Rage Against the Room

From the article on TLT

Embrace all the feelings and channel teen angst with a DIY Rage Room! Cindy Shutts welcomes Faith Healy onto the Teen Librarian Toolbox blog to lay out a program plan along with feedback on how each station was received.

According to Healy the idea came up "while having a conversation with a co-worker, Sol Perez,  about mental health, we were brainstorming ways to do a program that would help teens as well as get them to want to come. We struggled to find an idea that would balance education with fun enough that teens would actually come.  Randomly she threw out a rage room and we both looked at each other and said that is it."

Read the full article here.

Seems like a great way to utilize supplies many of us have lingering in our work areas and let teens relieve some stress! I could see this type of program going over really well during or after finals. What do you think? Would you offer a Rage Room at your Library or have you already? How'd it go?

[Cindy Crushes Programming: How to turn a conversation about Mental Health into a fun program aka How to do a Teen Rage Room. Shutts, Cindy. Teen Librarian Toolbox blog. July 2, 2026. https://teenlibrariantoolbox.com/2026/07/02/cindy-crushes-programming-how-to-turn-a-conversation-about-mental-health-into-a-fun-program-aka-how-to-do-a-teen-rage-room/]

Tips and Info from DPI's November 6, 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 November 6, 2025 edition:

 

Hello All,  Check out these youth services resources and reminders!  CSLP Summer Symposium – Registration is open!  Thursday, December 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Check out the Collaborative Summer Library Program for manual highlights, program ideas, and to hear from the CSLP 2026 Summer Reading Champion, Dan Santat!  Register to attend live.  Can’t attend the live event? Register to receive the recording.   Building Community Based Summers (BCBS) Wisconsin Cohort  The application for the Spring 2026 Wisconsin Cohort is open!   The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Bureau of Libraries is looking for six libraries to participate in the 2026 Building Community-Based Summers (BCBS) Cohort.     The BCBS learning framework will empower library staff to weave equity into their summer services and programming by exploring how equitable their current programs are, whether equity goals are being achieved, and what impact summer programs are having on those community members needing them most.    The deadline to apply is Friday, November 14, 2026. Applicants will be notified of their status by Monday, November 24, 2026.  2026 Summer Teen Internship Informational Webinar  Registration for the DPI Bureau of Libraries Teen Internship informational webinar at 10 a.m., January 30, 2026, is open.  Attendees will learn about the goals of the internship, what is expected of the library, the mentor, and the intern, and how to apply for the program.   Up to $2500 in funding is available for each of the selected Wisconsin public libraries to hire a paid summer intern who reflects the voice and perspectives of their community. This is expected to be a competitive process, and not all applications will be accepted into the program.  The Teen Internship is supported by the Institute of Museums and Library Services with Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding and is conditioned upon the availability of government funds which may be limited for any reason including, but not limited to, congressional, legislative, gubernatorial, or administrative action.  Vibrant Emotional Health is sharing Free 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline resources  The 988 Lifeline is a national network of crisis contact centers that connects people with skilled, compassionate crisis counselors 24/7, offering support for anyone in suicidal crisis or struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, or substance misuse.  Libraries of all kinds can request a free package containing 3 full-size flyers, 3 half-size flyers, 10 postcards, 10 bookmarks, and 10 stickers to help spread awareness of this vital resource to patrons.  These materials provide important information about how to access help via call, text or online chat.  By displaying these resources in your library, you can play a crucial role in connecting community members to life-saving support.  Request your free materials at this link  Nourishing Minds: A Free Toolkit for Teen Mental Health Programming in Libraries  Wednesday, November 19 from 2 to 3 p.m.  Join the Programming Librarian (ALA) for this free webinar to learn how to use Nourishing Minds, a free digital toolkit created by the Seattle Public Library for supporting teen mental health programming. The Nourishing Minds Framework, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and with support from The Seattle Public Library Foundation, is a comprehensive approach for libraries to support teen mental health. Over the course of three years, Seattle Public Library staff tested the digital toolkit, supporting librarians and teens with meaningful teen-focused programming. In this webinar, hear from the Nourishing Minds team about the framework, resources, and how libraries have used the toolkit to create teen programs.  For more information and to register, visit: https://programminglibrarian.org/webinars  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 August 7, 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 7, 2025 edition

