Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

 

Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay

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.

Mead Public Library - Youth Services Manager (full-time, $81,515 - 90,563)

Mead Public Library is seeking an innovative and collaborative leader to guide our Youth Services department. The ideal candidate brings a strong background in youth and teen services, a passion for community engagement, and proven experience in staff and project management. We're looking for someone with a clear, inspiring vision for how the library can spark curiosity, support learning, and create welcoming 
spaces for young people and families throughout Sheboygan.

The anticipated start date is after 1/1/27.

Please click here for additional information.

South Milwaukee Library - Librarian,  primary focus children (part-time, $29.71 hourly) 

This position is available due to the upcoming 2027 expansion of the number of hours that the City of South Milwaukee Library will be open!

This position provides professional library services to patrons of all ages, but the primary focus will be children. The position requires strong customer service skills and the ability to multi-task, prioritize, and manage time effectively. This position is under the supervision of the Library Director.

Please click here for the full posting, application closes 10/19/2026 11:59 PM Central.

Verona Public Library - Library Assistant II, Youth Services (part-time, $22.12 hourly)

The Verona Public Library seeks a dynamic, energetic, and innovative person with a strong dedication to patron services to become part of our team of Youth Services Librarians. This is a part-time (50%) position averaging 18 hours/week. Work involves providing reference and reader’s advisory service to children, teens, and adults at a public service desk; assisting with the library's collection and spaces; and preparing and implementing equitable story times and other programming for children birth to 18 and their families. The ideal candidate will be someone who is excited to work with children and families, demonstrates initiative, possesses strong technology skills, is proficient in Spanish, and can thrive in a busy, fast-paced environment. Schedule includes regular daytime, evening, and weekend hours.

To apply, visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/veronawi/jobs/5498576/library-assistant-ii-youth-services. 

Deadline for application is October 18.

ALSC/Candlewick “Light the Way” Grant Applications Open!

The Grants & Awards Committee of the Association for Library Service to Children (a division of the American Library Association) is now accepting applications for the 2027 ALSC/Candlewick “Light the Way” Grant!

This annual award is generously sponsored by Candlewick Press and is presented in honor of Kate DiCamillo and the themes she eloquently explores in her novels. The grant provides $3,000 to help a library conduct impactful outreach to underserved populations through a new program or an expansion of existing work. The award committee recognizes that underserved populations vary from community to community, and all programs designed to directly address local needs and reduce barriers to library access are encouraged to apply.

 

Who Can Your Project Serve?

The grant is open to any project that seeks to engage an underserved population of children from birth through age 14. These populations may include (but are not limited to):

• Children with learning or physical differences
• English language learners
• Children in non-traditional school environments
• Children in non-traditional family settings (such as teen parents, foster youth, children in the juvenile justice system, and children in LGBTQ+ families), etc.

 

Key Details

• Award amount: $3,000
• Deadline to apply: December 18, 2026
• Grant implementation period: One calendar year– with reports due on June 30 and September 15
• Eligibility: Projects focused on underserved populations of children 0-14.
• Where to apply: https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/profawards/candlewicklighttheway

 

If you have questions about your application, please reach out to the co-chairs of the Grants & Awards committee, Lauren Brandstetter (lauren.brandstetter@kentonlibrary.org) and Sarah Clarke (sarahclarke1115@gmail.com).

Midday Mingle on Monday!

The YSS Midday Mingle is this Monday! Join us at 1:00 PM to debrief now that all of our fabulous (and busy!) summer programming is done!

We'll have an informal roundtable discussion about the highs and lows of summer at the library. Here are just a few of the topics we’ll be covering:

• Performer highlights: the good, the bad, the ugly
• Tracking and prizes: how do you do it?
• What kind of summer programming do you do? (Performers, passive, active)
• Managing summer volunteers
• How does your outreach change during the summer?
• Trends you’ve seen in your programming and/or collections during the summer
• Outdoor programming
• Avoiding/dealing with burnout

Don’t miss this opportunity to share ideas, gather inspiration, and enjoy the community of fellow youth librarians, all via Zoom!

You do not have to be a YSS of WLA member to participate. The Midday Mingle is open to all!

Wisconsin Book Awards

The Wisconsin Library Association has announced the winner of the 2026 Elizabeth Burr/Sheridan Worzalla Award. 

This year's winner is In Case You Read This by Edward Underhill. 

The 2026 Notable Author/Illustrator award goes to Lita Judge.

