"WLA - What's Up?" Wednesdays - Take 1

For the next few Wednesdays, we'll be highlighting some of the amazing content for children's and teen librarians  being presented at the Wisconsin Library Association conference coming up November 4-6 at the Marriott West in Middleton. But remember, there are a ton of non-youth programs of worth as well. To plan your schedule, stop by the conference webpage for the full listing of goodies!

Wednesday, Nov 4

Changing Children's Collections             11-11:45 am

Ever heard of Picture Book City? Thinking about how a Tween collection might work at your library? Want to make nonfiction books more accessible to kids? Kelsey and Katherine will discuss their experiences with the process of creating nontraditional collections, how the changes affect circulation and patrons, and how you can start defining your community's needs and build creative collections of your own. Kelsey Johnson-Kaiser, Katherine Elchert

Photo by Patty Flagger

Duncan Tonatiuh, YSS Luncheon Speaker       12-1:30 pm
Duncan will talk about how he became an author-illustrator. He will discuss his artistic process and how he looks for inspiration in the Ancient Art of the Américas to make books that are relevant to children, especially Latino children, nowadays. He will also address how children’s books can deal with important topics like social justice, history and art.

For more info on Duncan, check out his website and this brief interview in the October 13, 2015 Hornbook

Engaging Teens Through Technology       2:45-3:30 pm

This panel will combine research and practice to explore how libraries can promote innovative literacy offerings for teens. Panelists will discuss how school and public libraries can use technology and social media to increase teen engagement. Panelists will share feedback from teens in their communities and provide suggestions for implementing similar programs. To encourage further collaboration, books selected for Read On Wisconsin, a statewide literacy program that connects children and teens with great books, will be used. Ashley Bieber, Kelly Steiner, Emily Townsend, Carolyn Vidmar

Toddlers and Tablets: New Media in the Lives of Children, Their Caregivers and Librarians     4:30-5:15 pm

New media can be described as the ever-evolving software (e.g. apps) and hardware (e.g. tablets) that are radically influencing the childhood experience. 24 Wisconsin librarians participated in the Growing Wisconsin Readers New Media Training in March. Find out how participants have integrated new media into new and existing library collections, programs and services. This session will be facilitated by a trainer from the national Little eLit network, the DPI consultant and training participants. Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, Carissa Christner

Youth Services Section Meet-up and Greet-up    7-8:30 pm     Sprecher's Pub

Come meet and talk with youth librarians, YSS board members at this next door eatery/drinkery. We'd love to meet you.

Plus Mita Williams 10:00 am keynote on engaging our communities, exhibits, makerspaces, silent auction, the WLA business meeting (find out what YOUR association is doing!), SOIS/SLIS reunions, a dessert reception, a final games adventure and so much more!