Wednesday, May 27, 2015

"Remind" App Being Used in Marinette

Looking for a way to remind patrons, especially teens about programs?  The free app “Remind” formerly “Remind 101” is available through iTunes could be the answer you are looking for.  A local teacher and I were discussing how busy teens are and how hard it can be to reach them.  She mentioned this app.  It was designed for teachers, but I am trying it out now with patrons.  Specifically, I am going to set up “class lists” for different types of programs: Summer Reading Club, Infant and Toddlers programs, Paws & Tales, and Teens.  Each account can have up to ten classes. 

The texts they receive are “blind” so no phone numbers are divulged, and they cannot text back to the number unless you opt to start a “chat”.  You can text from a computer or iPad rather than your phone so that communications are not coming from your private account.  After a patron signs up for text reminders, they receive a confirmation text that they respond to in order to actually receive the texts.

I am just beginning to use this app, so I cannot give data yet on its effectiveness, but this is a free opportunity to reach out and contact patrons in the way many of them live.  Have you tried this app or a similar one? 

-Lara Lakari
Marinette County Library

2016 Outreach Opportunity for "Afterschool" Conference

Recently, the Wisconsin AfterSchool Association held their annual conference and I was very glad to know that Wisconsin public librarians were in attendance.  AfterSchool is a great organization with whom we can partner—same kids, same ideas!  One of your peers had this to say about the 2014conference: “I attended AND presented last year and thought,  ‘Why aren’t my youth librarian peers here in force?’ I think youth librarians in WI would really get a lot out of WAA– as well possibly considering presenting some great programs that have worked well with school-agers!” If you missed the 2015 conference, or attended and now want to present, please see the information below and attached regarding next year’s event.

The Wisconsin AfterSchool Association is requesting proposals for workshop presentations for the next Annual Conference which will be held on April 8 & 9, 2016 at Country Springs in Waukesha, WI.  The Association is looking for speakers for April 9th.
    
Workshop presenters have the option of one free conference registration per workshop or an honorarium of $50 for each workshop. If asked to repeat your workshop, a second stipend is provided. In addition to formal workshops a more informal presentation is a Poster Session, which is a mini-workshop or display presenting resources or activities. Poster session presenters will receive a $25 honorarium or a $25 discount on conference registration.  All proposals must be received by October 1, 2016.

If you have any questions about the Wisconsin AfterSchool Association or want to get involved sooner than next April, contact Trina Tiffany at waa.organization@gmail.com.



Tessa Michaelson Schmidt
Public Library Youth and Special Services Consultant
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

"Air Defenders" Kits Coming to Your Library


This week you will receive an “Air Defenders” kit at your library.  These kits are a resource provided by the Department of Natural Resources.  The kits include an activity guide, a video, music to listen to and work on (writing your own lyrics), and other items.  The kits align with the “Every Hero Has a Story” summer library program theme, in addition to being a great stand-alone science program resource. 


For information about the kits or feedback about the kits, contact Lindsay Haas at the DNR:

Lindsay Haas
Air Quality Outreach Specialist – Air Program
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
141 NW Barstow Street, Rm 180
Phone: (262) 574-2113
Fax: (262) 574-2117
Lindsay.Haas@wisconsin.gov



Tessa Michaelson Schmidt
Public Library Youth and Special Services Consultant
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone Blog

Are you following the state library blog?  It’s called “Wisconsin Libraries for Everyone” and that everyone includes you!  The blog regularly features youth services posts, and you can sign up to receive blog updates via email.

If you haven’t been following the blog, you may have missed yesterday’s post about the Summer Library Program.  Check out the link to the post below, and while you are there, click the “Follow by Email” widget on the right-hand side.

Good luck with your literacy efforts, this summer and year-round!


Tessa Michaelson Schmidt
Public Library Youth and Special Services Consultant
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction