Tips and Info from DPI's April 23, 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 April 23, 2026 edition:

Weekly Resources & Reminders Hello All,  Check out these Youth Services Resources and Reminders!   Happy National Library Week!  View the Bureau of Libraries National Library Week announcement from Wisconsin State Librarian Ben Miller.  Wisconsin Science Festival: Science in a Bag  The Science in a Bag library application form is now open. This program provides free, take-home STEAM kits to libraries all across Wisconsin. Full of engaging, accessible activities that spark curiosity and creativity, these kits help bridge the bridge gaps in access to educational resources, support lifelong learning, and reinforce the library’s role as an inclusive community space where science and exploration are available to everyone. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2026. Quantities are limited, so apply soon!  America 250 Resources at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction  America 250 marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and offers a meaningful opportunity for educators to explore our nation’s history, ideals, and ongoing story with students.  Although primarily for the classroom setting, the America 250 page provides resources and materials that public libraries may use for engaging with this historic milestone.   University of Kentucky Storytime Survey  Researchers at the University of Kentucky School of Information Science are inviting you to take part in an online survey exploring if, how, and why public library staff incorporate content such as books, songs, and other activities related to community, diversity, and belonging into their children’s storytimes.  They are interested in hearing from library staff who have experience with this type of children’s programming, as well as library staff who do not have experience with this type of children’s programming. The survey will take about 30 minutes to complete. If you agree to participate, please complete the survey at: https://uky.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5ihWIS34KAMeQho  Jeni Schomber Public Library Consultant The DPI Bureau of Libraries does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events.  Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Wisconsin Science Festival Virtual Kickoff Party

 

2026 Wisconsin Science Festival Virtual Kickoff Party April 16 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ready to start making plans for the fall? Just want to learn more? Join us for networking and conversation about the 16th annual Wisconsin Science Festival! Click here to register for virtual kickoff party! Hear from the WSF team and a few special guests about updates for 2026 Hear about this year's festival feature Learn how and when to submit your 2026 events Grab your lunch and bring your ideas and questions Win prizes! The Wisconsin Science Festival aims to inspire and engage us in the enterprise of science and discovery; to promote innovation and to cultivate the next generation of global citizens. In 2025, over 53,000 people participated in events throughout 56 counties in Wisconsin. (View the 2025 annual report!) Additional opportunities from our festival partners: If you have content you’d like to share or include in the Wisconsin Science Festival, our friends at Badgerland Learning Days have a great opportunity for you to test your material or programs with youth and families this spring! See more details on how to include your organization in another great celebration of learning. Help us make this year’s Wisconsin Science Festival even more impactful! We’ve put together a short pre-festival survey to better understand your needs, ideas, and what support would make hosting your event even smoother and more fun. Your feedback helps shape the experience not just for you, but for communities across the state. It only takes a few minutes, and it makes a big difference. Thanks for being such an essential part of the festival!

Tips and Info from DPI's March 26, 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 March 26, 2026 edition:

Hello All,  Check out these youth services resources and reminders!  BadgerLink Bulletin – TeachingBooks for Libraries  Attention, librarians of all types! Check out TeachingBooks Monthly Lesson Ideas to easily share fascinating multimedia titles for young readers in your newsletters, social media, and instructional and programming plans. Explore TeachingBooks for Libraries for jumping-off points that deepen discussions, inspire reading interest, and support connections to books and authors for young readers.   Wisconsin Science Festival Virtual Kickoff Party  This virtual party is a great way to learn more about what participating in the festival really means, get the scoop on the featured topic for the year, meet other STEAM enthusiasts, win prizes at trivia, and more.  Join us, April 16th at 11:30am, as we kick off the 2026 Wisconsin Science Festival!  Register for the Kickoff Party.   CSLP Newsletter  Check out the latest Collaborative Summer Library Program newsletter full of great information and resources, including voting to name the Mysteries Await at Your Library 2027 mascot, a BCBS National Cohort announcement, Dinosaurs 101 for Librarians webinar, the final Wordsmithing session, Manual highlights, and more!  Northeast Science Camp for Librarians  Save the Date for the 2026 Northeast Science Camp for Librarians! We are excited to announce this year’s Northeast Science Camp for Librarians will be held on June 8-10, 2026, at the University of New Hampshire in Durham, New Hampshire. Science Camp is an engaging and affordable 2 ½ day immersion into science topics, offering opportunities for library workers and library students interested in science, health sciences, and technology to learn, meet, and network in a fun, laid-back atmosphere. Registration opens April 17, 2026. Visit Northeast Science Camp for Librarians for more information.   Jeni Schomber  Public Library Consultant  The DPI does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events. They are provided for your consideration only. Contact: jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Tips and Info from DPI's July 17, 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 July 17, 2025 edition

Hello All, Check out these valuable youth services resources and reminders! CSLP Final Theme and Slogan Survey The Collaborative Summer Library Program is currently collecting final feedback for the summer 2028 slogan (theme: Mythical Creatures) and the summer 2029 theme (to be determined -- by YOU!). Results will be compiled and shared with state reps and the CSLP Theme & Slogan Committee. These are the finalists, and now is your chance to give feedback before the official vote at the beginning of August. The survey is open through Sunday, July 20, 2025. NOTE THE CORRECTED DATE! SciStarter Webinar: America250 Meets 2.50 Million Acts of Science August 20, 2025 at 1 p.m. CT Join SciStarter and STAR Net to learn how your library can be part of the nation’s largest volunteer effort and help advance local science and research discovery! Registration and more information.  Wisconsin Science Festival - October 16-26, 2025 There is still time to register your events for this year’s Rockin’ 15 Years Wisconsin Science Festival! Several events are already added to the website (check them out here). If you are planning to host an event to include in this year's festival, please submit the bulk of your details to Wisconsin Science Festival by August 1st. Event additions and changes can be made up until October 5th but the sooner they have your event on their radar the better! Jeni Schomber Public Library Consultant