Tips and Info from DPI's August 14, 2025 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 14, 2025 edition 

Hello All, Check out these youth services resources and reminders! Upgrade: Enhancing Library Services with Technology Conference October 6-7, 2025, in Madison, WI This dynamic two-day conference is dedicated to exploring the intersection of libraries and technology. Hear from leading experts, share best practices, and network with peers. This conference will include topics such as artificial intelligence applications in libraries, effective use of social media for community engagement, best practices for digital collections, and the crucial importance of cybersecurity in protecting our digital resources.  Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and inspire at Upgrade: Enhancing Library Services with Technology 2025! More details and registration athttps://ischool.wisc.edu/continuing-education/upgrade/. Can’t attend in Madison for the full conference experience? Register for thevirtual track and hear from both keynote presenters along with six additional hybrid sessions. Cooperative Children’s Book Center is hiring The CCBC is a unique examination, study, and research library of the School of Education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is hiring at Senior Librarian/Children’s and Young Adult Literature Specialist. Please see the following link for details: https://jobs.wisc.edu/jobs/senior-librarian-children-s-young-adult-literature-specialist-madison-wisconsin-united-states  CSLP Launches 2nd National Cohort for Building Community Based Summers (BCBS) Learn More and Apply: CSLP member libraries are invited to learn more about the upcoming CSLP/BCBS cohort and apply by end of business on Monday, August 25, 2025, to be considered for the Fall cohort. Accepted participants will be notified the first week of September.  Questions? Contact bcbs@cslpreads.org   CSLP Annual Survey is open! Collaborative Summer Library Program has created a survey so they can better assess the usefulness of the materials offered by the program on a national level to better serve you. The survey can be found here: https://forms.gle/QW7eHaVMGCfbdbrr6  The survey is open until Friday, September 12, 2025. And now for some interesting statistics from CSLP: Wisconsin libraries logged in to the Color Our World Manual 2245 times since it launched in October 2024. That averages out to 4.8 logins per library (we have 467 libraries and outlets in WI), and 149 logins per each of the 15 library systems.  Jeni Schomber Public Library Consultant

Coding for Kids...without Coding Skills!

Photo by Joshua Reddekopp on Unsplash

Kids these days are growing up in a digital world. Computers, smart phones, tablets, gaming system and more are a constant part of their lives. Unlike some of us, kids are now living in a world where they don't know any different. Not only do kids use technology tools in their daily lives, but many of them crave knowing how they work! Marina Umaschi Bers, a Brown College professor focusing on the design of new technologies in education says that, "Coding is an effective way for children to learn creativity, collaboration, generosity, and open-mindedness." 

But, let me tell you a little secret...teaching kids coding doesn't mean you have to have coding skills! There are so many ways to start teaching young kids the basics of coding without ever touching a computer. There are so many fun learning tools that are actually teaching kids to code whether they know it or not. A couple of the ways we've introduced coding to young kids include:

• Coding Mice 
• Unplugged Coding from Hour of Code

Both of these activities have been so much fun for the kids to explore coding concepts without us needing to have in depth coding knowledge. There are also many coding curriculums online to help you get started if you're interested in learning more, or try connecting with your teens. We've recently started a Teen Tech Club that one of our student volunteers  from the local high school is leading. So far he's introduced scratch and python to teens and tweens. I've even learned a thing or two from his classes! Have you found any great coding resources that you've used?

To learn more about Marina Umaschi Bers, you can read the full article here. [The Benefits of Teaching Kids to Code. Migliori, Simone. Fall 2023. Boston College Magazine.] https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/sites/bc-magazine/fall-2023-issue/linden-lane/the-benefits-of-teaching-kids-to-code.html

Call for Proposals - New WI-based National Conference Announced

Those fabulous folks at UW-Madison iSchool Continuing Education Dept just announced another innovative two-day national conference centered around technology and library service. Upgrade joins their other conference offerings like Power Up: A Leadership Conference For Youth Services Managers And Staff; Lead the Way: Libraries At The Heart Of Community Engagement Conference and Back In Circulation: A Conference For Managers And Staff In Access And Circulation Services. These national conferences offer cutting edge content that libraries in WI can take full advantage of by attending and presenting at them. This conference has great possibilities for strong youth content. Read on!