Hello All, Check out these youth services resources and reminders! WLA Leadership Development Institute (LDI) application is now open! Taking time for learning and development is critical for anyone who wants to improve their leadership skills and become a top performer.  LDI is about your professional development.  While the program is rigorous and does require a time commitment, your future is worth the investment.    Apply Now Visit the LDI website CSLP Sneak Peak! Here’s a sneak peak of the Collaborative Summer Library Program 2026 Unearth a Story artwork CSLP Slogan and Theme Announcements The 2028 Slogan for the Mythical Creatures theme is… drum roll… Libraries are Legendary (Tentative Spanish translation: Las bibliotecas son legendarias) The 2029 Theme is… drum roll… Nature (The slogan will be chosen in 2026) NAMI Trauma-Informed Care for youth-serving professionals The National Alliance for Mental Health is offering TraumaInSight, a comprehensive, asynchronous virtual training designed to enhance trauma awareness when working with youth.  This training is FREE and you will need to create an account to access the course.  More information is available.  Jeni Schomber Public Library Consultant The DPI does not sponsor

Tips and Info from DPI's May 8 , 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 May 8, 2025 edition  

Hello All,

Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship Workshop

• Registration is at capacity for the Foundations of Wisconsin Librarianship: Essential Skills for Library Media Specialists and Public Library Staff Serving Youth workshop. If you are still interested in attending, please contact me directly at jeni.schomber@dpi.wi.gov to be placed on a waiting list.
• This workshop is specifically structured to be most beneficial to public library staff who are new (three years or less) to serving youth in Wisconsin libraries and will provide an introduction to essential skills, resources, and strategies for working in public libraries.
• The three-day in-person workshop will be held at Hotel Mead, in Wisconsin Rapids from 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday July 29 through 2:00 p.m. on Thursday July 31, 2025. There is no cost to attend and most meals will be provided. Attendees, or their library, will be responsible for mileage, two nights lodging, and one evening meal.

BadgerLink Bulletin

• Learn how to find book reviews in trusted library publications in trusted BadgerLink Resources. View the full story.
• An updated Britannica School-Early Elementary webinar recording is now available on the BadgerLink Training Page. View the full story.  

Flight Path: a New Project for Libraries

• In honor of World Migratory Bird Day (May 15th) STAR Net and Tangled Banks Studios are proud to announce Flight Path, a new project for public libraries focused on bird conservation and science.
• Flight Path invites you to swoop into a robust suite of materials to create engaging and educational events that give your communities the opportunity to learn about local and regional birds, and to become local science explorers themselves.
• Learn more and apply today.

YALSA Symposium Status Update

• While YALSA leadership is exploring the future possibilities for delivering Symposium content, there will be no YALSA Symposium in fall 2025 or fall 2026. The YALSA board and staff will continue discussing details related to future YALSA opportunities with other partners.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month - News from Sesame Workshop

• Sesame Workshop works to help children build a foundation of emotional wellness by being kind to themselves, practicing gratitude, and staying healthy in mind and body.
• Whether you are helping a child manage the ups and downs of daily life, or cope with big feelings such as grief, you can use our resources to help little ones notice, understand, and name their emotions.
• Explore the resources

Have a great weekend

Tips and Info from DPI's Nov. 21, 2024 Newsletter

Jeni Schomber's DPI Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources is chockfull of great resources. 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 selected information from the Nov 21, 2024 edition.

BadgerLink Bulletin

• Four new Britannica bookmarks and a poster are now available to request for your library. 

