Happy Friday! 

Today, I am here to share a fun programming idea for tweens and teens!  It can be difficult when you wear many hats to create programs specifically for these target age groups.  Here is one I have found that is quick and that has been a great success for me a number of times over the years. 

Many tweens today have phones (along with teens), or if they don’t have a phone, many have a tablet.  And this is where PopSockets come in!  PopSockets have been around a while, and while we aren’t specifically using a PopSocket for this program, the idea is similar.   

I have run this program at several libraries over the years and the kids always enjoy it.  First, I order some phone grips (seriously search ‘phone grip’) on a wholesale website www.dhgate.com.  The site may not seem like the type of site you would usually order supplies from, but I am here to tell you, it is a legitimate site (I preface this by letting you know I have only used the site to buy phone grips for my phone grip program and each time have left ample time before the program for shipping).  I then order a package of 1.5 inch round labels that are compatible with inkjet or laser printers.  Lastly, I order 1.5 inch clear round mailing wafers. 

Typically, the cost for the phone grip program breaks down like this: 

        Phone Grips- 50 grip @ $0.26 = $13.00

       1.5 Round Labels (300)             = $12.00 

       1.5 Clear Wafers (500)              = $13.00 

                                                         = $38.00 Total 

As a librarian, it is a fun program that is low prep and can be done with limited time.  From the patron perspective, I have always had positive feedback from kids and their families. 

They write: "Engage and inspire readers with Book Connections resources that can be used both with patrons and behind the scenes. In a recent webinar, TeachingBooks Implementation & Training Specialist, Mary Ellen Graf highlighted ways to implement resources in youth services library programming as well as new tools to complement work on enhancing diversity in public library collections. Additional features of Book Connections were highlighted, including Collection Analysis and Diverse Books Toolkits, ready-to-use resources for your book clubs and story times, homework help features, and more."

To read the whole post with loads of link to content and webinars, click here.

Lindsey writes: "I’ve been reflecting the past few months on the special place storytime holds in my heart. This reflection has coincided with my journey to have a healthier balance between work and home life. I don’t think there’s anything inherently wrong with being emotionally invested in my work. But I also think it’s helpful to check this investment against my own ego from time to time.

I came up with the following model as a way to help me see if my philosophy and my practice are in alignment. I started to ask myself: Who is the center of my storytimes? What information am I sharing and why? What is guiding my decision making when planning? To help me answer these questions I’ve framed storytime as The Great Connector. When I view storytime through this lens it helps me focus on the following three connections."  

Those connections include connecting families to the library; to each other and to the storytime presenter.  Lindsey seeks balance among all three.

You can read her fascinating analysis here. [I'm Not the Center of Storytime and That's OK. Krabbenhoft, Lindsey. Jbrary. May 23, 2023.]

Hot off the presses, the We Are Kid Lit Collective has just published its wonderfully diverse booklist for the summer!

They write: "Are you looking for a curated summer reading list that celebrates diversity, inclusivity, and intersecting identities? The We Are Kid Lit Collective selects books by and about BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), with attention to their intersecting identities. Chosen books are thoroughly selected, discussed and vetted by two or more members so that they can be free of microaggressions, stereotypes, or vestiges of imperialism. 2023 We Are Kid Lit Collective members: Sam Bloom, Edith Campbell, Sujei Lugo Vazquez and Lyn Miller-Lachmann"

DIvided into picture book, early readers, Click here to access this summer reading list.

She writes: "There have been 160 school shootings since 2018. Every shooting leaves shocked, scared, and traumatized children in its wake. Children who have never had an act of gun violence in their school are also aware of these shootings. They happen in schools just like theirs, towns just like theirs. Sharing books can be a great way to support kids who have fears and to start a conversation about gun violence – but this is not easy, given the very small number of books published on the subject. How can we build a strong collection when there is so little published?"

To read the whole post and her book recommendations, please stop here. [On School Shootings and Difficult Collection Development. Roos, Chelsey.  ALSC Blog. May 12, 2023]

Here is final May listing:

The application deadline for this position has been extended to Friday, June 2^nd at 8:00AM.

Children's Services Librarian, Menomonee Falls Public Library (full-time)

Full Time: 40 hours per week

Pay range: $21.93-25.49 hourly

Application Deadline: Friday, May 26 at 5:00 PM CST

Position Description:

Are you passionate about providing excellent library services to children and their families? Do you enjoy developing early literacy programming and helping the youngest patrons find their new favorite book? Menomonee Falls Public Library is looking for our next full time Children's Services Librarian to enrich the community with dedication to promoting literacy for children ages 0-12 and creating a vibrant Children’s department.

MFPL is seeking someone friendly, enthusiastic, creative and organized with excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate enjoys working with all people and strives to provide high quality, fun, and innovative library service for children and families. The Children's Services Librarian is responsible for collaborating with the Youth Services team to develop children's programming and services. Serving children ages 0-12 and their caregivers, the Children's Services Librarian will also participate in collection development and assist patrons at our reference desks. 

Candidates must have a Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution. Library experience is strongly preferred but not required. Applicants should have extensive knowledge of children's literature, entertainment resources, and reference sources, a strong understanding of child development and psychology, and experience working with children and families. This is a full time position scheduled at 40 hours per week with starting hourly rate of pay ranging from $21.93-25.49.

Apply by visiting GovernmentJobs.com. Position open until filled. Deadline for applying is Friday, May 26^th at 5:00 PM Central time.

Menomonee Falls Public Library is a proud member of Bridges Library System. Serving a community of over 39,000 people, the Village of Menomonee Falls is a growing community with a focus on early literacy and excellence for children.

For more information, please visit https://www.menomoneefallslibrary.org/childrens-services-librarian/.

Claire de Rochefort-Reynolds

Youth Services Manager

Menomonee Falls Public Library

W156 N8436 Pilgrim Road

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Direct Line: (262) 532-8917

Jamie Mercer is the Head of Youth Services at W.J. Niederkorn (Port Washington) Library and shares some extra fun with easy and/or FREE programming ideas/tips.

Happy Friday! 

Jamie Mercer is the Head of Youth Services at W.J. Niederkorn (Port Washington) Library and shares some extra fun with easy and/or FREE programming ideas/tips.

Today I want to share STEM Storytime programming information from our fabulous storyteller, Amy Hagenow!  Amy holds a STEM Storytime once a week (in previous summers it was twice a week)!  During the school year, she also offers a STEM storytime program for older children in the evening once per month. 

Where does she get the ideas, the resources, the energy? 

Amy, a retired teacher, loves seeing the delight in the children’s eyes, knowing they are having fun and so this program is fun for her to do. 

She uses items that are easily available and repurposed, as well as free material from the website https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/ 

Also, the dollar store is always a children’s librarian’s friend when it comes to programming.  

As far as cultivating a successful program, Amy begins her program with one short story that gives a good overview of the topic for the week, followed by a song (often a piggyback tune related to the theme of the week) or a flannel activity/game (that she makes herself with scrap flannel or flannel purchased cheaply from a discount store like Walmart). 

Amy then plans a combination of hands-on activities and make & take crafts that build fine motor control as well as academics. 

Finally she pairs all of this with a great book display that she changes out weekly based on her theme. 

Families love Miss Amy and her STEM Storytime.  We are so fortunate to be able to offer it.  

If you have any questions, email Amy Hagenow at ahagenow@monarchlibraries.org 

Bitty Book Club, a program for caregivers and their children between the ages of 2-5, is a collaboration between the Family Resource Center, Progressive Beginnings, and the Mead Public Library in Sheboygan, WI.  The monthly family engagement program brings Parent Educators, Physical Therapists, Librarians, and families together to encourage a child’s motor, language, and social development.

The program runs for 1 hour, twice monthly, on a Tuesday morning and afternoon.  The first 15 minutes of the program are an opportunity for children and their caregivers to get comfortable in the space while listening to music and sharing toys like magnatiles, magnet letters, a balance beam, and a variety of table top activities that encourage matching and/or sorting.   Next, a Parent Educator or Librarian reads the story aloud, prompting choral reading moments, movement, or encouraging caregivers to point out details in illustrations.  The idea is to model the way a book can be extended by reading more than just the words on the page.  The book may be followed up with a related finger play, rhyme, or song.  During the last 30 minutes of the program, families are invited to explore additional activities that are inspired by the book- which could range from a movement path, sensory bins, process art activities, or a selection of carefully curated toys and manipulatives.

The Family Resource Center and Progressive Beginnings provide several staff members who plan activities, bring toys, manipulatives, and craft supplies.  The Library provides the space, purchases copies of the book, and supplements any craft materials that may be needed.  Staff from all organizations collaborate on book selections that can both be used to support developmental milestones, the interest of participants (as collected through surveys), and are available within budget.  All organizations involved help with marketing the program.  An average total of 4 staff members facilitate the program, with a growing average of 40 people in attendance per session.  Pre-registration for families is not required, and books are available on a first come, first served basis.    

The program continues to attract new families each month.  Caregivers are learning new ways to read books with their children. “This program is a great way for me to learn how to do more than just read the book with my child.” said one participant.  Caregivers shared that because of this program, they plan to do things like singing songs with books, asking questions about the illustrations, and replicate some of the fine motor activities from the sessions.  For staff, it is an opportunity to build community, collaborate with and learn from other professionals, and to cross promote services of all organizations involved.  

If you have questions about Bitty Book Club you can reach out to: Alison Loewen, Librarian, Mead Public Library alison.loewen@meadpl.org ; Darlyn Summers, Parent Educator, Family Resource Center dsummers@frc-sc.org; Jessica Oakland, PT DPT, Progressive Beginnings jessicapt@progbeg.com 

Are you feeling it?  The sweet promise of summer? Because I am!  Storytimes ended last week, and as I leaned back in my chair and let out a long sigh, I allowed the thought of summer break to sink in.  I could almost feel the warm sun on my skin, the sand between my toes, and the taste of sweet lemonade; wonderful, relaxing summer. And then I remembered that I’m a Youth Services Librarian and that it’s only just about to get busy!

Image by OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay

In a recent ALSC blog post, Kirsten Caldwell shared her tips on ways to stay fresh, focused and strengthened during the busy prep before SLP.

She writes: "Summer is youth librarians’ busiest (and most exciting) time of the year. We spend MONTHS planning for it, it happens, and then we start planning again. So how do we avoid getting summer burnout before the summer program even starts?"

To read her tips (which can help you during SLP craziness as well), please stop here! [Avoiding Summer Burnout Before Summer Starts. Caldwell, Kirsten. ALSC blog. May 16, 2023]

Jamie Mercer is the Head of Youth Services at W.J. Niederkorn (Port Washington) Library and shares some extra fun with easy and/or FREE programming ideas/tips.

I am so super excited to share with you this next program for Fun Friday!

It can be as little or as much prep as you want it to be.

At the request of a patron, we decided to run a Pokémon Trading Day program.  I really didn’t know what to expect.  I planned a few crafts for the younger crowd (a Pikachu crown, Pokémon I-Spy page, and a design your own Pokémon card activity).  Then we set out two tables for card trading and two tables for game play (we did advertise that if participants wanted to play the card game that they would need to provide their own decks and play mats).

It was awesomely overwhelming!  For the hour and a half that the program ran, we had a total attendance of over 90 people.  Not only that, aside from welcoming patrons, answering questions, promoting library services, and monitoring craft supplies, the program ran itself.  I was able to float from our community room to our children’s library with little to no issue. 

Kids cracked their binders of Pokémon trading cards and away they went.  In retrospect, I don’t think I even needed the craft activities or the game tables.  The focus was definitely the card trading and I had to pull out additional tables for kids to stand at for this purpose.

Before the program ended, we had several families ask when we were going to have the next trading event.  We were so thrilled!

If you are looking for a fun, quick, low prep/low cost program, I highly recommend a Pokémon Card Trading event!  Kids will LOVE it!

Hanna Collins is the Youth Services Librarian at Slinger Community Library. 

We recently held a family program at our small library that was a great success! One Saturday a month we host a family-style program at the library. All ages can participate, and we’ve been excited to see a wide range of families, including grandparents, cousins, and friends. 

For our April program, I planned a LEGO Marble Run event. Before I began working at Slinger (and I believe before the pandemic), the library hosted LEGO programs on a semi-regular basis. Building always seems popular with kids, and I knew we already had a collection of standard LEGOs. While browsing for something more than just a basic building program, I stumbled across this Frugal Fun 4 Boys blog post. I loved the additional STEM elements of using a pool noodle as an inclined plane and observing the effect it had on the speed and distance the marble traveled.

By looking at the pictures, I could see that larger LEGO blocks would make building a lot easier. As part of the PBS Kids Learning Cohort for this year, we received a stipend to purchase materials to support programs. I needed large LEGOs for one of these programs, so this was also a great opportunity to get more use out of our new items. We ended up purchasing three PREXTEX sets from Amazon. I purchased 8 pool noodles from Dollar Tree for only about $1.25 each. They were cut in half with a box cutter, then cut into various lengths. A bag of marbles was about $6 on Amazon. 

I also gathered some other materials from our craft room. We had foam block shapes and plastic boxes of various sizes to aid in building. You could also use various recycled materials if you have them available. The morning of the program I spread materials out as evenly as I could on the floor and on tables. Thirteen families had registered on SignUp Genius. I debated having all sets on the floor, but I’m glad I set up tables because we did have grandparents who didn’t want to be on the floor and a child in a wheelchair.

I put on some happy working music and families started to stream in! There really was a wide variety of ages, including babies who just wanted to suck on a block, whole families, and a group of grandparents who just wanted to watch and encourage grandkids. Several stations had standard LEGOS, but for the most part patrons used the larger PREXTEX blocks. Creativity wasn’t lacking! One child put two pool noodle halves together to form a tunnel. Some structures were tall and some were long. There were bridges and turns, and lots of trial and error.

I traveled to each station offering support and encouragement, especially to families with younger children. I posed questions sometimes like, “how could you make the noodle more stable?” or “how could you get the marble to go faster?”. A couple kids got frustrated, including a toddler who didn’t want anyone to watch him building (I respected his wishes and steered clear!).

As an added incentive for people to attend, we had two door prizes - a LEGO Head, and a Classic Creative Suitcase. After advertising this on our Facebook and Instagram pages a couple weeks before, our registration definitely went up!

Overall, the program went great! Families were happy apart from some minor meltdowns of little ones. I did use one other staff member to assist with set-up and take-down, which only took about fifteen minutes. Our final count was 35 participants, which was a great turnout for a family event for our library.

Image by Susan Cipriano from Pixabay

The Indiana State Library is sponsoring a one-hour free webinar on Thursday May 18 from 10-11:00 am CST entitled Port in the Storm: How You Can Support LGBTQ+ Youth:

Our LGBTQIA+ youth are increasingly under attack and subjected to constant bullying. Participants will learn how to easily identify themselves as an ally: a port in the storm. Participants will also receive resources and advice on how to navigate the troubled waters with these formative young people. Bring your questions, concerns, and your fears as we engage in meaningful dialogue so we can better support our LGBTQIA+ youth and provide shelter in the storm.   1hr / 1 LEU

Presenter:  Jayne Walters (she/her) is a Board Member and the Director of Education for Indy Pride, co-founder of the LGBTQ+ Services Committee for IndyPL, and the first openly transgender manager in the history of Indianapolis Public Library. Having worked in libraries for over 14 years, her writing has been featured in Children & Libraries, Library Journal, and is a contributing author in the book Trans and Gender Diverse Voices in Libraries. She has spoken on LGBTQ+ issues for libraries, companies, and on the news, (2022). Her passions include LGBTQIA+ representation in juvenile literature; making sure libraries are accessible and equitable for the community and making them a safe and welcoming environment for both patrons and staff.

Here is our mid-May listing: 

Children's Services Librarian, Menomonee Falls Public Library (full-time)

Full Time: 40 hours per week

Pay range: $21.93-25.49 hourly

Application Deadline: Friday, May 26 at 5:00 PM CST

Position Description:

Are you passionate about providing excellent library services to children and their families? Do you enjoy developing early literacy programming and helping the youngest patrons find their new favorite book? Menomonee Falls Public Library is looking for our next full time Children's Services Librarian to enrich the community with dedication to promoting literacy for children ages 0-12 and creating a vibrant Children’s department.

MFPL is seeking someone friendly, enthusiastic, creative and organized with excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate enjoys working with all people and strives to provide high quality, fun, and innovative library service for children and families. The Children's Services Librarian is responsible for collaborating with the Youth Services team to develop children's programming and services. Serving children ages 0-12 and their caregivers, the Children's Services Librarian will also participate in collection development and assist patrons at our reference desks. 

Candidates must have a Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution. Library experience is strongly preferred but not required. Applicants should have extensive knowledge of children's literature, entertainment resources, and reference sources, a strong understanding of child development and psychology, and experience working with children and families. This is a full time position scheduled at 40 hours per week with starting hourly rate of pay ranging from $21.93-25.49.

Apply by visiting GovernmentJobs.com. Position open until filled. Deadline for applying is Friday, May 26^th at 5:00 PM Central time.

Menomonee Falls Public Library is a proud member of Bridges Library System. Serving a community of over 39,000 people, the Village of Menomonee Falls is a growing community with a focus on early literacy and excellence for children.

For more information, please visit https://www.menomoneefallslibrary.org/childrens-services-librarian/.

Claire de Rochefort-Reynolds

Youth Services Manager

Menomonee Falls Public Library

W156 N8436 Pilgrim Road

Menomonee Falls, WI 53051

Direct Line: (262) 532-8917

Image by Dave Davidson from Pixabay

Did you know there’s going to be two solar eclipses between now and April 2024?  I spoke with staff at STAR yesterday and wanted to share this information with you. 

• Public libraries and library systems can register to receive FREE solar viewing glasses (see link below)
• The state library (DPI) will be receiving four Solar Science Circulation kits (two youth and two adult). I’m working on creating a system for reserving and distributing the kits for system libraries. More information coming soon!
• STAR does in-person workshops for library staff. I’m working on setting a date(s) for this, hopefully sometime in September. More information coming soon!

With an Annular Solar Eclipse in 2023 and a Total Solar Eclipse in 2024, the STAR Library Education Network’s SEAL (Solar Eclipse Activities for Libraries) initiative (with major funding support from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation) is distributing approximately 5 million solar eclipse viewing glasses to libraries in all 50 states and all US territories and protectorates. You can register for FREE solar viewing glasses here.  

This application must be completed in one sitting. You will not be able to come back and edit your answers. We recommend that you complete the survey as soon as possible, to ensure you receive your glasses in time for your event. Applications will be reviewed in the order that they were received, and glasses will be distributed on a first come/first accepted basis. Please note glasses can only be sent to physical addresses, we cannot ship to PO boxes. Personal addresses can be used for shipping. You will have the option to receive 2,000; 1,000; or 500 pairs of eclipse glasses. We recommend glasses be distributed only at related programs. If you opt to receive 2,000 or 1,000 glasses, please share your plans to share with other orgs (or give stats justifying the large numbers).

Thank you and please let me know if you have any questions.

Jeni Schomber

Public Library Consultant

Library Services Team

Division for Libraries and Technology

Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction

608-266-2749

jennifer.schomber@dpi.wi.gov

Jamie Mercer is the Head of Youth Services at W.J. Niederkorn (Port Washington) Library and shares some extra fun with easy and/or FREE programming ideas/tips. 

Back with another Fun Friday! 

This year was the first year that our library had a program for El día de los niños/El día de los libros.  At first, I had a vision- grand plans for a system wide celebration with multiple programs at different locations, but of course, this takes time and a bigger budget.  So we started small.  And I am so glad that we took the first step. 

Since Día fell on a Sunday this year and our library is not open on a Sunday, I reached out to a local restaurant to see if we could set up a table and hand out complimentary books, program information, and possibly do some card registrations. I wanted to try to reach users that we may not usually see stop in the library.  I thought brunch at a restaurant would be quite busy with many people.  

The response was overwhelming. The restaurant was so excited, they actually donated one of their banquet rooms to us to use for the celebration. 

Inspired by this generosity, I started planning for a larger celebration.  I went on a hunt for donations to purchase bilingual books to giveaway.  I also started asking around if anyone knew of Spanish storytellers in the area. And I started looking for musicians.   

Well, we did not get donation money for books, not for lack of trying, but I did partner with Scholastic and took advantage of their Literacy Partnership Program to get deeply discounted bilingual books to distribute (this is a great resource if you also giveaway books for summer reading as well).  

In addition, we had a mother volunteer to help us create a bilingual storytime and read the Spanish for us.  We also found an awesome Flamenco studio from the Milwaukee area who did a short Flamenco workshop with the kids.  

For marketing we used social media, in-house, and had stores around the city put up flyers.  In total we had 30 people.  Not bad for our first celebration.   

We were also able to get our celebration listed on the Día registry. 

Overall, our program total ran under $200 and we still have supplies that can be used for summer reading and/or saved for next year. 

The support and participation from the community was phenomenal.  We can’t wait for next year’s celebration.