Upgrade: Enhancing Library Services with Technology

October 6-7, 2025

Pyle Center in Madison, WI

Dr. Brandy McNeil and Dr. Alex Hanna

CALL FOR PROPOSALS The University of Wisconsin-Madison iSchool is excited to announce Upgrade, a new conference dedicated to exploring the intersection of technology and library services. This two-day event in Madison, WI will bring together library staff from across the country to discuss innovative practices in library technology. This conference will focus on cutting-edge topics, including artificial intelligence applications in libraries, effective use of social media for community engagement, and the crucial importance of cybersecurity in protecting our digital resources. We are excited to feature Drs. Brandy McNeil and Alex Hanna as keynote speakers! Please submit your proposal by March 2, 2025. For more information, visit our website. Presenters will be required to present in Madison, WI. Topics may include but are not limited to: AI, virtual reality, cybersecurity and data privacy, media labs and makerspaces, social media, media literacy, podcasts, digital collections, equity, accessible and inclusive technology, and OER. Staff from public, academic, and K-12 libraries of all sizes are welcome to attend. Conference sessions can take one of several formats, and you are welcome to submit multiple proposals!Lecture presentation: 45-minute presentation + 15 min Q&A Workshop presentation: One-hour hands-on learning experience about a tool of your choice Lightning talk: 5-minute mini presentation about a new initiative at your library Roundtable discussion: Lead an in-depth full-group discussion on a topic of your choice. No need to prepare a presentation—just shepherd good conversation! Priority will be given to sessions that include interactive elements and audience participation. Full-length presentation speakers will receive free conference registration; lightning talk speakers and roundtable moderators will receive discounted registration. If you are willing, please include a jpeg photo of yourself that can be uploaded to Sched, our conference agenda app. This can be either a professional headshot or a more casual photo! Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement UW-Madison iSchool encourages presenters representing a variety of personal and professional backgrounds, perspectives, and voices. We aim for conference presenters to be as diverse as the communities we serve. Submissions are welcome from anyone who is interested in presenting, including students, new professionals, first-time presenters, and representatives of allied professions. This conference is an in-person event.

Thoughts on Digital Content Creation with Kids

A recent ALSC Chat, open to anyone, centered on the subject on how we as librarians can support youth to become responsible creators of digital stories.  ALSC's Children and Technology Committee then gathered the input and published it on the ALSC blog.

They write: "By incorporating digital content creation into the curriculum, we are seizing an opportunity to teach our students how to create responsibly, and act as ethical digital citizens. One way we can accomplish this is through modeling."

Stop here to read the full post. [Digital Storytelling and Content Creation with Children. ALSC Children and Technology Committee. ALSC blog. June 8, 2024]

Image courtesy of ALSC Children and Technology Committee member, Arika Dickens,
who created this graphic for the We Chat slide show.

What Are Teen Librarians' Biggest Challenges?

Karen Jensen over at School Library Journal's (SLJ) Teen Librarian Toolbox blog recently addressed some of the BIG issues facing teen librarians as we head into the new year.

She writes: "Apparently, it is almost 2024. It’s not right around the corner, but it’s closer than I am ready for. I have been thinking a lot about 2023 and what issues will become, or are and will continue to be, pressing issues for teen librarians in 2024. Here are my thoughts."

Stop here and see if you agree. [The Five Biggest Issues Teen Librarians Are Facing Moving into 2024. Jensen, Karen. Teen Librarian Toolbox blog, School Library Journal. November 16, 2023]

Using TikTok at the Library

Recently, an idea-filled article from an ALSC Children and Technology Committee member shared some ideas and resources on using TikTok in your programming and service approach. It's definitely worth considering or adding to what you already offer.

Stop here to find out more. [Telling the Library Story on TikTok. Salgado, Claire Moore. ALSC blog. July 9, 2022}  

Just Wondering - How Do We Balance Technology?

This post by Manitowoc (WI) Public Library Youth Librarian and YSS Board Member Susie Menk explores questions about how we weed during a pandemic. And she's wondering....what do you think? 

