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Spring Institute Home | SPRING Institute 2023 HOMe | FEATURED SPEAKERS | SPECIAL EVENTS | Breakout SESSIONS | LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT | SPRING INSTITUTE History
Spring Institute 2023 BREAKOUT SESSIONS*Schedule is subject to change Thursday, March 30, 202311:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 1:30 – 2:30 PM | 3:15 - 4:15 PM Friday, March 31, 202311:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 1:45 – 2:45 PM
Thursday | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMGoing Back in Time to Digitize for the FutureRoom: Grande 1 Primary Focus: Tween/Teen Looking for new ways to connect with teens? Seeking support for preserving local history? Come learn how to use digitization as a connected learning practice with teens! By including teens in the preservation of local history materials, they can build a connection to their community and its history, while putting to use their technology skills & interests while learning new skills that will support their futures. To help remove barriers the Library of Michigan offers Digitization Kits, which circulate to public libraries and contain everything a library would need to digitize photographs, documents, and more. This presentation will provide an overview on connected learning, programming & outreach to teens, in addition to an introduction to available digitization resources. Session Materials Outcomes
Speakers
Cathy Lancaster is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Library of Michigan. With nearly 20 years of public library experience, she coordinates the Ready to Read Michigan initiative, summer reading, and continuing education for youth & teen services staff throughout the state. In her free time, Cathy enjoys taking her certified therapy dog, Reba, for “Tell-A-Tail” visits. Cathy holds an MLIS from Wayne State University.
Biz Gallo is the Statewide Digitization Initiatives Coordinator at the Library of Michigan. In her role there she helps libraries and cultural heritage organizations create, provide access to, and preserve digital collections. Before joining the library she spent eight years helping cultural heritage institutions preserve their AV collections through archival reformatting. She holds an MSI degree in Archives & Records Management from the University of Michigan School of Information.
Story Project: Helping Kids Publish Books for Your CollectionRoom: Grande 2 Primary Focus: School Age A program designed to teach kids how to write their own books became much more about connecting the kids to the library and each other. The Herrick North Branch's Youth Librarian and Manager will tell you about what went right, what they could improve upon, and how you can make the program work for you. They’ll talk about how partnerships with local authors, educators, and organizations shaped and benefitted the program. How classes on characters, plot, illustration, and collection development led to inspiring class discussions. How the program was expanded to include local elementary classrooms. And finally, how a big ol’ celebration (with special guest Ben Hatke!) was a rousing success and a night they will never forget. Books were professionally published and added to the library’s permanent collection. But more importantly, the kids left with a better understanding of how the library works, why it’s important, and the people who work there. Session Materials Outcomes
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Rob Carpenter is the manager of the Herrick North Branch Library. Prior to that he worked for the St. Joseph County Public Library in South Bend, Indiana. He lives with his wife and two daughters in Holland. He loves baseball and musical theater, though, oddly, he’s not that big a fan of Damn Yankees. Before donning his first cardigan, Rob was in a rock and roll band and spent more than a decade traveling around the country in a beat-up van.
In college, Adrienne Baker did everything possible to find ways to sneak her favorite hobby, reading, into her class schedule. A few years, degrees, and a hefty stint as a fourth-grade teacher later, she finally found her dream job as the Youth Librarian at the Herrick North Branch Library. In addition, she served as the chair of the 2022 MLA Mitten Award Committee. Adrienne lives in West Olive with her partner and the world’s most wonderful 9 month old.
Training and Outreach with MeL eResourcesRoom: Grande 3 Primary Focus: Technology The MeL eResources provide content that can be used by a variety of audiences--from homeschool families, to preschool story time, to high school research and test prep. Knowing tips and tricks to make the most of each eResource can save time and money. Join this session to learn MeL eResource best practices from library leaders around staff training, educator outreach, and lessons for students. Session Materials Outcomes
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Laura Warren-Gross is the MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries. Prior to joining MeL, she spent over 25 years in public education, including 21 years as a school librarian. In her role at MeL, Laura travels across Michigan training library staff on the content and features of the eResources. When she is not extolling the virtues of MeL, Laura can be found spending time with her family, reading, and playing pickleball.
Stephanie Reinhardt is the branch head at the Butman-Fish branch of the Public Libraries of Saginaw, but has spent most of her career in youth services. She received her MLIS from the University of Pittsburgh and began her career in Pennsylvania, without access to MeL – so she’s even more enthusiastic about the access that MeL provides to library staff and Michigan residents. Stephanie was the 2020 recipient of the Frances H. Pletz Award for Excellence in Services to Youth. She has spoken on topics such as maker programming in small libraries, free tech tools for library staff, gaming in libraries, and building portable escape rooms. One of her major career interests is in developing and supporting library staff at all levels to bring their vision and talents to the table.
