Childrens

As part of today’s Earth Day commemorations, the Wisconsin Water Library at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the Wisconsin Library Association announced the books selected for a basin-wide shared-reading experience, Great Lakes, Great Read.

“The Water Walker” by Joanne Robertson is the children’s selection and the adult selection is “The Best Part of Us” by Sally Cole-Misch.

“The Water Walker” is the story of a determined Ojibwe grandmother, a “nokomis,” named Josephine Mandamin who walks to raise awareness of the need to protect “nibi” (water). Robertson wrote and illustrated the book, which was published in 2017.

Sally Cole-Misch published the novel “The Best Part of Us” in 2020. It explores a family’s ties to an island on an inland lake in northern Ontario, just north of Lake Huron—how those ties are tested both through natural processes and family dynamics.

“The Great Lakes have shaped Wisconsin as we know it. These inland seas provide drinking water and fuel our agriculture, shipping, manufacturing and recreation,” said WWL Senior Special Librarian Anne Moser. “These two books will bring the lakes alive in new and evocative ways. We hope readers will reflect on the lakes and be inspired, become passionate and feel more connected to them.”

WLA Executive Director Laura Sauser said, “All Wisconsinites are encouraged to read these titles, and we also hope to be a catalyst for libraries throughout the upper Midwestern states and Canadian provinces to engage patrons through a range of activities.”

Both selected authors will be featured in a free webinar series happening on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2 and 9. All events will start at 6 p.m., CT, and will be open to the public.

In November, the authors will be visiting Wisconsin for a variety of events. Please check the Wisconsin Great Lakes, Great Read webpage later this summer to learn more.

The Great Lakes, Great Read website offers further details on the authors, their books, book discussion questions, an email list signup option and other resources.

Please follow Great Lakes, Great Read on Facebook to get the latest updates, 

This initiative is made possible by an Ideas to Action grant from WiLS. Wisconsin Sea Grant and the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute support the Wisconsin Water Library.

 

# # #

 

Established in 1964 by the University of Wisconsin Water Resources Institute (WRI), the Wisconsin Water Library (formerly known as the Water Resources Library) is unique among UW-Madison’s many libraries for its collection of 30,000 volumes about the waters of Wisconsin and the Great Lakes. The library’s mission is to collect, preserve and provide science-based resources in support of  WRI and the Sea Grant College Program.

 

The Wisconsin Library Association is a professional organization representing all types of libraries – school, public, academic and special. Its membership comprises more than 1,300 librarians and support staff, library trustees, friends of libraries and business vendors who advocate and work for the improvement of library services for all Wisconsin citizens. .

 

 Link to press release here. 

 

2024 WLA Foundation Scholarship Applications Now Open!
Deadline is June 15, 2024
 

The Wisconsin Library Association Foundation is now accepting applications for a variety of scholarships and grants that support library science students and fund continuing education opportunities for WLA members.  Applications are due June 15, 2024. 

 

CONTINUING EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS (Must be a WLA member)

• WLAF George Bauer Memorial Fund Continuing Education Scholarship
• WLAF Gloria Hoegh Memorial Fund Education for Rural Librarians Scholarship

WLA FOUNDATION LIBRARY EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIPS

• Library Education Scholarship
• Sally Davis Scholarship
• Vida Cummins Stanton Scholarship
• Diversity Scholarship

Thank you to the generous donors to the WLA Foundation who make this support possible!  To learn more about the WLA Foundation or to make a gift, click here. 

 

Please contact wla@wisconsinlibraries.org with questions.  

LEARN MORE & APPLY

Once or twice  a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is a mid-April listing:

Oconomowoc Public Library
Library Early Childhood Specialist/Reference Assistant (part-time)

The Oconomowoc Public Library is currently accepting applications for a part-time Early Childhood Specialist/Reference Assistant. Current shifts are Tues. & Wed. 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and one evening shift. The position is also part of a Sat./Sun. weekend rotation. Schedule subject to change. Starting $17.04 per hour. To apply, submit an online application & resume by 10 a.m. on April 29th. Position available until filled.

The Early Childhood Specialist/Reference Assistant plans, implements, and evaluates quality, research-based early literacy, and early learning library programming for families with children between the developmental stages of infancy through preschool.