Technology is so much a part of our society today that sometimes we don’t realize how often we depend on it.  We have smart phones, tablets, laptops and PCs.  We use computers to check out books, buy groceries, buy items online and keep ourselves entertained.  In the last year and a half, not only has our society looked to technology for keeping in contact but children are learning to use electronic devices on a much larger scale than ever before.  Classrooms flipped from in-person to virtual.  Libraries offer stations with iPads and AWE computers.  We have Launchpads (tablets with pre-loaded apps) and video games for checkout now.  

But is all this technology helping children or harming them?  Are these devices and apps getting them to read or expanding the titles that they have access to? Or is it stopping them from reading and making them have screen burnout?  Should libraries be offering all these options for technology or should we stick to the basics of printed books?

I am not bashing technology by any means.  I use technology every day and am so very grateful for Zoom and Google Duo during this pandemic.  My devices allowed me to keep in contact with my friends and family during the recent isolations due to the pandemic.  Libby is my most used app because I love the ability to store my books on my devices and it allows me to read with a large font (which my kids always tease me about!)

I have done storytimes using apps.  My favorite book related app is “Don’t Let the Pigeon Run this App!”.  I love going into school classrooms and showing students how to do research using our digital resources like BadgerLink and NoveList.  We offer robotics and coding classes to area Scout groups.  Believe me, I see many benefits to technology and equal access for all.  I just wonder if the devices are good for kids.  When we look at child development, we talk about kids needing experience and interaction with the world around them.  Does technology allow them those experiences and interactions or does it give kids a distorted view?  

Are we, as libraries, offering a good balance between technology and the printed word?  What does your library offer?  Are you happy with what you offer?  Would you change it if you could?  

Portable Sound System Recommendations

Pixabay Image

With summer hard upon us, many libraries are not only continuing virtual programs but also taking advantage of the warmer weather to plan live outdoor programs again. 

While a robust presenter's voice is nice in the outdoors, a portable sound system can help immensely in saving energy, vocal chords and making it easier for the audience to actually hear.

Last month, Angela Meyers, Coordinator of Youth and Family Services at Bridges Library System, asked for your recommendations on portable sound systems that worked for you. 

Today, we share the ongoing results in a literal "snapshot" google doc of recommendations. The doc lists the name and type of system along with website, price and opinion about each one.

Please bookmark this google doc which will be updated if additional recommendations come in. If you have a system that works for you and you want to share, please fill in this google form with YOUR recommendations!

Can You Hear Me? Seeking Portable PA System Recommendations

Pixabay Image

Today we have a guest post from Angela Meyers, Coordinator of Youth and Family Services at Bridges Library System.

Many of us are finding ourselves in the position of planning programs outdoors as we continue to practice social distancing measures during the pandemic. Outdoor programs come with their own set of challenges, including competing with noises from road noise, passerby, wind, birds, dogs and more. 

To help overcome some of the noise challenges of hosting programs outdoors, your library may have purchased a portable public address (PA) sound system with microphone for you to use. If you purchased a portable PA system within the last year or two, we encourage you to share what make and model you purchased, along with any other information you think others might find helpful using this Google Form. 

The list of portable PA systems will be compiled and shared here at the YSS blog as a snapshot in time.

Thanks in advance for sharing your recommendations and expertise!

Looking to Make Your Tech More Accessible?

ALA's Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Committee on Library Service to Underserved Children and Their Caregivers has produced their newest monthly toolkit and it's amazing! 

This longstanding ALSC committee has been leading the way for decades long before the pandemic highlighted how critical the need is to expand our thinking and service. Recently they began producing free, monthly toolkits to help libraries serve their underserved populations better. Chockful of resources, booklists, hints and practical suggestions, these toolkit google docs are extremely helpful. Their newest one, created in collaboration with ALSC's Children and Technology Committee, is all about providing equitable access to technology for youth.

In a recent ALSC blog post they write: "February’s Toolkit focuses on accessibility to technology and its impact on children. With the onset of COVID-19, gaps in the digital divide became chasms. The inequities that technology – or lack thereof – created became impossible to ignore. 

When librarians transitioned to providing online programming, it became all the more apparent that large swaths of children were missing out on crucial learning opportunities. The materials in this toolkit both address internet inequity and provide resources that introduce children to technology or offer low-tech options for programs.