Bobbi Schoon is the library director for Three Rivers Public Library, and has spent most of her career in education, management, and nonprofit work; combining a love of these roles when she found her first position in a library. She received her MLIS from Indiana University-Purdue University and her Masters in Psychology at Capella University. As a learning enthusiast and manager, she is passionate about the resources that MeL brings to the table for staff and patrons alike. She has spoken about the importance of outreach and community involvement for libraries. In her free time she loves reading, jogging, family game nights and using MeL resources, especially to read magazines online.
THURSDAY | 1:30 – 2:30 PMSelf-Regulation Tools and Tricks in StorytimeRoom: Grande 1 Primary Focus: Early Literacy Many small children deal with big emotions, stress, anxiety and trauma. Self-regulation is the ability to manage your reactions to feelings and stimuli. Introducing quick and effective self-regulation techniques in Storytime can help children learn them in a fun environment and be able to use them to self-soothe at home. These techniques include using a breathing ball, breathing exercises, stretches, cross-lateral movements, body tapping, and more. At the beginning of the presentation, I will go over statistics of stress/anxiety in children, what self-regulation is, and then we will learn rhymes, movements and other techniques together that can be implemented in Storytime. Session Materials Outcomes
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Hello! I am thrilled to be here. My name is Brittany Zuehlke (sounds like Zil-key). I am a wife and mother to a tiny human, a couple of cats and several houseplants. I earned my MIS at Wayne State University in 2017 and have since been a part of the KDL family as a Branch Librarian. In my free time I read, embroider, play video games, watch television shows, disc golf, enjoy nature, play Dungeons & Dragons and spend time with my family and friends.
No Big Deal: Big Programs for Little LibrariesRoom: Grande 2 Primary Focus: General Sometimes you hear about a great program at a large library system and think, “if only I could do that in my small library!” This session will do just that, and focus on how to scale programs and services originating at a large, Class 6 library to fit smaller libraries and budgets so that they can meet the needs of their communities in similar ways without sacrificing quality or efficacy. Session Materials Outcomes
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Find Your Way in MLARoom: Grande 3 Primary Focus: General MLA is YOUR state association! Whether you’ve been in your career for a long time or are brand new to the profession, MLA is here to support you and provide a variety of professional opportunities. This session will provide an overview of MLA, including the critically important work of the Intellectual Freedom Taskforce, strategic priorities, support services such as the Mentor Program, literary award workgroups, and committees. Staff members and volunteers will be available for questions about the association, upcoming opportunities, and ongoing projects. Learn about the numerous ways to get involved in MLA in a variety of interest areas and at various time commitments. Session Materials
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THURSDAY | 3:15 – 4:15 PMPop-Up Farm StorytimesRoom: Grande 1 Primary Focus: Early Literacy This is the story of two librarians: one from Webberville, one from Williamston, who last summer decided to embark on a series of pop-up storytimes at local farms in their rural communities. These storytimes guest-starred tractors, horses and a donkey named Floyd. They took place amid lavender fields and Christmas tree rows. What might sound like a whimsical idea, however, went beyond novelty. The series actually turned out to be more powerful, meaningful and fun than either of us could ever imagine. We will discuss the logistics of planning, executing and promoting pop-up storytimes at unusual places. We will also share about the power of storytime to bring communities together, and how it can act as a tool to bring the library outside of its physical walls and invite small children to explore their neighborhood in a post-COVID world. Outcomes
Speakers
Amanda Vorce is the head librarian for the Webberville Branch of Capital Area District Libraries. The rural library lifestyle is new to her, but it has been an exciting adventure that she wouldn't trade for anything. She has three years of experience as a youth services librarian and has been excited to use her creativity and experience in transforming library services in Webberville. She has a MLIS from Wayne State University and a Bachelors of Music from Bennington College in Vermont.
Lauren Clarke is a Public Services Librarian at Capital Area District Library’s Williamston branch. She has been a part of the CADL team for over 7 years. She uses her previous experience in marketing and community outreach to promote library services. Her stage experience as a dancer, musician, and singer gives her unique skills for story times. She received her MLIS from Wayne State University and her Bachelor of Communication with a Minor in Public Relations from Michigan State University.
