Tips and Info from DPI's June 18, 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 June 18, 2026 edition:   Weekly Resources & Reminders Hello All,

BadgerLink Bulletin - EBSCO Interfaces Update July 7  On July 7, EBSCO is releasing a set of enhancements to Explora, EBSCOhost, and NoveList resources that will improve the way that users engage with and navigate the interface. View Update Story.

The following content is shared as provided by the organization. The DPI Bureau of Libraries does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events.  Power Up 2027: A Leadership Conference for Youth Services Managers and Staff - Call for Proposals  Power Up 2027 will occur March 22-23, 2027, in Madison, WI. Share your strategies for project management, mentorship, program evaluation, staff morale & retention, advocacy, change management, culturally relevant programming, and more with fellow youth service librarians! Submit your proposal by September 7, 2026, for full consideration. Visit the Conference Website for more information.

Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Summer Storytelling Challenge  Sign your library up to host a Dan Santat Summer Storytelling Challenge! Dan Santat is the Collaborative Summer Library Program Summer Reading Champion. Dan is asking young readers ages 8-12 to flex their creative muscles and add their words to his art.  Libraries hosting a Summer Reading Storytelling Challenge will be responsible for running the contest in their community and selecting a winner. All libraries that sign up to host a contest will receive more information about how to host the contest and an offer for free prizing from Macmillan Children's Publishing Group.  Please contact Mary Van Akin at mary.vanakin@macmillan.com with any questions.

SciStarter + Summer Reading  Turn summer reading into summer discovery! SciStarter and the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) created summer programs, with project ideas, trainings, slides, event recipe cards, and other ready-to-use resources.

 

Spark of Science Survey  The STAR Library Network and their partners at HHMI/Tangled Bank Studios are excited to begin planning for the next Spark of Science program for public libraries. Before they get too deep into planning, they wanted to make sure they have a clear understanding of current practices across public libraries. For this biology-focused initiative, they’re considering gaming, and specifically Minecraft, as a possible delivery mechanism, among others. Your response to the following questions will help them better develop a program that meets libraries where they are, and where they want to be heading! You'll also have the opportunity to indicate your interest in being a project advisor!  Complete the survey.

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