For additional information, please contact Human Resources at (262) 569-3225.

Job Description Summary

• Organizes and delivers weekly story times for preschool-aged children and their caregivers.
• Creates developmentally appropriate early childhood and family programs aligned with the library’s mission statement.
• Under the supervision of the Youth Services Librarian, assists with preparing, publicizing, presenting, implementing, and clean-up of events for children and families.
• Maintains and evaluates the library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Reading Program.
• Serves library patrons by answering reference questions, providing reader’s advisory, resolving patron problems, and providing guidance in use of information resources during regularly scheduled reference desk shifts.
• Assists patrons with use of library equipment, including microfilm, internet, computers, photocopier, scanner, printer, and coin-operated print release station.
• Acts as staff member in charge when working evenings and weekends, and monitors patron behavior, addressing any problems in a firm but respectful manner.
• Serves as back-up shift coverage at reference desk and youth services programs in case of staff illness or absence.
• Maintains order in the children’s areas of the library.
• Prepares displays that feature and emphasize themes being presented.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

See full job posting for more information.

Ever think when you are looking at planned programs for an upcoming conference, "Gee I wish they would have a program on this or that?". Well maybe you are the person to propose that program and gather peers from your system, or colleagues you've met across the state to do a program yourselves!

Creating programs for conferences and sharing your knowledge is a great way to grow your professional development, leadership and know-how. And it helps you tailor the kinds of knowledge you think others can benefit from. So go ahead and give it a whirl!

WLA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Nov 5 - 8, 2024 | KI Convention Center, Green Bay

Call for Proposals

Present at the 2024 WLA Annual Conference! Are you passionate about sharing your expertise and innovative ideas with your peers in the library community? We invite you to be part of the 2024 Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) Annual Conference by submitting a proposal to present! 

We are now accepting proposals for presentations, panels, and workshops. Whether you're an experienced presenter or a first-time speaker, we welcome submissions from individuals across all library types and organizations. This includes public, academic, special, and school libraries, as well as individuals from various departments and backgrounds. WLA members and non-members are encouraged to apply.

Presenter Guidelines

• Breakout sessions will run for 60 minutes, with a maximum of four presenters and one moderator.
• Presenters may be part of up to two breakout sessions.
• Only proposals for in-person sessions will be considered.

Who Should Submit a Proposal?

• Library professionals from all departments and organizations, including youth services, outreach, adult services, marketing, and technical services.
• Individuals across the organizational hierarchy, including frontline staff, administration, directors, emerging and incumbent leaders, and more.
• People from all backgrounds and identities, including those who identify as BIPOC, neurodivergent, disabled, or LGBTQ+.

Submission Deadline

Please submit your proposal using the online form linked here: https://bit.ly/4a7D9KK by 5pm CST on May 17. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact wla@wisconsinlibraries.org.

 Submit Your Proposal

 

Ashley Borman, Technical Services Librarian at the Clintonville (WI) Public Library, is back with another weeding tips column. 

Have you ever played with the idea of creating a unique collection at your library? Maybe have power tools, or cake pans, or fishing gear available for check out? Having a “Library of Things” is becoming increasingly popular in public libraries. It’s a great way for people to be able to borrow something to do something they wouldn’t normally be able to do, or to test out something before investing in their own items. But how can you think about starting something if you don’t have the funding or the space? Ask the community for help.

Asking patrons and members of the community to donate their gently used items is a great way to start building a new collection. I have found the easiest way to do this is to talk to patrons. When they find out what you are doing and what you want, they are usually happy to spread the word to friends and family (and sometimes strangers!). Once I start telling people what I am looking for, and they spread it other people, items start to trickle in. Phones start ringing with questions (Yes, you can absolutely donate that! That sounds like exactly what I am looking for!). I will also post on Facebook that the library is accepting donations of gently used or new [items]. People will share the posts and again, people will start bringing things in.

I love when I ask for things and patrons start bringing stuff in. Sometimes, however, they bring in things that don’t quite work for what I have in mind. So I always like to have a disclaimer on my requests, the same as we have with book donations. Donations are accepted at any time, but it is up to the discretion of the librarians what we keep to use, and what goes to the Friends of the Library for their next book sale. Although, I change it to reflect whatever I am asking patrons to donate. There are always a few things that do not get used, but asking for help is such an easy way to get items when you don’t necessarily have the funds for them.