Totally TUBular: How Rotating Tub-Based Activities Can Simplify Your Teen ProgrammingRoom: Grande 2 Primary Focus: Tween/Teen Looking for a sustainable way to create functional, portable, and accessible teen programming? Kent District Library’s Rotating Teen Tubs are easy to use and high interest, often utilizing materials you may already have in your branch. In this session, teen librarians will explore their go-to choices for tub programs (ranging from in-depth crafts to simple, low-prep games) that can be easily shared across branches or schools. Session Materials Outcomes
Speakers
Kathy Cheney is a Librarian with Kent District Library in Grand Rapids, MI where she also serves on the Teen Programming Work group. Kathy has a MLIS from the University of Maryland and a BS in Elementary Education from Mt. Mercy University in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She has been working in libraries of all sizes since she was a teen and has three teenage sons.
Jason Kotarski is a branch librarian focused on teen patrons and programming at Kent District Library in Wyoming, Michigan. Prior to becoming a librarian, Jason has worked as a hospice chaplain, board game publisher, and punk rocker. Jason received an MLIS from Wayne State University and a BA in Family Life Education from Spring Arbor University.
Putting Community Partnerships in PracticeRoom: Grande 3 Primary Focus: General Let us show you how we use our outreach van, Story Walk (R), Poetry Walk, and many other programs to create partnerships with our local school district, city, county, and community to promote literacy, language, outreach, and community within our district. We will share our knowledge, and some do's, and don'ts that we have learned along the way. Outcomes
Speakers
Michelle Frost-Baker has been the Children and Youth Services Librarian at Sturgis District Library for over eight years. Prior to that she was a preschool director and teacher for eight years. She works hard at creating partnerships within her district. These partnerships are used to promote literacy and community involvement.
FRIDAY | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PMRecipes for Successful Partnerships: Cook the KitRoom: Grande 1 Primary Focus: General Have you ever had a program evolve from something good into something great? The Chippewa River District Library did when they partnered with Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market to offer their patrons a free monthly cooking kit and supported sustainable foods. Each Cook the Kit included everything needed to make a featured dish: recipe, pantry ingredients, and a voucher to purchase farm-fresh produce ingredients while at the farmers market. Cook the Kit was also sponsored in part by McLaren Health Plan. Session Materials
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Andrea Graham is the Family Programming Coordinator for Chippewa River District Library, a five branch library system located in Isabella County, Michigan. During the past 16 years Andrea has held a variety of library positions at CRDL including Page, Substitute Librarian, Branch Assistant, Branch Manager, Processing & Cataloging Assistant and for the last 6 years tasked with the duties of Adult & Family Programming and Reference Librarian.
Carol Moody is a Recreation Coordinator and a Certified Farmers Market Manager for the City of Mt. Pleasant, Michigan. She has worked in the recreation field for more than 25 years and has a background in event management. For the past 10 years, Carol has managed the Mt. Pleasant Farmers' Market.
Bridging the Gap Between Public Libraries and SchoolsRoom: Grande 2 Primary Focus: School Age Outreach into the schools is no easy task, but a successful collaboration with manageable, approachable steps can be favorable for everyone involved. Students benefit from the resources of two facilities instead of one. Plymouth District Library and Orion Township Public Library are going to share their stories of the first steps they took to start a collaboration and the established programs that bring them into schools weekly. Session Materials Outcomes
Speakers
Kerry Roman has been a Youth Services Librarian for 11 years, the last year in her current role of K-5 School Outreach Librarian at Orion Township Public Library. She also holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and obtained her master's in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Kerry spends a large amount of time visiting classrooms and sharing her love of reading with students.
Sabrina has been a teen services librarian for 4 years at Orion Township Public Library. She provides school outreach services to all middle and high school students and educators within the library community. She holds a bachelor's degree in Nursing and a master's degree in Library and Information Science. Sabrina has also presented at Michigan Association for Media in Education in collaboration with Middle School Media Specialists.
Jessica Keeler is a Youth Services Librarian in Plymouth, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a Design & Technology concentration from the University of Toledo and a Masters in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. She has served on Michigan Library Association's YouPer Award Committee since 2019. Jessica has a passion for middle grade lit, STEAM in Youth Services, and dogs of all shapes and sizes.
Lauren Baker is the Youth and Teen Services Coordinator at the Plymouth District Library, Plymouth MI. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science from Michigan State University and a Masters in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. Lauren currently serves on the Youth Services Advisory Council for the State of Michigan.
Sarah Perry is a Youth Services Librarian at the Plymouth District Library. She received her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Eastern Michigan University, and a Masters in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. She has worked in public libraries for over 20 years. Books are her passion. In addition to librarianship, she's an avid reader, book reviewer, and author.
Creating Community Through Storybook Trails (Cancelled)Room: Grande 3 Primary Focus: Family If you build it they will come. Story book trails tick all the boxes of library outreach and community engagement. They encourage early literacy, family literacy, physical activity, and engagement with nature. Building permanent story book trails where the stories are changed out monthly offers ongoing connections with your community. This presentation will lay out the process of choosing a trail location, permanent display units, seeking community partners, and creating a display. Resources will be provided, as well as suggestions for post-trail activities to bring patrons of all ages back to the library. Outcomes
Speaker
Heather Harrison is the Youth Services Librarian for the Genesee District Library. She has worked in libraries in the Adirondacks of New York and in Mississippi. Her interests include youth programming, children's picture book art, and youth outreach. She received her MLIS from Wayne State University in 2008.
FRIDAY | 1:45 – 2:45 PMGetting Outdoors: A 1000 Hours Outside SeriesRoom: Grande 2 Primary Focus: General This session will be about a yearlong series of outdoor programs held at the library, inspired by Ginny Yurich’s 1000 Hours Outside movement, which encourages families to match screen time with green time. We will share how we organized throughout the year to present outdoor events, regardless of weather and on a small budget. The monthly programs provided simple opportunities that encourage exploration, learning, conservation and fun. This series included all ages and used the seasons as a guide. We’ll share how we partnered within our community to strengthen connections and enhance everyone’s relationships with the natural world. We’re excited to share these ideas and inspire others to head outside! We would present via a panel discussion, aided by digital slides, with a Q & A to follow. Session Materials
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Melissa Rizer has worked in public libraries for more than 20 years in Iowa, Arizona, New Jersey and Michigan. For the past 7 years she's worked as a youth librarian and currently works at the Grosse Pointe Public Library. She enjoys connecting with patrons throughout the community and encouraging lifelong learning through the many opportunities available at the library.
Annie Spence has worked at public libraries for fifteen years and specialized in Outreach Services at GPPL for five years. Her goal is to create programs that highlight the library's many resources and spur connections between community members.
"Momcat" Kelly Konieczki is an outdoor educator and homeschooling mom who is passionate about hands-on learning in nature through play! She works as a Nature Specialist at an Early Childhood Center and is also the founder of the Detroit Butterfly Nursery, where she and her daughter create awareness and educate about Community Science for all ages. She loves exploring in nature, painting, photography and reading!
Integrating Your Makerspace Into Youth Programs and BeyondRoom: Grande 1 Primary Focus: Technology Perhaps your library has a makerspace, or makerspace-like capabilities. That's a wonderful thing! But how do we use it? It can be tricky to understand exactly how our library makerspaces can be useful to other departments. In this presentation we will discuss ways to implement makerspace features into every facet of your department! Makerspaces can be incredible resources, not just for patrons, but for the library as a whole, especially the Youth Department! From craft kits to outreach programs, from storytime to book displays; the possibilities are so vast, it can boggle the mind! There are a myriad ways that you can utilize your makerspace to your advantage. We will unravel some makerspace mysteries, we will examine some inspiring ideas, and we will start helpful discussions with our makerspace personnel. Jeff will use a number of real-life examples to show how cooperation between the Youth Department and the Makerspace can have excellent (and sometimes surprising) results! Outcomes
Speaker
Jeff specializes in making "things" out of "stuff" and is an all-around creative, maker-type-person. He has been supervisor of The Idea Lab for over 5 years, and is a makerspace specialist.
Michigan Arts and Culture Council Grant Opportunities (Cancelled)Room: Grande 3 Primary Focus: General This session will provide an overview of upcoming grant programs available to libraries and discuss the application and review processes. Recent MACC library awardees will also share their experiences and projects. Session Materials
Outcomes
Speaker
Jeff Garrett is the Operational Support Program Manager for the State of Michigan Council for Arts & Cultural Affairs. Previously, Jeff served as Director of the Art School at the Flint Institute of Arts. He has teaching experience in Michigan Public Schools, has been adjunct faculty at Vincennes University, Saginaw Valley State University, and Mott College, and was Head of the Art & Design Department at Crowder College. He received a Master of Fine Arts degree in Ceramics with Distinction from Indiana State University.
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Cathy Lancaster
Biz Gallo
Rob Carpenter
Adrienne Baker
Laura Warren-Gross
Stephanie Reinhardt
Bobbi Schoon
Brittany Zuehlke
Natalie Isham
Amber Sheerin
Keeley Briggs
Mary Grahame Hunter
Amanda Vorce
Lauren Clarke
Kathy Cheney
Jason Kotarski
Michelle Frost-Baker
Andrea Graham
Carol Moody
Kerry Roman
Sabrina Halsey
Jessica Keeler
Lauren Baker
Sarah Perry
Heather Harrison
Melissa Rizer
Annie Spence
Kelly Konieczki
Jeff GarrettUniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.
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PO Box 27337
Lansing, MI 48909
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