contributed several posts to our YSS Shout-Out Blog and love learning new things from fellow librarians. I'd love to serve as your YSS secretary! I have a great attention to detail and excellent organizational skills. My communication style is clear and concise. I'd love this opportunity to connect more with fellow Wisconsin librarians while serving in this position.

Secretary (2 year term)
Amy Kilkenny

I am currently a Library Assistant at Aram Public Library in Delavan, WI, and an MLIS student at UWM who will be graduating in December of this year. Upon graduation, I want to be a Teen Librarian at my library, which is currently undergoing a major expansion/renovation and will be adding a Teen Librarian position. I currently help the Youth Services Librarian with programming and established and run the library's Teen Advisory Board (with the help of the teens of course!). I'd like to join YSS Board to make more connections in the field and to strengthen my knowledge of youth services in general.

Director-at-Large (2 year term)

Lynn Christiansen:
I hold a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Silver Lake College. I began working at Manitowoc Public Library in 2012 as a Materials Page, and was promoted to Youth Associate in 2017. My primary responsibilities include planning and presenting baby and preschool story times, with a passion for playing my ukulele whenever possible. I consider myself an amateur musician, but the kids really seem to love it! I do a bimonthly program called Family Activity Night for school-aged children. Programs vary from arts & crafts to STEAM challenges and so much more. I treasure my nickname of department MacGyver, as I am always up for finding creative solutions for challenges that arise. Although my participation with WLA has been limited, I would love to get more involved as part of the YSS board. I feel that my professional passions could be applied to working with my colleagues as well.

Director-at-Large (2 year term)
Katie Ganser

Hi everyone! I'm Katie Ganser, Head of Youth Services at the Middleton Public Library. I have worked in libraries for over half my life now, the last 19 years at Middleton. For the past 5 years, I've been working in Youth Services, and I tell people all the time that it's the best job ever! After being part of a great group of Youth Librarians in this year's PBS Kids cohort, I found that making connections and learning from each other brings so much value to our profession. I would love to be part of the YSS board to help foster relationships between YS librarians all over the state of Wisconsin, who are doing such amazing things for their communities. We all have so much knowledge to share with each other and I'm excited for the opportunity to help us all connect, grow, and learn!

ALSC’s Light the Way Grant Applications Open

ALA’s Association for Library Service to Children just opened its application period for it’s Light the Way Grant. If you are an ALSC member and serving children in need, you may want to consider this opportunity.

On their ALSC blog, they write: “Let’s be honest—we librarians are masters at making magic happen with minimal resources. We can transform a cardboard box into a rocket ship and turn pipe cleaners into STEAM learning opportunities. But what if I told you there’s $3,000 waiting to help you launch that dream project you’ve been sketching out on Post-it notes? Enter the Light the Way Grant, ALSC’s annual opportunity to fund innovative projects serving children in need. Whether you’re dreaming of creating a sensory-friendly programming series developing multilingual outreach services, or launching a mobile library program for underserved neighborhoods, this grant could be your catalyst for change.”

For more information and to apply for the grant, please stop here. [Illuminate Your Library’s Future with the Light the Way Grant! Schwartz, Jessica Hilbun. ALSC blog. November 18, 2024]

Tips and Info from DPI's Nov. 14, 2024 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 information from the Nov 14, 2024 editionHello All,

Lots of great resources this week!

CSLP Summer Symposium

• Registration for the Collaborative Summer Library Program's annual virtual Summer Symposium is now OPEN!
• Thursday, December 5, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• 10:00 am – Welcome & Keynote: “You Belong in Libraries” with Mycal Threets!
• 11:45 am – “From Planning to Palette to Posting: Summer Reading Marketing with Cari Hillman (OH) & Katie Rothley (MI)
• 1:00 pm – “A Rainbow of Opportunities for Creative Programming” with Katie Brunner (CO) and Amanda Raiche (ND)
• 2:30 pm – “Coloring Our World Green: Sustainability and Summer Reading” with Keturah Cappdonia (NY) and Haleigh Mikolajczky (NY)

Building Equity Based Summers (BEBS) Cohort starting in January 2025

• Wisconsin is participating in the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant-funded national initiative Building Equity Based Summers (BEBS). 
• The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Library Services Team is looking for six public libraries to participate in the 2025 BEBS Cohort. BEBS participants will work with co-facilitators Jeni Schomber, DPI Public Library Consultant, and Kelly Wochinske, Milwaukee Public Library, Public Area Service Manager - Youth, Education, and Outreach, and each other to consider summer programs and services  through an equity-based lens.
• The application is open through Friday November 22, 2024. This is expected to be a competitive process and not all applications will be selected.