What you will find in this toolkit:

• Picture books, early chapter books, and middle grade books for children of various ages and their caregivers.
• Professional resources such as articles and books that provide research-based information and ideas for addressing technology gaps.
• Materials you can purchase for your library’s children’s room and to use in your library programming that are low-tech or no-tech.
• Recommended webinars that target digital equity." 

To access the blog post with more info and the link to the doc, please stop here.

Infographic on Creation/Editing Tools for Virtual Programming

If you've been wondering what is the best platform to mount and edit your virtual programs, the ALSC Children and Technology Committee has come through for you. The article not only contains an easily used chart but also links to excellent resources to assist you as you head into winter and more virtual programs. They write:

"The chart is not exhaustive, but rather a simplified list of solid content creation resources to get you started or help you assess your current approach to online storytime. The cost levels are devised from web based shopping searches. The actual cost will be lower or higher depending on intended use, condition, and quality of items, as well as subscription selections. When creating and editing your content please keep in mind copyright and accessibility issues. Also be mindful of content file formats; devices, software, and apps work well with only a select range of predetermined file types."

Click here to read the full article and see the whole chart.

Virtual Storytimes YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Online Storytime Creation Tools  11/18/20
• Flipgard, Fanfare and Friends: Celebrity Storytime  9/23/20
• ALSC Virtual Storytime Guide is Out!  6/11/20
• Getting Started with Virtual Storytimes  5/27/20
• “How to Do a Virtual Storytime” Webinars 4/13/20
• Tips on Doing Online Storytimes During COVID-19 Closures 3/16/20; updated 3/20/20
• Storytime Goes Digital 3/20/20
• Digital Storytimes- You Do You! 3/31/20
• Digital Storytime, Screen Time and Intentionality – Oh My 4/6/20
• Facebook Live Online Storytime Tips 3/24/20
• Fixing "My Book is Backwards in Online Storytime!" on iPhone 3/22/20

Permissions (Books, Authors and Music) YSS blog COVID-19 series:

• Many Children’s Books COVID-19 Publisher Permissions Extended  6/24/20
• Virtual Storytime – Tips on Fair Use & Kids’ Privacy 5/4/20
• Want Permission? Current Info on Publishers and Authors 3/22/20; updated 4/23/20
•       Music Permissions? Look No Further  3/27/20; updated 3/31/20

Staying Current With Kids Tech Trends

Image by Joseph Mucira from Pixabay

A recent ALSC blog post had some great tips on where you can go to access what's happening in tech trends for kids. From familiar sources to the less familiar and probably new, these links can be a big help during times when you are doing more virtual work with your community!

To read the full post, stop here.

TikTok at the Library

Check out this super fab post on the IFLS Keeping Up With Kids blog, where Claire and Lindy from Rice Lake Public Library share how they helped their library join the world of TikTok!

Click HERE to read more.

Have you utilized TikTok at your library?  Tell us all about it in the comments!

 

Tips on Safe and Inclusive Gaming/Livestreaming for Families

Knowing that there will doubtlessly be an increase in gaming and livestreaming during the time of school closures, the Anti-Defamation League has provided two great resources to help navigate these entertainment streams for families.

The first is an article, Encourage Inclusive and Safe Gaming During COVID-19. It is full of information and practical tips to help parents and kids navigate safely and in a welcoming way while online gaming/livestreaming.

The second is a free archived webinar presented 4/2/20: Fighting Hate From Home: Safe and Inclusive Online Gaming for Your Family in the Days of Social Distancing. This 56 minute webinar is described as: "Our focus this week will be on the world of online games: how gaming can foster positive social experiences for people of all ages during this time of social isolation, and how you and your family may be exposed to hate and harassment and smart safety practices you can take. "

A special shout-out to Jenna Gilles-Turner of the Chippewa Falls (WI) Public Library for sharing these links with us!

For more information and resources on resources for kids/families, please see earlier posts in our 

Kids Resources YSS blog COVID-19 series:

Booksto Help Kids Cope with COVID Changes    11/22/20

Back to School Picture Books for Teaching Coronavirus Procedures 8/11/20

ALSC’s #Looktolibraries Resources 8/4/20

Curated List of Free COVID-19 EBooks for Kids 4/27/20

Infographic to Help Parents with Tech Time During COVID-19 4/2/20

Tips on Safe and Inclusive Gaming/Livestreaming for Families 4/6/20

Talking to Kids About COVID-19  3/28/20

Ear Ticklin’ Listening/Viewing for Kids at Home 3/30/20

Infographic to help parents with tech time during COVID-19

Looking for another way to provide virtual support to your families? 

