Save the Date

The annual Grassroots meeting is tentatively scheduled from 12 - 4 pm on Thursday, September 17 at the Kress Family Library in De Pere.

The speaker is to be determined, but we will have some sharing time and a chance to discuss some new projects.

Of course, pizza will be provided!

Reading Promo on WBAY

Check out the feature that was done on WBAY-TV this morning on the important of summer reading.

Brown County Library was featured and Director Brian Simons spoke about the importance of reading being fun.

Sheboygan Children's Book Festival

The Sheboygan Children's Book Festival will take place on October 9-11, 2015.

Authors and illustrators schedule to appear include: Kenn Nesbitt, Miranda Paul, Justin Roberts, Christian Robinson and more.

This year's theme is "A World of Wonders."

Check out the site on attending or volunteering for the 6th Annual event.

Revisiting Accessibility on the Web

The following link was shared with me by our technology consultant, Ryan Claringbole.  He has also shared it with system technology staff.

The link goes to a web magazine article that identifies several articles related to accessibility issues and options, such as using low-powered devices (e.g. older models of the Kindle) to access the web for those who suffer from migraines.

http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=552ab950f555406e7dd967eda&id=e9419c1433

Tessa Michaelson Schmidt

Public Library Youth and Special Services Consultant

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

May Edition of Youth Service Showcase

April showers bring May flowers, but what do May flowers bring?  The May edition of the Youth Services Showcase!

Check out this month's edition of the Showcase to find examples of:

·         The CSLP Teen Video Challenge winner from Wisconsin 

·         Yoga for youth

·         Furry library supporters, and 

·         A unique library service club.

View this month's Showcase here: http://pld.dpi.wi.gov/pld_showcase.

Sign up to receive the Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone blog by email, and hear about the Showcase on the first of the month! http://wilibrariesforeveryone.blogspot.com/

Anyone is welcome to submit content and ideas for the Showcase; e.g., librarians, library directors, proud parents, supportive colleagues, etc. Only contributions featuring Wisconsin youth services and Wisconsin public libraries will be featured on the Showcase. Collaborative projects can be submitted; however, the Showcase will focus on the public library connection; e.g., a photo of a library book talk at a 4-H meeting will emphasize public library outreach. To submit an item for the Showcase, contact Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, Youth and Special Services Consultant.

Tessa Michaelson Schmidt

Public Library Youth and Special Services Consultant

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

YSS Powerhouse Presents: School Age Programming

Thanks to Outagamie Waupaca Library System and the Youth Services Section of the Wisconsin Library Association, a great webinar was held on April 29, 2015.

View the webinar archive and download the handouts here: http://owlsnet.org/ce/2015/webinar/yss-powerhouse-presents-school-age-programming

Wisconsin youth services librarians share successful programs for elementary age children.
Includes on and off-site programs, tips on what made the programs work, pitfalls and successes.

Panelists:

·         Amanda Struckmeyer, Middleton Public Library

·         Sarah Cournoyer, Horicon Public Library

·         Katie Kiekhaefer, Whitefish Bay Public Library

·         Alexandra Jennelle-Collins, Brewer Public Library

This webinar is brought to you by the Youth Services Section (or YSS) of the Wisconsin Library Association and OWLS. 

Tessa Michaelson Schmidt

Public Library Youth and Special Services Consultant

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Wisconsin Youth Services Development Institute

Sunday, September 13 - Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Heidel House Resort & Spa • Green Lake, Wisconsin

The Wisconsin Youth Services Development Institute provides professional development and networking for librarians who serve babies, children, and teens in smaller public libraries. The Institute targets librarians who have no graduate degree in librarianship and/or work in rural library communities. For these librarians, there is a need to improve skill and knowledge base, foster a supportive network (in person and online), and develop stronger peer-to-peer and professional community connections within the Wisconsin public libraries infrastructure. Graduates of the 2013 inaugural Institute described their experiences as "life changing." For more testimonials, see Comments from 2013 Institute Participants.

There is no fee for Institute participants; the costs are covered through an LSTA grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the Public Library Development Team at the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI).

Applications are due by Friday, May 29, 2015, through the online application process. Twenty-five applicants will be selected, preferably representing all 17 public library systems. If necessary, a waiting list will be maintained. Participants will be notified by mid-June.

For complete details about the 2015 Institute, including information about the application, visit: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BzKbkfyCqtQOSk8xT0NUSTlfYXM

Tessa Michaelson Schmidt

Public Library Youth and Special Services Consultant

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction