Childrens

Throw It Thursday - Can I Donate This?

Youth Services Shout Out -

Ashley Borman, Technical Services Librarian at the Clintonville (WI) Public Library, is back with another weeding tips column. 
People will donate everything and anything, no matter what you tell them. You know what I’m talking about. A patron calls to ask if you accept book donations, and you tell them yes, but we don’t accept encyclopedias or old text books. 
So, the patron brings in a bunch of boxes and as you go through them, what do you find? A bunch of encyclopedias and outdated text books buried under a few other titles. Ugh! It can get frustrating, but it is also a way to get some great materials for the library for free!

Or you get the person who gets miffed when you tell them that all donated materials are assessed and may not be added to the collection, but given to the Friends for the next book sale. “But I’m giving you this item specifically so you can add it so people can read it!” That’s when you can pull out your policy on accepting donations (which hopefully you all have!) and show the patron that once the book is donated, it is no longer in their control. It is up to library staff to determine whether or not the book will be beneficial to the collection.

One of my favorite things to do is go through donations patrons bring into the library. I tend to find some good items to add to our current materials collection from donations. In our library, we accept donations of more than just books, music, and movies. We also accept games, puzzles, kits, toys, and crafting supplies. We go though everything we receive and decide if we want to keep it and use it for the library. Things we do not want go to the Friends of the Library for their book sale (books, media, games, and puzzles), get donated elsewhere (toys and crafting supplies we do not want for the library), or get recycled or thrown away (items that we do not want and/or are broken beyond repair that we cannot donate).



We have a white cart where library staff put donated items. I then go through them to see what we want to keep for possible use, before sending the rest downstairs in our dumbwaiter for the Friends of the Library to put in their book sale.

If you have a space to save things, you could also save some new/gently used donations of popular items you already have for future replacements. Every so often (when the shelves are full), I go through the items I’ve saved for future replacements and go check the condition of the items on our shelves. If the library copy is in poor condistion, I will replace it. If it is in good shape, I will either put the saved item back on the shelf (if I think the library item will need to be replaced within the coming year) or send it on to the Friends of the Library for their book sales.

What's Up at WAPL for Youth Folks?

Youth Services Shout Out -


The annual WI Association of Public Librarians (WAPL) conference is scheduled May 1-3 at the Stevens Point Conference Center. There are some great programs for youth staff and, of course, chances to mingle and talk with colleagues throughout the conference.

Early bird registration ends this Friday (3/29) , and online registration ends April 12. Don't delay, register today!

There are authors galore doing keynotes and luncheon speaking.

There are lots of sessions to help you in your work listed on the schedule from community reads, management know-how; reflecting on our work; using Instagram Reels for your marketing; public generated art at the library; preparing for book challenges; doing big things in a small community; leadership tips; gaming; doing more with less; diversifying your children's collection; programs for families experiencing homelessness; behavior policies; 
https://www.wisconsinlibraries.org/wapl-conference-2024

Check out these youth oriented sessions and events too!

THURSDAY, MAY 2

What is Science-Based Reading and Why Should Wisconsin Public Libraries Care?
    10:30-11:30 am
In July 2023, Wisconsin Legislature enacted Act 20, a bill relating to reading instruction in public and private schools. What does this mean for public library staff serving youth and their families? Through intentionality in programming, such as story times, and in curating well-rounded collections, public libraries are already providing opportunities to meaningfully support the goals of Act 20. This session will provide both an overview of Act 20, including the definition of science-based early reading, and practical tips for supporting children and their families as literacy partners, as well as highlighting the ways in which libraries continue to empower youth and families as they embrace the joy of reading through choice and access. Speakers: Jeni Schomber, Stacy Gray
Knowledge is Power: Great Lakes Literacy through Reading
    10:30-11:30 am

Just 3% of the water on earth is freshwater and 20% of that is in our Great Lakes. And water is life. Unfortunately, there is a huge knowledge gap about the wonders of this precious resource and the challenges it faces. And it’s hard to care about something you know nothing about. The statewide 2024 Great Lakes, Great Read community read program is designed to close that knowledge gap. This session will introduce you to this jewel of a resource and inspire you (and your library community) to the stewards of our Great Lakes – through reading!! Speaker: Anne Moser
Power to Public Media: Using PBS Resources in Your Library
    1:15-2:15 pm
The power of public media is that it has been a catalyst for helping children learn key early learning skills like math, science, and reading, right from their homes. Libraries can leverage these research-based, high quality, free resources to create dynamic learning experiences rooted in play. Dive into this engaging session to discover the transformative power of PBS and how easily you can integrate PBS Kids content into your learning space. PBS Wisconsin Education library ambassadors, coming from rural and urban libraries, bring their expertise offering practical insights and a treasure trove of ready-to-use resources to elevate your library programming. Speakers: Jamie Mercer, Kristen Caldwell, Samantha Schoville
The Personal Toll of Book Challenges: Making Peace and Caring for Yourself
    1:15-2:15pm

Book challenges in school and public libraries reached a record high in 2023, according to data released by the American Library Association. Much has been shared about what librarians need to know when dealing with challenges to their library collections and threats to their professionalism. What is less often talked about is the personal toll this takes on public librarians, including additional stress and altering curation practices, resulting in soft censorship. Join Sara Gold and Monica Treptow for a discussion on strategies for self-care during and after a challenge experience. In addition to learning how to create a circle of support, the session will address how to navigate the dynamics between personal feelings and professional responsibilities of education and librarianship. Speakers: Sara Gold, Monica Treptow
Building Strong Families and Thriving Communities through Family Support
    2:30-3:30 pm

A two-for-one session! Expand your knowledge of both Help Me Grow and the Triple P - Positive Parenting Program®. Every parent needs information and support at some point along their parenting journey. Learn how both free resources can benefit the families in your community. Help Me Grow's goal is to ensure equitable access to services for all families and presenters will focus on care coordination and collaborating with community resources. The Triple P Program gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships and confidently manage their children’s behavior. Thriving communities begin with thriving families! Speakers: Natalie Popple, Jessica Schneider, Jackie Schommer
YSS Social    7:30 pm- 9:00 pm
Join us for an informal social with YSS members and other youth folks.

FRIDAY MAY 3
Popping Pop Culture Programs
    8:30-9:30 am

Do you need new ideas so your library stays "groovy"? Want to mix up your youth programming with something totally "rad"? Join us as we dive into some of the pop culture children's programs and how you can do them at your library. Some pop culture programs lend themselves to incredibly expensive events while... Speaker: Jessica Hodges
Games, Learning, and Libraries: Harnessing the Power of Play in Wisconsin
    8:30-9:30am

If libraries hope to remain both relevant and forward-thinking in the eyes of our communities, it's crucial that our institutions evolve, respond, and adapt to modern media interests and innovative learning pathways. Gaming (including video gaming, board gaming, TTRPGs, card gaming, etc.) continues to explode in popularity, demonstrating the unique value that interactive media holds -- both as a recreation, and within the learning sciences. This presentation will highlight the numerous games-based library initiatives occurring in our state, explore the extraordinary learning/literacy benefits unique to gaming, invite interested librarians to grow their knowledge within the space -- and get involved themselves! Speaker: Chris Baker
A Conversation with 2023 WLA Burr/Worzalla Winner Al Graziadei
    9:45-10:45 am

Meet author and 2023 WLA Burr/Worzalla Winner Al Graziadei. Al will tell us about their path to becoming an author, the success of their first novel, "Ice Breaker," and their next book. This session will be followed by a book sale/signing with the author.

Analyzing Your Collection: Tools to Diversify & Maintain Your Children’s Collection
    9:45-10:45 am

Creating a diverse children’s collection is an important role for library staff. Interested in analyzing your collection, but don’t know where to start? In this session, the presenters will discuss how to develop a critical lens with which to review books. This will empower you to build an authentic and inclusive library collection that counters bias and promotes cultural pluralism. Additionally, the presenters will provide free resources and tools which can analyze your collection for you, suggest books, and assist you with making informed purchasing decisions. Finally, the presenters will show you how to track your collection’s diversity on an ongoing basis. Speakers: Kristie Hauer, Amy Rae Weaver, Hannah G Zima
Powering Up Early Math in Young Child Programming
    9:45-10:45 am

Early math skills are among the strongest predictors of later school achievement and integrating them into your young child programming may help support your community’s school readiness efforts. This breakout will cover a variety of different early math competencies you can easily incorporate into your library programs for young children. Participants will also explore interactive strategies to engage children and caregivers with these skills while fostering a growth mindset, and better understand how early math skills are approachable for everyone through interactive discussions and moments of self-reflection. Speaker: Jacqueline Kociubuk
Depositing Joy: Programming and Services for Families Experiencing Homelessness
    9:45-10:45am

Are you struggling to pinpoint an outreach program model that works for families experiencing homelessness in your community? Do you dream of allowing families to learn and explore when it’s convenient for them and familiarizing them with library resources, thus eliminating social barriers to library usage? Learn how one library established strong partnerships with emergency family shelters by offering tailor-made passive program boxes and deposit collections of diverse, popular and age-appropriate materials. Attendees will learn how to replicate this model; three themed program-in-a-box project ideas will be provided to inspire attendees and help them get started on their own programs. Speaker: Megan Nigh
Using Early Literacy Learning Techniques with High School Students
 11:00 am -noon

This presentation aims to help adult educators use early literacy teaching techniques to build positive relationships with high school students and enhance their learning outcomes. We will define early literacy, how its influences show up in teenage learners, and how it can promote students’ social-emotional learning. The Presenter will share a slide show documenting a recent example of an effective early literacy strategy applied to high school students in grades 9 – 12 to foster interest, engagement, and better subject comprehension. Speaker: Amanda Ehlert






Mentorship Tips

Youth Services Shout Out -

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay
In another thoughtful recent ALSC blog post, Jaime Eastman considers what mentorship is. She explores how to find a mentor who fits your needs, how to be intentional in getting the support you need as well as the support you can offer and other aspects of a mentorship relationship.

Click here to read this helpful post [Mastering Mentorship: Tips for Success. Eastman, Jaime. ALSC blog. March 5, 2024.]

Free Dia Booklists from ALSC

Youth Services Shout Out -

The El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Día) initiative emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Día is a celebration every day of children, families, and reading that culminates yearly on April 30. 

In conjunction with the initiative, ALA's Association for Library Service to Children's (ALSC) Quicklists Consulting committee has compiled four new lists of awesome books for kids, birth to age 14, FULL of engaging titles that represent children and families from many backgrounds! 

They are available in English and Spanish and are free to download here 

The Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), encourages libraries and community organizations to connect children with diverse books and programming opportunities through Día. Día is a nationally recognized initiative that emphasizes the importance of literacy for all children from all backgrounds. It is a daily commitment to linking children and their families to diverse books, languages and cultures.

The common goals of all Día programming are to:
  • Celebrate children and connect them to the world of learning through books, stories and libraries.
  • Recognize and respect culture, heritage and language as powerful tools for strengthening families and communities.
  • Nurture cognitive and literacy development in ways that honor and embrace a child’s home language and culture.
  • Introduce families to community resources that provide opportunities for learning through multiple literacies.

2023 Charlotte Zolotow Lecture Recording Available

Youth Services Shout Out -


In case you missed last fall’s Zolotow lecture given by author Angeline Boulley or were able to attend in person/view the livestream and want to experience it again, you can view a recording with closed captioning, now linked on the CCBC Zolotow lecture webpage.

 

Indigenous Representation in Literature for Children

10/19/23 | 50m 7s | Rating: NR

Author Angeline Boulley, an enrolled member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, writes young adult fiction about her Ojibwe community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Her new novel, "Warrior Girl Unearthed," was released in May, 2023. Recorded on October 19, 2023.

Mark your calendars for this year’s lecture given by Meg Medina on Thursday, October 17, 2024.

Author Illustrator Visit Grant Opportunity

Youth Services Shout Out -


The ALSC Programs and Services Recognition Committee is now accepting applications for the 2024 Maureen Hayes Author/Illustrator Award! This award was established with funding from Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, in honor of Maureen Hayes, to bring together children and nationally recognized authors/illustrators by funding up to $4000 for an author/illustrator visit to a library. Applications and supporting materials, including an itemized budget and the required signature form, are due by April 19, 2024

Please visit: 

https://www.ala.org/alsc/awardsgrants/profawards/hayesaward


Criteria
  • Each application will be judged on the following:
    • Reasons for the application.  The applicant seeks to provide a visit from an author/illustrator who will speak to children who have not had the opportunity to hear a nationally known author/illustrator.  Reasons for applying could include: particular contribution; a special celebration, etc.
    • Facilities.  The appropriateness, both in terms of capacity and accessibility.
    • Administrative support.  The organization and administrative capabilities of the person or group submitting an application evident in the enclosed budget, and partially manifested in the presentation of the application itself.
    • Cooperation with other organizations.  The applicant must work cooperatively with other types of libraries (academic, public and school) and bookstores within the local community to provide the author/illustrator visit, thereby also providing a broader audience.  The applicant must present the library's educational goals, as well as evidence of how those goals apply to the local community's educational goals.  The extent to which meaningful cooperation among various local or area groups would suggest an ability to share responsibilities of personnel, time, and money needed to cover local expenses.
    • Author/Illustrator visit visibility.  Emphasis on the presentation as a distinctive event publicized to and open to all potential attendees in the area is a priority.
Requirements
  • Applicants must:
    • Be personal members of ALSC as well as ALA; organizational members are not eligible
    • Act as host for the author/illustrator visit, the date to be arranged at the mutual convenience of the artist/illustrator and the host institution
    • The award covers only the honorarium and travel expense to and from the host city.  The host is responsible for making travel arrangements that are mutually agreed upon by the host and the author/illustrator, and for paying the up front travel costs. Maximum award is $4,000
    • Host institution must arrange to pay for any reception, dinner, or other hospitality honoring the speaker following the visit and to pay for all local lodging, means, etc. of the lecturer
    • Prepare and distribute publicity
    • If applicable, autographing and sale of books may be arranged with the publisher by the host institution.  Any other programs/events (other than those promoting the visit) must be arranged with the author/illustrator's publisher(s) or agent, and must be arranged with the author/illustrator's knowledge and permission, and must be funded separately
How to apply

The ALSC Programs and Services Recognition Committee is now reviewing applications for 2024!

Applications and supporting materials, including an itemized budget and the required signature form are due April 19, 2024. The recipient will be announced via press release.

Please do not fill out the application until you have all the necessary materials to complete your application.


Pitch a Program - Lake Superior Library Symposium

Youth Services Shout Out -

 

Submit a Breakout Session Proposal for LSLS 2024!
DEADLINE EXTENDED TO APRIL 5!

 “Persevere: Carrying On Our Mission” The organizers of the Lake Superior Libraries Symposium (LSLS) invite breakout session proposals for our 12th annual conference to be held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at University of Minnesota - Duluth. This year’s theme, “Persevere: Carrying on Our Mission,” invites attendees to share and strategize on some of the difficulties facing our profession amidst increased financial and societal pressures, new technologies, and a polarized political environment that targets libraries.
  • How do we stay true to the Library Bill of Rights and other core beliefs of the profession?
  • How do you ensure that you are serving differing perspectives of your community?
We want to know how you and your colleagues are persevering through these challenges. Possible presentation topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
  • reproductive, gender, and sexuality information
  • patron privacy
  • fighting against censorship and book challenges
  • preventing burnout (staffing shortages, budget shortfalls/stagnation, price increases)
  • avoiding mission creep/defining and living mission and vision
  • emerging technologies, i.e. AI
  • building support for libraries within our communities
  • advocating for ourselves and our patrons
Successful breakout session presentations will be applicable to many types of libraries and showcase effective and innovative practices. 60-minute breakout sessions should include 10-15 minutes of question and answer. Panel presentations, particularly those representing a diversity of library types, sizes, and/or locations, are strongly encouraged. All presenters will receive a discounted registration rate of $25.
Breakout session presenters should submit proposals at https://forms.gle/2QLmjyqa4PVZysAE9. The CFP submission deadline is Friday, April 5. Presenters will be notified of acceptance in mid April.   LSLS allows library staff to share their expertise, learn from their colleagues, and network to develop a stronger community of information professionals. Staff from all types of libraries are encouraged to attend. The event is organized and supported by library staff and educators from Northern Minnesota and Wisconsin; for a full list of our supporters, see http://lakesuperiorlibrariessymposium.com/about/supporters/. For questions about proposals and submissions, please contact Julie Rustad at jrustad@css.edu. A complete listing of speakers, agenda, and costs will be released in late April. Click here to submit your proposal!

Youth Reading Habits Survey Results

Youth Services Shout Out -


Many times we fill in surveys about our library work but wonder what will be done with the results. 

Recently, the Wisconsin Public Library Consortium (WPLC) distributed a survey on reading interests and habits of young readers to WI libraries to which over 200 people responded.

On March 18, the consortium shared the tangible action that is resulting from your contributions! 

Check out the blog post here for the scoop.

With your help, collection development selection decisions will be made with solid information from all of you in the field!

Congratulations Monica Treptow

Youth Services Shout Out -

DPI's School Library Media Consultant Monica Treptow was recently named WEMTA 2024 Professional of the Year. WEMTA 2024 Professional of the Year. The award, presented by the Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association (WEMTA), recognizes a member of the Association for their leadership and professionalism in the library, media, or educational technology profession in service to K-12 students, teachers, and the community. 