From DPI's Jeni Schomber's weekly Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources Updates 4/4/24:
ASL for Storytime: Feelings Signs Webinar 

(CLEL – Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy)– Wednesday April 24th at 2 p.m.

 Click here to register.

Add some American Sign Language to your storytime toolbox! In this interactive session, we’ll focus on basic ASL vocabulary for emotions and activities to support self-awareness, an important social emotional skill. Learn how to incorporate ASL into storytime songs, rhymes, and stories in a respectful and effective way. 

About the Presenter:
Kathy MacMillan is a nationally certified American Sign Language interpreter, librarian, and storyteller. She is the author of the Little Hands Signing series from Familius Press and Little Hands and Big Hands: Children and Adults Signing Together (Hands Up Press) as well as many other books for children, teens, librarians, and educators. She has worked in school and public libraries for over 25 years and has presented workshops and trainings for thousands of library staff throughout North America. Find her online at StoriesByHand.com.

 From DPI's Jeni Schomber's weekly Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources Updates 4/4/24:

Connecting Wisconsin Libraries is a networking group of school and public libraries that meets quarterly to facilitate collaboration with WLA stakeholders and WEMTA stakeholders, and to foster collaboration between school and public libraries on a statewide level.

               

                Click here to join us for our next meeting on Thursday April 25th at 3 p.m.

 

                Mary Ellen Graf from TeachingBooks will be presenting: 

Powerful Partnerships: Schools, Public Libraries, & TeachingBooks 
Collaboratively support readers at home, school, and the public library with TeachingBooks. Learn how to create and share reading lists, integrate TeachingBooks resources into school and library visits,      and cross-promote library programs and school literacy initiatives.

Image by Dave Davidson from Pixabay
After the excitement of the April 8 eclipse, many people are wondering what to do with their used glasses. Here are a few ideas shared this past week.

The Nicest Thing to Do With Your Eclipse Glasses After Today's Eclipse . Emily Long. Lifehacker. April 8, 2024
What to Do with Extra and Gently Used Eclipse Glasses?? Anne Holland. StarNet Community blog. April 11, 2024
DPI's Jeni Schomber also recommends these two resources:

• Astronomers Without Borders
• Eclipse Glasses USA

Once or twice  a month on weekends, YSS posts round-ups of ads that are sent to us or that we come across. If you have a position opening up and would like to see it on the YSS blog, please forward the job ad link/descriptions to the YSS blog at the email address listed in the header above the day's blog post.

Here is a mid-April listing:

Elm Grove Public Library          Youth Services Librarian (part-time)

The Elm Grove Public Library is accepting applications for the newly created position of part-time Youth Services Librarian. Elm Grove is a beautiful village in eastern Waukesha County, with a lovely park, pond and walking trails immediately outside the library’s front door. The library is known for its strong customer-service focus and community relationships. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with developing and providing youth library programs and services; assisting with youth department collection maintenance; and providing reference, computer assistance and readers’ advisory services at the reference desk.

This position is 12 hours per week plus one eight-hour Saturday approximately every six weeks.

Master of Library Science degree from an accredited program is required.  Previous youth services and public library experience desired.  A successful applicant will be required to undergo a drug screening and a background check.  Deadline for applications is May 1, 2024.  Please send resume, cover letter, and Village of Elm Grove application form to the Elm Grove Public Library, Attention: Sarah Muench, 13600 Juneau Blvd, Elm Grove, WI 53122, or email application materials to Sarah Muench at muench@elmgrove.lib.wi.us. 

__________________________________________________________________________

Brown Co. Library Kress Family Branch (De Pere)    Youth Services Librarian  (full-time)

Brown County Library (BCL) is seeking a creative, energetic, and innovative Youth Services Librarian for our Kress Family Branch in De Pere. This role works with the BCL Youth Services Committee to plan and implement services and programming for patrons from birth through high school, as well as their caregivers.

The YS Librarian works closely with educational partners within the community to support education and literacy for all ages of youth. As part of the Kress Family Branch, this role serves under the branch manager, assisting a team of associates and clerks in supporting the needs of the branch, with a special focus on youth, families, and caregivers.

Kress Family Branch of the Brown County Library
Youth Services Librarian (non-exempt)
Wage: $24.14
Application Deadline: April 24, 2024
Apply Online: https://tinyurl.com/bdzf7bkj

From DPI's Jeni Schomber's weekly Youth Services Weekly Reminders and Resources Updates 4/4/24:

All CSLP member library staff are invited to contribute thoughts about future summer themes and slogans. This April, you will have two virtual opportunities to give feedback on a slogan for 2027’s theme (Mystery/Detective/Suspense) and a theme for 2028. What type of sleuthing will 2027 bring to our libraries? Will we spend summer of 2028 getting our hands dirty in the garden? Standing under a tree during a rainstorm? Zipping into the future? You get to help us decide!

Register for one of our two listening sessions in April by clicking on the links below. We want to hear your voice! Ahead of the meeting, we will be providing the top 25 options for 2027 slogans and 2028 themes. Help us narrow it down to the ten that will be voted on by State Reps at the annual CSLP meeting!

Slogan/Theme Listening Session Option #1:
Thursday, April 18th: at 3:00 p.m. Register Here

Slogan/Theme Listening Session Option #2:
Tuesday, April 23rd: at 1:00 p.m. Register Here

The WiLS Ideas to Action Fund application period is open through June 3

The WiLS Ideas to Action Fund provides grants of up to $5,000 so member organizations can bring their project ideas to life. The Fund encourages partnerships and collaborations among WiLS members and with community partners, supports innovative and exploratory new work, and seeds the development of processes, methods, or resources that can be used by other WiLS members.
The total amount awarded in 2023 was $33,800. To date, the WiLS Board has awarded over $155,000 to 38 Wisconsin libraries and cultural organizations.

For examples of successfully funded projects, see the proposal for Appleton Public Library’s Piano Project or Tomahawk School District’s 2020 proposal to create an eSports club.

Have questions about WiLS Ideas to Action Funds? Watch the recording of this webinar on preparing your proposal or contact WiLS at information@wils.org.

All WiLS general members are eligible to apply. If you are not a member, it’s free and the application process is quick and easy. Read more about joining WiLS here.

We recognize that sometimes the barrier to completing a project is not lack of funds, but lack of time. Instead of or in addition to funding, members can apply for WiLS staff time to support project planning, facilitation, survey design, marketing, or other project activities.


Visit https://www.wils.org/do/giving-back/ideas-to-action/ for more information and to apply.

Scholastic is not only a publishing powerhouse but also its books are the source of media series like the Magic School Bus, Babysitters Club, Clifford the Big Red Dog and more. 

A recent post in Kidscreen delved into a new enhanced partnership between the publisher and their 20 year relationship with 9 Story, a production, distribution and licensing company.

Check out the article here.

Image by Manfred Steger from PixabayA recent ALSC blog post by the ever thoughtful Jaime Eastman breaks down the many ways you can boost your own professional development outside employer-provided opportunities.

Jaime writes: "Does your job require regular professional development or continuing education? Often, this means mandatory training facilitated by your employer. It covers important topics and may provide useful tools and resources. But what about development that’s just for you?...What if you could explore topics just because they resonate, not because someone said you had to? I firmly believe choosing development opportunities that excite you should be an option. I’ll also admit that might not be your reality right now. Let’s talk about ways to add professional development that really resonates. What sparks your joy?"

Stop here to read all her great suggestions. [Boost Your Career: Professional Development Tips for Library Staff. Eastman, Jaime. ALSC blog. April 2, 2024.]

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.

Free Webinar: More Than Welcome: Libraries Serving Families of Young Children with Disabilities 

Here is an opportunity for a free webinar through the University of Kentucky. The webinar will be April 26 from 1-3 pm on Zoom. If interested, you can register here.
"Public libraries provide rich learning opportunities for ALL young children and their caregivers. This interactive webinar, a culminating product of the Services for Children of ALL Abilities in Libraries: An Exploration (SCALE) project, will identify how libraries are currently serving families with young children with disabilities through spaces designed for play and social interaction, through programs that offer fun and interactive learning experiences, and through partnerships intended to address the interests and needs of families within and beyond the physical library. Join us to learn how libraries are working to be more than just welcoming for families of children with disabilities."