Call for Applicants: BadgerLink Advisory Group

• Apply to join the BadgerLink Advisory Group! We are seeking 10 new members to serve two-year terms beginning Spring 2025. Applications accepted through December 13, 2024. Review and selection finalized by January 17, 2025.

WLA YSS (Youth Services Section) Performers Showcase

• Get a jump start on plans for your summer reading program!  The 2024 Virtual Performers Showcase, presented by the WLA Youth Services Section, will connect performers with members of the Wisconsin library community through live virtual demonstrations and marketing materials offered by magicians, puppeteers, storytellers, musicians, and anyone who presents library programs for children, youth, teen, and family audiences. 
• Registration is $20 for WLA members and $40 for non-members. A digital recording will be made available to registered attendees for 60 days after the event. Registration closes November 25, 2024.

New! Ask Me Anything: Youth and Teen Services

• Do you have questions about serving youth and teens at your library? I'm here to support you! Ask me anything about best practices for programming, engaging with children and families, collection development, and more. Your insights and questions are invaluable, so don't hesitate to reach out on the Ask Me Anything form. 

Bumble Bee Brigade

I receive a monthly newsletter from the Bumble Bee Brigade (WI Department of Natural Resources) and wanted to leave you with this final bit of information heading into the weekend...

• ...ways you can celebrate this fall season is by doing a bit less work for your yard and a bit more for wildlife by leaving the leaves! Leaves, brush piles, plant stems, and old flower heads aren’t trash – they’re the winter home for many of the animals we care about. New queens bumble bees, or gynes, rely on fallen leaves, brush, and similar habitat to survive the winter. Fallen leaves also provide habitat and food for other insects, which in turn provide food for birds and other wildlife (Xerces Society). 
• A thin layer of leaves is also healthy for the yard. They can suppress weeds, keep in water, insulate perennial plants from temperature extremes, feed beneficial microbes, and put nutrition back into the soil. One farmer’s almanac even called them ‘falls most abundant crop’ (Almanac).

Have a great weekend!

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 

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

Once or twice a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here are mid-November listings:

Bloomer Public Library - Programming Coordinator (full-time)
The Bloomer Public Library is seeking a creative, outgoing, and motivated individual to join its team. The ideal candidate will be passionate about library service and working with the public.

The programming coordinator position will plan and facilitate children’s programs and activities, conduct outreach to local schools, and help manage the children’s collection. In addition, this position may also involve planning and facilitating programs for teens and adults, as needed.

The programming coordinator will also work a regular shift at the circulation desk, interacting with library patrons to assist them in selecting materials and checking them out.   The programming coordinator will assist with processing incoming courier items, searching the online catalog, databases, and other circulation duties as needed.  This position reports to the Library Director.

Requirements:
Applicant must communicate effectively and demonstrate a willingness to adapt to a changing environment. Knowledge of current library trends and children’s literature is also required. A high school diploma is required, with education beyond high school in library science or education preferred.  Previous library experience is helpful.  Must have experience working with children and families. Excellent customer service and strong computer skills are also required. This position is 32-40 hours per week, which includes days, some evenings, and Saturday morning shifts. Compensation ranges from $14-17 per hour plus pro-rated benefits based on experience. All new employees will have a 6-month probationary period.  Please visit the library’s website for a full job description.

Applications are available at: Employment application

Please send your resume and completed application to Stacey Brown by December 8, 2024, at: director@bloomerpubliclibrary.org

__________________________________________________________________

WI Valley Library Service      Public Library Services Consultant  (full-time)
The Wisconsin Valley Library Service (WVLS), a federated public library system, is seeking an innovative, knowledgeable, and experienced team-oriented individual to provide professional and courteous consultant services, onsite and remotely, to 25 public libraries in its 7-county central Wisconsin service area. Candidates must have a master’s degree in a library and information studies program that has been accredited by the American Library Association, and 5 years

of professional experience in a public library setting. More information about WVLS is available here.