Photo from litajudge.me

Learn more about the winners and the noteworthy honor titles here.

Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!

 

Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay

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.

Superior Public Library (Youth Services Librarian, full-time, $27.09 - 34.83 hourly) 

The Superior Public Library is looking for a Youth Services Librarian who will provide fun and enriching programs for our youth and families in our community! The person in this role will be responsible for a variety of duties including planning youth and family programming, conducting outreach visits and tours, supporting the Summer Reading Program, and providing early literacy Storytimes for our young patrons.

Serving an extended community of about 44,000, the Superior Public Library is part of the Northern Waters Library Network, offering extensive shared resources across northwest Wisconsin. The library enjoys strong community support and provides high‑quality programs and services for all ages.

The City of Superior sits at the western tip of Lake Superior and is home to the 4,400-acre Superior Municipal Forest, offering an incredible variety of year‑round recreation—from boating and fishing to hiking, snowshoeing, and cross‑country skiing. As part of the Twin Ports, Superior is just across the bridge from Duluth, Minnesota, giving residents easy access to additional cultural and recreational opportunities.

Complete posting information and application can be found here. Please apply by September 21.

Rosemary Garfoot Public Library (Youth Services Librarian, full-time, $45,000-52,000)

Due to an upcoming retirement, the Rosemary Garfoot Public Library in Cross Plains is hiring for a full-time youth services librarian. This position is responsible for programming, collection development, and other library services for families and patrons ages 0-18 years. The ideal candidate will work efficiently both collaboratively and on their own, bring an enthusiasm for encouraging and supporting literacy, and will enjoy building connections within the community.

One year of experience in a library or related field is required, as well as a bachelor's degree. Preference will be given for applicants who either possess an MLIS degree, or are currently enrolled in a Master's of Library Science degree program. The schedule for this position will be flexible, depending on programming needs, but will include daytime hours, some evenings, as well as participating in a Saturday rotation for weekend library coverage. Starting salary is $45,000-52,000, depending upon qualifications.

View the full job description and apply online at: https://www.rgpl.org/employment

Oostburg Public Library (Children's Library Assistant, part-time, $15.50 hourly)

We are hiring for an energetic Children's Services Library Assistant! We are looking for someone who will bring their creativity to the position for story time, planning programs and the summer reading program, and marketing library events. This position also helps at the circulation desk.

Starting pay is $15.50 per hour working approximately 20 hours per week.

Application available online: https://oostburglibrary.org/file_download/cea84d29-237e-4e2e-a419-a2b6d6ceb429

Full job description: https://oostburglibrary.org/file_download/d7a7c4f7-8ea9-4a30-b748-a2979994ed58

Return the completed application with optional resume to the Oostburg Public Library, 213 N. 8th St, Oostburg, WI 53070 or email it to Julie Darnell, Library Director: jdarnell@monarchlibraries.org

Job opening is posted until filled.

YSS Midday Mingle: SLP Debrief on September 21

 

Now that all our fabulous summer programming has come to a close, join us on Monday, September 21st at 1:00 PM for an informal roundtable discussion about the highs and lows of summer at the library. Here are just a few of the topics we’ll be covering:

• Performer highlights: the good, the bad, the ugly
• Tracking and prizes: how do you do it?
• What kind of summer programming do you do? (Performers, passive, active)
• Managing summer volunteers
• How does your outreach change during the summer?
• Trends you’ve seen in your programming and/or collections during the summer
• Outdoor programming
• Avoiding/dealing with burnout

Don’t miss this opportunity to share ideas, gather inspiration, and enjoy the community of fellow youth librarians, all via Zoom!

You do not have to be a YSS of WLA member to participate. The Midday Mingle is open to all!

 

Imagination Library

By now we've all seen the news about Dolly Parton's passing. One of her greatest legacies is the work she did to create Dolly Parton's Imagination Library  Kids around the United States have benefited by receiving a free book monthly from birth to age 5. 

The Winding Rivers Library System is brining this incredible program to their families starting in January. In an article for Wisconsin Public Radio Jessica Schoonover states, "There are kids who aren't coming to the public library. Their parents might not be able to bring them, their schedules might be difficult to get to a library, whatever the situation is. And we don't want any child to be left behind." 

Imagination Library is already available in Dane, Sauk and Washington counties in Wisconsin. 

Learn more about Dolly Parton's Imagination Library here, and read the full WPR article here.

