The Cardigan Newsletter's September Issue is Out!

The September issue of the Cardigan Newsletter by Children's Librarians Allie and Kathy from Oklahoma City is out!

The article on "Ambiguous Loss" is an interesting read if you haven't seen it. I think it speaks to some of the general feelings some of my colleagues and I have mentioned in a couple of our Youth Services meetings as we discuss the altered landscape of youth programming, engaging with and serving youth.

Under the topic play, there is also a link to a Google folder with activity kit ideas including the necessary supplies and instructions.

 The terrific content doesn't stop there however, so consider taking a few moments to read the issue and to share with your colleagues who might benefit from it.

photo credit: @AlexAndrasik - Twitter

The Cardigan Newsletter is Moving

Many of you have been receiving the very rich youth services newsletter, The Cardigan monthly. Started in November 2018 by Allie and Katherine, two Oklahoma children's librarians, the newsletter is committed to free and accessible professional development for children's librarians. They write: "Inspired by the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, the Cardigan's content seeks to be inclusive, compassionate and inspiring."

Now duo are moving away from the emailed newsletter to a website. Their newest message to urges us to subscribe to the website to get an email notification each time the free monthly newsletter is published.

"Our little newsletter is moving from an e-mail newsletter format to a website. To stay up to date with our future newsletters, please "follow" us here:  www.thecardigannewsletter.com

You will receive an email notification from Wordpress each time a new newsletter is updated to the website (the first Wednesday of the month). If you have any problems "following" please feel free to e-mail us at thecardigannewsletter@gmail.com 

Thank you for your continued support! The website allows readers to post comments, so we look forward to interacting with you more on this new platform."

FAQ Friday for May 8, 2020

Dear Library Staff Serving Youth, 

Happy Friday! Here is the latest installment of Friday FAQs for Youth Services. The slides used in the recording are attached as a PDF. Also, the FAQ Friday form is open for your input on next week’s episode.

            FAQ Friday 5/8/2020 recording (6:24) 

FAQ Friday form 

Last Week’s FAQ Friday 5/1/2020 recording (10:30)  

Resources related to this week’s topics

• The Cardigan Newsletter

The Cardigan is a one-stop shop monthly newsletter for library staff working with children.  Each month, Allie and Katherine highlight new research, books, fun programs, and lots of other tips and tricks related to library services for children. 

• Curbside Service Webinar Recording

DPI hosted a webinar in which four libraries shared their procedures and best practices around curbside service. Each library presentation has been separated into its own video. The question and answer section and additional information from DPI has also been broken out.

• Reopening Guidelines Webinar Recording

URL not yet available; check the Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone blog for updates

DPI hosted a one-hour webinar that included  a walkthrough of the Guidelines document, the process for developing the library service levels, and some Q & A. 

• Being Still in an Emergency Webinar Recording

URL not yet available; check the Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone blog for updates

DPI hosted a one-hour webinar on how to take care of ourselves in this time of COVID-19 featuring library consultant Beck Tench.

• CSLP Modified Summer Manual

CSLP put together a set of modified summer library program materials for service during the time of COVID-19. A PDF version is located on the front page of the CSLP website for easy printing and download capabilities (a red rectangular button—the large PDF downloads as soon as you click it). For a more editable version CSLP members are encouraged to sign into their CSLP account and access content from the online manuals.

Have a restful weekend,

Tessa Michaelson Schmidt

Public Library Consultant – Youth and Inclusive Services

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Division for Libraries and Technology

(608) 267-5077

Friday FAQs with Tessa Michaelson Schmidt

• 6/18/21 recording

• 5/14/21 recording
• 4/9/21 recording
• 3/12/21 recording
• 2/12/21 recording
• 1/15/21 recording
• 12/11/20 recording
• 11/13/20 recording
• 10/9/20 recording
• 9/11/20 recording
• 8/14/20 recording
• 7/31/20 recording
• 7/17/20 recording
• 7/10/20 recording
• 6/26/20 recording
• 6/19/20 recording
• 6/11/20 recording
• 6/5/20 recording
• 5/29/20 recording
• 5/22/20 recording
• 5/15/20 recording
• 5/8/20 recording
• 5/1/20 recording
• 4/24/20 recording
• 4/17/20 recording
• 4/10/20 recording   

The Cardigan Booklist - Math Picture Books

Over at The Cardigan this month, Allie highlighted some great math picture books for use during storytime.  These would be a great way to help parents and caregivers introduce math concepts to their littles.  The list was Instagram-sourced, so check out the entire list HERE.

Introducing...The Cardigan!

Sharing ideas and information is totally a librarian's jam and, if you're anything like me, you're always on the prowl for new resources and ways to connect with other youth services librarians. 

Introducing The Cardigan, a monthly newsletter created for any and/all library staff working with children!  We're talking resources, tricks, tips, professional development, collection development, programs...SO MANY GOODIES!  They have even started creating a collection of crowdsourced book lists.  Thus far, the lists include Rhyming Storytime Books and Springtime Storytime Books. 

Want to know more?  The co-founders of The Cardigan, Allie Barton & Katherine Hickey (both Children's Librarians in Oklahoma) had a chance to share their vision on the ALSC blog earlier this month.  Click HERE to read the post!

Ready to subscribe?  Give THIS handy dandy link a whirl!