See the complete job description.
This position offers a hybrid remote/in-person work opportunity. Salary negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. Excellent benefit package includes:

 Health insurance
 Dental insurance
 Life insurance
 Flexible spending account
 Paid time off
 Deferred Compensation plan
 Wisconsin Retirement program
 EAP program

Email a cover letter and resume to: Human Resources Division; Wisconsin Valley Library Service; 300 N First Street; Wausau, WI 54403; hr@wvls.org. Applications received by Friday, November 22, 2024, will receive first consideration. The position will remain open until a qualified candidate is determined.

Questions about this job opportunity or application process may be referred to hr@wvls.org.

WVLS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Video Game Collections Webinar Available

The first webinar in our multi-part "Video Game Collections in Libraries" series is now available and linked in WISELearn! Context: I presented alongside Jenna Gilles (Youth Services Associate, Chippewa Falls Public Library) and Jamie Hein (Director, Clintonville Public Library) on Wednesday, October 30th about Video Game Selection & Acquisition. There are lots of useful tips in the webinar if you are looking to get a video game collection started -- or strengthen an existing one!

• Webinar Video Here!

• Folks can access the slides here!

Our next webinar, titled Video Game Collections in Libraries, Pt. #2: Processing, Cataloging, Displaying, & ‘Best Practices will be presented on Wednesday, December 11th, from 10:00 am - 11:00 am CST (click the link above for more details, and to add to your calendar). So let's say you've watched part #1, and are convinced about getting a video game collection started, and/or you've already gotten the games; what's next? Part #2 will cover the nuts and bolts of getting your collection "shelf ready"! You won't want to miss it. 🙂

Both webinars are being hosted by the Indiana State Library and are co-sponored by the American Library Association's Games & Gaming Round Table. We might end up doing a part #3 about collection maintenance, policy, promotion, and more, too -- so check out part #1, join us for part #2, and stay tuned for a possible third! 

~Chris

Chris Baker (he/him/his) Public Library Consultant, Games & Learning Consultant Library Services Team, Division of Libraries and Technology Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 201 West Washington Avenue | Madison WI 53703 608-264-6709 | chris.baker@dpi.wi.gov | dpi.wi.gov

Sparking Joy Every Day

Pixabay Image

In a recent ALSC blog post, Jaime Eastman reflected on how to find joy and connections in your worklife.

Jaime writes: "Discussions, blog posts, podcasts, and books everywhere explore finding joy. It’s challenging, especially when searching for happiness in your job. Sometimes, we spend more waking hours at work than with our families, friends, and hobbies. Can we honestly say those hours spark delight? Many things threaten our joy, from grumpy patron interactions to unexpected community challenges. But I believe in finding the good every day and choosing the things that refill your heart amid difficulties. Here are three ways to spark joy through connection."

To read her ideas, please stop here. [Sparking Joy and Building Connections. Eastman, Jaime. ALSC blog. October 29, 2024]

Developing Equitable Summer Services Opportunity

Wisconsin libraries have the opportunity to be part of a national initiative to develop equitable summer services. 

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Library Services Team is looking for six libraries to participate in the 2025 Building Equity Based Summers(BEBS) Cohort. The BEBS initiative is funded through an Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) grant.

Each participating library will be represented by a team of two staff members. Libraries are encouraged to have staff from across departments and can include Youth Services, Adult Services, Programming, Outreach, or Administrative staff. 

BEBS participants will work with co-facilitators Jeni Schomber, DPI Public Library Consultant, and Kelly Wochinske, Milwaukee Public Library, Public Area Service Manager - Education and Outreach, and each other to consider summer programs and services through an equity-based lens. BEBS will empower library staff to weave equity into their summer services and programming by exploring how equitable their current programs are, whether equity goals are being achieved, and what impact summer programs are having on those community members needing them most. 

The goals of BEBS are:

• To provide a shared language of equity
• To provide library staff with the knowledge and confidence to create equitable summer services and programs
• To promote equity across communities served by their library

Participants will work to evaluate:

• The Why of Summer Services and the Why of Equitable Summer Services
• Letting Go of Tradition
• Connecting with Community Voice for Equitable Summer Services
• Summer Services Impact: What Does Success Look Like

Participation in the BEBS initiative will require all team members to:

• Attend a one hour cohort orientation meeting on January 16, 2025
• Attend eight Learning Sessions starting January 30 and running through May 8. Sessions are every other week on Thursday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m.
• Work within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing planned summer programs and services through an equity lens.

If you are interested in being part of the first year of this project, complete the following application by close of business on Friday, November 22, 2024: Download 2025 BEBS Cohort Application

This is expected to be a competitive process and not all applications will be selected. The Library Services Team is looking to build a diverse cohort, which represents all library and community sizes, various geographic areas and demographic community compositions. Applicants will be notified of selection status by Monday November 25, 2024. 