CSLP 2028 Slogan and 2029 Theme  

• CSLP is accepting suggestions for the 2028 Slogan (Mythical Creatures) and the 2029 Theme. 
• Each year CSLP seeks feedback from Wisconsin library staff for future summer slogan and theme suggestions. Libraries from across the nation also contribute, and together, we come to consensus. Now is your time to be heard! Please use this link to the brief survey to suggest a slogan for the 2028 theme of Mythical Creatures, and a fresh, new theme for 2029.
• Some tips for developing themes and slogans: adaptable for all ages, translatable into Spanish, culturally sensitive and thoughtful, catchy, memorable, and concise.
• Please share your suggestions between now and Sunday, February 2, 2025.

WebJunction Mental Health Resources for Libraries

• WebJunction builds the knowledge, skills and confidence of library staff to power strong libraries that are the heart of vibrant communities. A program of OCLC Research, WebJunction is free and welcome to all libraries to use, regardless of size, type or location.
• Mental health resources include articles, webinars, courses, trainings, booklists, and more. 

Ask Me Anything: Youth and Teen Services

• Do you have questions about serving youth and teens at your library? I'm here to support you! Ask me anything about best practices for programming, engaging with children and families, collection development, and more. Your insights and questions are invaluable, so don't hesitate to reach out on the Ask Me Anything form. 

Have a great weekend!

Jeni Schomber 

Public Library Consultant 

Library Services Team 

Division for Libraries and Technology 

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction 

608-266-2749 

jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov 

Thoughts on a Librarian's Parental Leave

Image by Andrea Don from Pixabay

In a recent ALSC blog post, librarian and new parent Claire Laitman, writes about how using the library as a new mom deepened her understanding of great service for parents of babies.

Claire writes: "People say you can’t be truly prepared for parenthood, but as a librarian, I have to admit I felt pretty ready to have a baby. I had read all the books, spent countless hours on the children’s floor and had a strong sense that I’d find my way. But when my daughter was born, I suddenly felt immersed in a new world where the parts of myself I could normally rely on were suddenly out of grasp. My mind, normally sharp and analytical, felt scattered and hazy. My confidence that I could figure most things out was replaced by a lingering imposter feeling. Despite my fears of taking her out of our safe apartment and into the world, the expanse of time ahead of us was even more daunting, so I decided to take my baby to see my happy place. On a cold morning in January, I bundled us up and off we went to our local library. This outing became an anchor of our early time together, and allowed me enjoy the library in a whole new way. Here are a few of my experiences and the discoveries and ideas that came out of my library visits in this new patron role as a first-time parent."

To read her thoughtful insights on experiencing library programs, service and communication through the lens of a new parent, please stop here. [Takeaways from a Librarian on Parental Leave. Laitman, Claire. ALSC blog. August 30, 2024.]

Free Mental Health Activities for K-4 Kids and Webinar

This just came in, shared by Alison Loewen from her networks. Thanks Alison!

The Mental Health Literacy Units of Instruction, created by DPI and OCMH, from have been downloaded thousands of times across 44 states and 14 countries since 2021!  As one of the nearly 2,000 Wisconsin educators who have downloaded the lessons, we wanted you to know about the newly released Mental Health Literacy Activities for K4 - 2nd grade!

 

Mental health literacy includes the knowledge, attitudes, and skills needed to develop and maintain positive mental health and seek appropriate help. New 15-minute activities for K4-K5 and Grades 1-2 help students to develop skills that are the building blocks of future mental health literacy, such as developing awareness and regulation of emotions, developing positive self-concept, and identifying activities that promote wellness.

 

Download the free activities on the Department of Public Instruction’s Mental Health Literacy and Wellness Education webpage.

Interested in learning more? Join DPI and the Wisconsin State Office of Children’s Mental Health on Wednesday, September 25^th from 11:30 am - 12:30 pm for a webinar to learn more about the activities and review practical considerations for implementation. Please register for the webinar using the registration link. 

In appreciation,

 

Andrea

 

Andrea Turtenwald

Family Relations Coordinator

Office of Children’s Mental Health

State of Wisconsin

Pronouns | She/Her/Hers

Email | andrea.turtenwald@wi.gov

Phone | 608-445-0159

Web | https://children.wi.gov