Tips and Info from DPI's August 7, 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 August 7, 2026 edition:

 

 

Weekly Resources & Reminders

 

Hello All,  The following content is shared as provided by the organization. The DPI Bureau of Libraries does not sponsor or endorse external resources or events.

Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) Theme and Slogan Listening Sessions - Save the Date!  Join CSLP and provide feedback to help determine the 2029 Slogan and 2030 Theme. Two interactive listening sessions will be held in August. Registration is not required, and you can attend one or both sessions.   Listening Session Option #1  Thursday, August 13 at 12pm   Join us on Zoom - no need to register  Listening Session Option #2  Tuesday, August 18 at 3pm   Join us on Zoom - no need to register

News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries: A FREE Public Library Association (PLA) Webinar  Join the Public Library Association on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 1 p.m. for a free webinar exploring findings from News Access and Media Literacy in Public Libraries, a new national report sponsored by PressReader. Hear key insights from the research and discover practical strategies public libraries are using to strengthen news access and media literacy in their communities.  Download the report and register for the webinar.

PBS Wisconsin Library Cohort   The PBS Wisconsin Library Cohort blends professional development, hands-on learning, collaboration, and program implementation into one engaging series for Wisconsin public library and school library staff.  Why join?  EXPLORE ready-to-use, research-backed educational multimedia resources.  BUILD media literacy skills for infusing resources that support children in learning how to think, rather than what to think.  CULTIVATE relationships with colleagues across Wisconsin and beyond.  Apply by September 1, 2026 - spots are limited! Invitation to apply.

 

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

Spotting Fake News for Kids

Photo by Hartono Creative Studio on Unsplash

What are libraries and schools doing to teach kids media literacy? It's a tough topic to even know where to start, but starting early seems to be an important part of that lesson. Finland leads the way in media literacy for kids, and starts teaching students about fake news in preschool. 

PBS Learning Media provides a number of lesson plans and resources for teaching kids about fake news and fact checking your sources. As AI technology improves, this topic will become even more important. What have you found success with?

For a brief news story on Finland's efforts click here.

For PBS Learning Media's free resources look here.

[Schools teaching kids to spot fake news and AI misinformation. CBS News. January 6, 2026] https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/video/schools-teaching-kids-to-spot-fake-news-and-ai-misinform
ation/

Become a PBS KIDS Library Cohort!

 Calling Wisconsin library staff!

🤩 Applications are OPEN for the PBS KIDS Library Cohort!

This exciting virtual experience connects libraries across the state of Wisconsin, blending professional development, hands-on learning, collaboration, and program implementation into one dynamic series.

Why participate?

• SUPPORT early literacy and learning capacity with research-backed resources that encourage playful language development, spark a love of stories, and cultivate compassion.
• DISCOVER resources that  support the process of learning with high-quality, ready-to-use, educational media from PBS KIDS. Gain confidence implementing these ideas in your programs.
• BUILD media literacy skills that integrate digital resources in hands-on programming, that support children in how to think, rather than what to think.
• DEVELOP friendships and connections to library staff and communities across Wisconsin through peer partnerships and collaboration opportunities with local organizations. 

 Learn more about the program and apply here!

⭐ Libraries will receive a $350 stipend to support youth-focused program implementation.
📣 Apply by November 14, 2025. Spots are limited!

PBS WI Media Literacy Cohort Info Session - April 30

 From DPI's Jeni Schomber's April 19, 2024 newsletter

PBS Wisconsin Media Literacy Cohort applications are open – Learn more at this upcoming informational webinar on Tuesday April 30th, 4:00-4:30 pm. No fee.

Wisconsin K-12 educators interested in the PBS Wisconsin Media Literacy Cohort are invited to learn more at this informational session.

Participants will learn about:

• Media literacy content they will explore over the course of the cohort.
• Opportunities to share and collaborate with cohort members.
• Cohort schedule and attendance.

Check PBS WI website for more information on Media Literacy