[Libraries bring Dolly Parton's free book program to western Wisconsin. Kirwan, H. August 31, 2026. Wisconsin Public Radio. wpr.org]

We need you! Yes, you! 2027 WLA Leadership Nominations are open

Dear WLA Members,

Nominations are still open for 2027 WLA leadership positions! Thinking, “I don’t have enough experience,” “I’m too new to WLA,” or “I don’t have time for a huge commitment”? Consider those myths busted. WLA needs members at all career stages and with all kinds of leadership styles. Most roles are designed to be manageable alongside your day job—and you won’t be doing it alone. And one more myth worth busting: you don’t need someone else to nominate you. In fact, most candidates self-nominate! There are opportunities across the WLA Board, WAPL, WAAL, WLA units, committees, and special interest groups. Nominate yourself—or a colleague who would be great—by September 18.  Check out the available roles below  for more information. If you’re curious about a role, reach out. We’d love to get you involved! Best, Kara       Submit a nomination by September 18.

Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) Cohort Applications Open Soon!

Save the Date!   Application Period for the statewide Fall 2026 Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) Cohort Opens Monday, August 17, 2026.  Applications open next week for participating in the statewide cohort facilitated by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction’s Bureau of Libraries for the Fall 2026 Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS).   Seven public libraries will have the opportunity to participate in Wisconsin’s BCBS Cohort.  BCBS participants will actively engage in challenging conversations, reflection, and activities with facilitators and each other to consider transformational concepts that view summer programs and services through a community-based lens. The BCBS learning framework will empower library staff who want to engage community voices and provide summer services and programming to all by equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to co-create accessible services and promote involvement across communities served by their library.   BCBS does not focus on specific summer programs and how to implement them. Rather, this systemic approach asks libraries to consider the ways that policies, staffing, budgets, and other tasks impact their ability to build community-based practices. Participants will engage in deep work to identify the “whys” behind their summer services, examine and reimagine traditions, connect and build relationships in their communities, and measure the impact of their services.    Each participating library will be represented by a team of two staff members. Libraries are encouraged to have staff from various departments and can include Youth Services, Adult Services, Programming, Outreach, or administrative staff.  Participation in the BCBS cohort will require participants to:  Attend six online 90-minute interactive discussions on Tuesdays from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. beginning October 13 through November 17, 2026.  Complete the one-hour online WebJunction “Getting Started with Community-Based Summers” course before October 13, 2026. Participants will need to create a free account to access this course.   Work within your library and community to begin to consider and assess your existing summer programs and services through a community-based approach.  This is expected to be a competitive process, and not all applications will be selected. In building a diverse cohort, the selection process is looking for representation of all library and community sizes, various geographic areas, and demographic community compositions. Applicants will be notified of selection status by Friday, September 11, 2026.  Please contact Jeni Schomber (jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov) or Kelly Wochinske (KLWochi@milwaukee.gov) with any questions.

Tips and Info from DPI's August 7, 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 August 7, 2026 edition:

 

 

Weekly Resources & Reminders

 

Hello All,  The following content is shared as provided by the organization. The DPI Bureau of Libraries does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events.

Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Theme and Slogan Listening Sessions - Save the Date!  Join CSLP and provide feedback to help determine the 2029 Slogan and 2030 Theme. Two interactive listening sessions will be held in August. Registration is not required, and you can attend one or both sessions.   Listening Session Option #1  Thursday, August 13 at 12pm   Join us on Zoom - no need to register  Listening Session Option #2  Tuesday, August 18 at 3pm   Join us on Zoom - no need to register

News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries: A FREE Public Library Association (PLA) Webinar  Join the Public Library Association on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. for a free webinar exploring findings from News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries, a new national report sponsored by PressReader. Hear key insights from the research and discover practical strategies public libraries are using to strengthen news access and media literacy in their communities.  Download the report and register for the webinar.

PBS Wisconsin Library Cohort   The PBS Wisconsin Library Cohort blends professional development, hands-on learning, collaboration, and program implementation into one engaging series for Wisconsin public library and school library staff.  Why join?  EXPLORE ready-to-use, research-backed educational multimedia resources.  BUILD media literacy skills for infusing resources that support children in learning how to think, rather than what to think.  CULTIVATE relationships with colleagues across Wisconsin and beyond.  Apply by September 1, 2026 - spots are limited! Invitation to apply.

 

Jeni Schomber Public Library Consultant Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov