Check-In
Our first virtual youth services check-in of the fall will be on September 21 at 2:00 pm. I hope to see some of you there! I’ll send a reminder with meeting info on the 21st. Come ready to discuss:
- Something you learned (the easy way or the hard way!) this summer
- A question or idea you have about reaching beyond the library borders
Contact Leah for information on joining!
BadgerLink Resource
BadgerLink created new resource guides especially for public library staff that work with youth. It highlights BadgerLink resources that assist with programming ideas and professional learning. How cool is that? Thanks to Jenna Gilles at Chippewa Falls for the reminder to share this out!
Solar Eclipse
Are you planning for the annular eclipse on October 14, 2023 and the total eclipse on Monday, April 8, 2024? IFLS received a shipment of 250 solar eclipse glasses to distribute to libraries. If you are interested in a pack of 25 pairs of glasses, please enter the Solar Eclipse Glasses Lottery by September 24. We will do a drawing on September 25. One entry per library. If you are looking for some cool ideas for programming related to the solar eclipse, be sure to check out StarNet’s Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries.
Wisconsin Library Association Opportunities
Would you like the opportunity to network with school and public library folks from around Wisconsin? Yes! Then Connecting Wisconsin Libraries is for you! This group, facilitated by leaders from WEMTA (Wisconsin Educational Media and Technology Association), WLA, YSS (Youth Services Section of WLA) and the DPI, strives to improve communication and collaboration between school and public libraries through sharing information, experiences, and best practices in virtual gatherings throughout the year. First meeting: September 28 at 3:00 pm. Contact Alison Loewen for more information on attending at alison.loewen@meadpl.org
The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) Inclusive Services Special Interest Group is now accepting nominations through October 31st, for the 2024 leadership position of Chair and Secretary! The time commitment can be as little as a few hours each month. It’s a great way to be an active WLA member, network with colleagues, or add something new to your resume. Click here for further details. To nominate yourself or ask questions, contact current Chair, Mark Jochem (mjochem@scls.info) or Secretary, Shauna Koszegi (skoszegi@swls.org). Requirements are: membership in WLA and a passion for and interest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Not required: previous leadership experience. If you are looking for a way to get more involved statewide, this is a group that will help guide and support you!
The Youth Services Section of the Wisconsin Library Association’s Children’s Book Award Committee has 2 vacant committee seats starting in 2024. The committee will meet (likely virtually) three times during the Spring of 2024 to deliberate and decide. If you are interested, please review the committee duties and submit the following via email to YSS Chair Alison Loewen alison.loewen@meadpl.org by October 13.
- Name, Job Title, Library, and City
- Are you a current member of WLA and YSS?
- Please describe your professional library work experience, including any reviewing experience and/or WLA committee work.
- Please detail your reading preferences, including any areas of special interest.
- Why should we consider you for a position on this committee?