Youth Services Shout-Out: YSS Blog: Historical Fiction

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

Youth Programming Workshop in Madison

The annual South Central Library System (SCLS) Youth, Teen, & Tween workshop will be held next Thursday, November 13 from 9:30 AM - 3:30 PM, and you and your colleagues are invited to attend! The event will be held at Olbrich Gardens, 3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison.

Here's the schedule for the day:

9:00 - 9:15 AM Coffee & Conversation

9:15 AM - 12:00 PM

The Library as Time Machine: Using Historical Fiction to Create Library Programs for Youth
Presenter: Eileen Schnabel, author of the Kep Westguard historical fiction series

Eileen will introduce ways that libraries can use historical fiction to engage communities, foster intergenerational learning, and build partnerships. Attendees will gain practical strategies for implementing history-themed programs, hosting immersive events, and using storytelling to inspire lifelong learning. This workshop will provide actionable tools to help libraries connect readers with history in creative ways while strengthening their role as community hubs.

12:00 - 1:00 PM Lunch & Networking

Lunch will be the Taco Bar ($15) from Cranberry Creek and includes gluten-free and vegetarian options. You may also bring your own lunch (no refrigerator available). Libraries will be invoiced after the event.

1:00 - 3:30 PM

Unearth the Stories Beneath Our Feet: Homegrown Programs for Teens and Tweens
Presenter: Shawn Brommer, SCLS, and Friends

Shawn Brommer and colleagues from across the system will share program suggestions, activity examples, book-centered programs, and other ideas that libraries can implement during the summer of 2026 and into the future. By focusing on concepts of the past, present, and future, earth science, alternative histories and futures, and other innovative themes, participants will leave the workshop with program ideas and step-by-step instructions for programs that teens and tweens will DIG.

Thursday, July 5, 2012

Author Visits

I apologize for the blury picture. I was so wrapped up in his discussion that I almost forgot to take pictures. Jerry is a teacher in our community and wrote a book that he wanted to use in his classroom to really bring ancient history alive for his students. He brought a great slide show presentation of the events and figures in history that have inspired his story and uses a lot of accurate historical detail in his story.

It amazes me when we have these authors in Wisconsin that are excited to talk in our libraries. It really inspires everyone that they too can be an author. I always get a little worried about programs like this because I'm never sure if anyone is going to come. But we had a great turn out. A ton of middle school students, their younger siblings and parents. And a handful of other hopeful authors. We gave flyers to the local writing group. I think that helped.

Don't hesitate to contact Jerry if you're interested in having him at your library. He didn't charge us anything. And please share other local authors who might be willing to talk about their books.

Youth Services Section

The Wisconsin Library Association's Youth Services Section (YSS) advocates for professional empowerment, collaboration, and innovative, inclusive, and intentional service. To that end, YSS provides a forum and resources for people in Wisconsin's libraries who share a commitment to serving children and young adults, their parents, caregivers, and teachers.

It is a vital, dynamic group whose interests focus on providing quality library service and encouraging literacy and library use. YSS members include public and school library staff, library trustees and library supporters who work together to benefit youth in Wisconsin.