Why not share this super snazzy infographic from Rebekah Willett, UW-Madison iSchool professor, who is part of a research project that put this together for families?

**Edited from yesterday's post to address a minor typo in the infographic.**

Kids Resources YSS blog COVID-19 series:

Booksto Help Kids Cope with COVID Changes    11/22/20

Back to School Picture Books for Teaching Coronavirus Procedures 8/11/20

ALSC’s #Looktolibraries Resources 8/4/20

Curated List of Free COVID-19 EBooks for Kids 4/27/20

Infographic to Help Parents with Tech Time During COVID-19 4/2/20

Tips on Safe and Inclusive Gaming/Livestreaming for Families 4/6/20

Talking to Kids About COVID-19  3/28/20

Ear Ticklin’ Listening/Viewing for Kids at Home 3/30/20

Girls Who Code - 100 Clubs and Counting!!

We're so excited to share this milestone with you:  Girls Who Code officially has 100 free coding Clubs in Wisconsin!  

However, we're not just sharing the good news. It is a call to action - let's keep this momentum going and give even more Wisconsin girls the opportunity for a career in technology. Please join the many libraries in Wisconsin who have Girls Who Code clubs and gain access to all of the following:

• Girls Who Code's completely free coding curriculum & tutorials!!
• Options for both 3rd-5th and 6th-12th grade clubs.
• A $300 Clubs fund for each Club, free t-shirts, and free fiction books for our 3-5 grade Clubs.
• 6th-12th grade club members work together on a group project that positively impacts their community. 
• No computer science experience required to facilitate a club!

Just submit the Club Application and you'll get access to all of our free resources and curriculum. The application is non-binding, so even if your club doesn't launch this fall you can sign up to access Girls Who Code club lesson plans and tutorials!  If you'd like to learn more, feel free to sign up for one of our informational webinars as well.  Please help us spread the word - we are just getting started!

Megan Cindric

Regional Partnership Coordinator - WI, MN

Pronouns: she/her/hers

Email: megan.cindric@girlswhocode.com

Tech Days West - - Register Today!

Tech Days West

November 5, WITC in Rice Lake details and registration here!

November 6, Bunkers at Tribute Golf Course in Wausau details and registration here!

November 7, Jake’s Northwoods in Sparta details and registration here!

                                    9:30-3:30 in each location

Each workshop will feature keynote presentations by Kris Turner:

I Hate this Website:  Updating Websites to Stay Current While Still Keeping Your Patrons Happy

Mind the Gap:  How to Navigate Your Way Across the Digital Divide (and Why that Isn’t as Easy as it Sounds)

Also look for breakout sessions (different at each workshop) about productivity, basic tech troubleshooting, social media, databases, privacy, and gamification.

6 Technology-related CE credits for each workshop

Sponsored by IFLS Library System, Northern Waters Library Service, Winding Rivers Library System, Wisconsin Valley Library Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Public Library Development Team (with funding support from the Institute for Museum and Library Services).

ICYMI: A Universe of Podcasts

Looking for kid-friendly podcasts for a variety of ages?  You're in luck!



Check out this School Library Journal article from May that not only offers curated podcast lists aimed at Elementary, Middle, and High School students...but also the information needed to curate your own, super rad podcast playlists!

Click here to start exploring: A Universe of Podcasts.

Good Night, Good Night . . . Smartphone App?

UK children's reading charity BookTrust has uncovered information about how parents use technology at bedtime, both to enhance and sometimes replace, storybook read alouds.  The survey polled 1000 parents of kids 10 and under to discover why and how technology is integrated into the bedtime experience for families.

While nearly half of those surveyed noted wanting to share bedtime stories with their children every night, only 28% actually achieve that goal.  Most interesting is how 26% responded that they have tried using technology, including digital assistants, to share nighttime stories.  Find out more by reading the whole article via the Shropshire Star, HERE.