The announcement in Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone included the following information : "In their nomination, the group warmly reflected on Treptow’s amazing contribution to Wisconsin’s schools and librarians, “Monica has been a true leader in the field, bringing together experienced professionals, supporting those new to the role and providing fresh opportunities for continuous professional growth for everyone…. Whether facilitating a meeting of library and technology leaders from Wisconsin’s five largest school districts or working with CESA's to create connections across the most rural counties, Monica truly has impacted all corners of our state.”

We echo these accolades and are thrilled at Monica's award. She has been a tireless advocate and leader for school and public library collaboration on a local and statewide level. She works closely with her DPI public library consultant colleagues on many projects including the statewide collaborative group "Connecting WI Libraries" that supports school library and public library collaboration and networking.  

Congratulations Monica!

You can read more about her award here.

Tuesday Tips: Bingo!

Youth Services Shout Out -

Sam Jones is the Youth Services Librarian at the Beaver Dam Public Library. She shares tips to make your job easier in her Tuesday posts.

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from PixabayOne of the programs at my library that all ages enjoy is playing bingo. I do an hour of bingo, and we usually get at least ten rounds done. We use premade, reusable cards and have generic plastic, round bingo chips to mark the cards. 
The last time we did bingo, I allowed people to play two cards per round because people kept on asking for more than one card at the last bingo. However, sticking to one card is perfectly acceptable and I would've continued with one card if I didn't get asked so much. More than two can get tricky for children to follow around with, so I wanted to make sure everyone had an equal chance at winning, I also only accept bingos that are horizontal, diagonal, or vertical. I, personally, do not allow four corners as a bingo, even though that is another commonly asked question. For calling the bingo numbers, I just started using the website letsplaybingo.io. The pros of using a website are that I can project it on a screen so people can see the number (I also call the numbers using a wireless mic), I don't have to pick up and read the little, tiny balls, and it is easy to tell what numbers have already been called. I really enjoyed using the website and will continue to do so. 

Prizes are probably the trickiest part because you never know what participants will enjoy, so I tend to bring a wide variety of items. I have used previous summer reading program prizes, leftover storytime prepackaged snacks, and library promotional materials, like bags. I also go to 5 Below and The Dollar Store to pick out a few small items, like Play-doh, decks of cards, and activity books. I try not to spend more than $5 a prize and aim for $2 prizes. 

Dollar General Youth Literacy Grants Available

Youth Services Shout Out -

Thanks to Kristie Hauer at the WVLS Youth Services Information Exchange Facebook page for the tip!


Dollar General has a number of grants that libraries are eligible for.  They have a new grant portal for 2024 that you can use to apply for Youth Literacy grants

Per their webpage: We support programs in Dollar General hometown communities that are helping individuals of all ages take their next steps toward a bright future through literacy and education. Please review the information below to see if your organization meets the basic requirements for our grant programs.

  • Organizations must be a 501c3 nonprofit, school or library and be within 15 miles of a Dollar General store or distribution center. 
  • Selected grantees will be a direct service provider and fiscally responsible.
  • Funding supports literacy initiatives that are helping individuals learn to read, prepare for the high school equivalency test or learn English.
YOUTH LITERACY GRANTSSchools, public libraries, and nonprofit organizations who help K-12 students that are below grade level or having trouble reading are eligible to apply. Grant funding is provided to assist in the following areas:
  • Implementing new or expanding existing literacy programs
  • Purchasing new technology or equipment to support literacy initiatives
  • Purchasing books, materials or software for literacy programs

Deadlines for Youth Literacy grants are April 25, 2024 (grant announcement date: 8/22/24)

Find more information about the application process here.

Book Resumes Also on TeachingBooks

Youth Services Shout Out -

Yesterday, we highlighted a helpful national resource on "book resumes" that are a great source of information when books are challenged. 

Coincidentally, yesterday the Badgerlink Bulletin published a post highlighting TeachingBook's "Book Resume" resource free to all WI libraries with Badgerlink subscriptions.

They write: "Support for your title selections can put a strain on already-limited time. New to BadgerLink resource TeachingBooks are Book Resumes—immediate, authoritative information about the children’s and young adult books in your collections. Now within seconds, library staff can produce and share a consistent, comprehensive report that includes full professional reviews, information about state and national award recognitions, reading levels, book samples, and so much more."

Check out the helpful blog post to get the scoop on how to access this home-grown resource.