Please contact Jeni Schomber (jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) or Kelly Wochinske (KLWochi@milwaukee.gov), with any questions.

The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

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 

Reminder SLP Performers Showcase Coming Up

 

Get a jump start on plans for your summer reading program!     The 2024 Virtual Performers Showcase, presented by the WLA Youth Services Section, will connect performers with members of the Wisconsin library community through live virtual demonstrations and marketing materials offered by magicians, puppeteers, storytellers, musicians, and anyone who presents library programs for children, youth, teen, and family audiences.      Date: Tuesday, December 3, 2024 Time:  9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. (subject to change)   This Zoom event will give you the chance to: Sample performances from a variety of library performers who offer entertaining and educational public programs for children, teens, and families. Interact with performers in live Q & A sessions after each demonstration. Communicate with other attendees through the conference website - a great way to connect with other libraries that may be interested in partnering with you to bring a performer to your area. A digital directory of performers will be made available to attendees for future reference. Can’t attend the live virtual event? A recording of the showcase will be available to registered attendees for 60 days after the event.     Registration is $20 for WLA members, $40 for non-members.   Registration closes Nov 25, 2024.   Host a team watch party!  Group discounts are available for three or more attendees from the same library.   Visit the event webpage to learn more.     The first 20 participants to register will be entered into a drawing for a free registration!                                                          Learn More including how to register.

IEEE Science Kit Grant Success

Hanna Collins, the Youth Services Librarian at Slinger Community Library, shares her success in getting a IEEE STEAM grant.

It has been a goal of our library for some time to build a collection of STEAM kits for our youth. With a tight budget and the cost of some of the items, we had not yet been able to make it a reality. When I heard about a grant opportunity from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) I knew this could be the chance to get it up and running.

The grant application window opens each year on November 1st and ends the third Thursday in January. The grant offers up to $2,000 to purchase STEM kits for public libraries. This is meant to provide funding to begin a collection, not add to an existing one. In Wisconsin, we are part of their Region 4. The application includes about 9 questions along with a proposed budget.

We were awarded the grant in March of this year and made a goal of having the kits ready for October. We already have a collection of Library of Things, so our cataloger had some experience cataloging non-traditional items. My first step was to research possible kits and build up a budget, including storage for the items. My goal was to collect an equal amount of kits for preschool and school age children.

A few things to consider would be whether the kit has consumable parts. I ended up with a couple of these on my list and made sure to leave some wiggle room in the budget for replacement parts. Another is the amount of parts. Each kit needs to be checked over upon return to ensure all parts are returned. If a kit has over 100 parts this becomes a drain on staff. I did end up ordering a couple of large part items but tried to keep it to a minimum. Another consideration is breakability. These kits will get lots of use, so make sure they’re durable. Are parts able to be re-ordered in case they're lost or broken? I settled on a little over 30 kits for our initial STEM collection.

After researching in the spring and summer, I ordered the kits in 3 separate waves in the fall so we didn’t start to drown in items. I laid out several steps. I would need to label all items with our initials, make a list of all parts for cataloging purposes, create a label for the storage tub, and photograph it as part of the label for the tub.

Part of the grant requirements ask you to promote the new kits. We decided to combine this with another initiative of getting all first graders library cards. We planned three literacy nights for each of our elementary schools. The kids could get their library cards, explore our Wonderbooks and Tonieboxes, and also be the first to try out our STEM kits. The nights were huge successes! They were drawn to the STEM kits and tinkered away the whole night. I also collaborated with one of the STEM teachers at Slinger Elementary to bring the kits to the second-grade classes one week. The kids really loved working in small groups to try out six of the kits. We had many visitors come to the library to check out these kits specifically.

If you are hoping to build a STEM collection at your library I would encourage you to apply for this wonderful grant! We hope to continue to grow our STEM collection in the future. Receiving this chunk of $2,000 really got our collection up and running.

Information on IEEE Science Kits for Public Library Grants

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) - Region 4’s Science Kits for Public Libraries (SKPL) Grant program is offering up to $2,000 in funding to public libraries to establish a circulating science kits collection. Libraries must be located within Region 4 which includes all of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and northerly portions of Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, and South Dakota. More information and application form is available now, on the SKPL website, and library submissions will be accepted until January 16, 2025

All images- Hanna Collins