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Spring Institute for Youth Services 2024 BREAKOUT SESSIONS

*Schedule is subject to change

Thursday, March 7, 2024

11:00 – 11:45 AM  |  1:45 – 2:30 PM  |  3:00 - 3:45 PM

Friday, March 8, 2024

10:45 – 11:30 AM  |  11:45 AM – 12:30 PM  |  2:15 – 3:00 PM

 


Thursday | 11:00 – 11:45 AM

Power of Play: Playful Programming for ALL Ages

Room: A1

We all know that young children learn through play, but what other benefits can play offer? Play can inspire, connect, relax, challenge, and build community - which aligns beautifully with our goals as librarians. Come get inspired to create playful programming for library patrons of all ages in this interactive presentation!

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand the benefits of play.
  • Gain three concrete examples of how they might incorporate play into their own library programming.
  • Have the opportunity to explore a variety of play-based programming first-hand.

Speakers

Diana WengerDiana Wenger
Early Literacy Coordinator
Muskegon Area District Library

Diana is currently the Early Literacy Coordinator at the Muskegon Area District Library. She has been a librarian for 14 years with various positions. Previously she was the Youth Services Librarian at North Muskegon Branch of MADL. She has also worked at Grand Rapids Public Library as a librarian from roles as Youth Librarian to Branch Manager. Diana enjoys programming for a variety of ages and doing collection development.

Christina LeVey-RowlandChristina LeVey-Rowland
Lead Librarian
Muskegon Area District Library

Christina is the lead librarian for the Montague and Holton branches of the Muskegon Area District Library. She's worn many hats at many jobs from food service to tutoring to publishing and even time as department store photographer. All of this experience comes together in librarianship when "other duties as assigned" really can mean anything. In her free time Christina loves watching movies, performing concerts in her car, and never ever acting like a grown-up.

 

Fantastic Felt: The Art of Feltboards in Storytime

Room: A2

We know that children learn in many different ways and, especially for young children, sitting quietly and looking at a book may not be one of them. Feltboards and puppets allow children to engage with stories in new and exciting ways. This session is about how to use the felt board to play interactive games and story tell. I will talk about what makes a great feltboard, what stories work best, how to use them in storytime, how to ease your way into puppetry, and will end with helping participants create their very own Little Mouse feltboard game.

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Gain confidence in pulling out the feltboard in storytime.
  • Choose stories and games for the feltboard that they can use effectively in their storytime.
  • Experience making their own feltboard stories and be inspired to make more!

Speaker

Laura BultmanLaura Bultman
Youth Librarian
Kalamazoo Public Library

Laura Bultman is a Youth Librarian at Kalamazoo Public Library. She has worked in libraries of all sizes in several different states and is happy to now call Michigan home. She received her MLS from the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign and also has an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. She has been doing library programming for over fifteen years. In her spare time, she crochets in a vain attempt to make a dent in her yarn stash.

 

Read More, Hate Less: MASL’s MISelf in Books Project

Room: A3

There are countless reasons why access to inclusive books is important. We need to protect our kids’ access to inclusive books and actively work to connect readers with books that celebrate the full human experience because we want children to see themselves, and the greater world, in our library collections. One resource to help connect kids to inclusive texts is the MISelf in Books list, created annually by the Michigan Association of School Librarians. Our interactive session will include a deep dive into the project, the background of how the project started and the guiding principles of the work including a look at how books are identified for review, the evaluation tools that we use, and the content of the list. The MISelf in Books project is in its 4th year and we will share what we have learned, changed, and adjusted along the way.

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand the purpose, background and criteria for the MISelf in Books list.
  • Understand ways to use the list with their patrons.

Speakers

Brett Howard
North Muskegon Public Schools

Tonya Colvin
Kalamazoo Public Schools

 

Dynamic Displays: Spice Up Your Space

Room: D

This session will cover tips for creating library displays, including coordinating, maintaining, and refreshing, resources for ideas and inspiration, and adapting to different library spaces. We will talk about ensuring that displays are inclusive, creating displays to engage the community, and using displays to identify gaps in collections. Our presentation will include photos and descriptions of displays we have created, including displays that are interactive, highlight collections, promote programs, feature cultural celebrations, enhance readers advisory, tie in to social media and other library services, and more. Attendees will leave with a list of new display ideas and tips for implementing them in their own libraries.

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Gain a list of display ideas that they can implement in their library.
  • Learn at least three general tips for creating and maintaining displays.
  • Learn how to ensure their displays are inclusive.

Speakers

Becky LeBoeufBecky LeBoeuf
Head of Youth Services
Delta Township District Library

Becky LeBoeuf is Head of Youth Services for the Delta Township District Library in Lansing, MI, where she works with kids, teens, and families, oversees the Youth Services department, orders materials for the collection, and plans programs and events. Becky has been working in libraries for 20 years and has a Masters in Library and Information Science. She is a long-time member of the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition and her local Great Start Collaborative.

Marissa Boisclair
Youth Librarian
Commerce Township Community Library

 

 

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Thursday | 1:45 – 2:30 PM

Beyond Storytime

Room: A2

The Ready to Read Michigan Toolkit: Workshops for Parents and Early Childhood Educators, offers support for library staff to facilitate fun workshops for the very people that spend the most time with young children. Using the 5 practices of Every Child Ready to Read, the Ready to Read Michigan Toolkit provides scripts, resources, and print materials for library staff to empower parents, caregivers, and early childcare providers to talk, sing, read, write, and play modeled in age-appropriate playful, joyful ways. Techniques for involving parents of all backgrounds and sharing early literacy messages with them are also addressed.

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Leave equipped with the information, skills, and tools needed to promote early literacy in their community via RTRM’s free toolkit which includes plans for three parent-child workshops and two workshops for childcare professionals.
  • Be able to replicate or modify at least 4 activities that embody the five early literacy practices of Every Child Ready to Read, according to the different ages and stages of children they are working with.
  • Be able to share books with children of all ages in at least three joyful ways that build early literacy skills, without requiring them to actually read the book aloud.

Speakers

Cathy LancasterCathy Lancaster
Youth Services Coordinator
Library of Michigan

Cathy Lancaster, MLIS, is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Library of Michigan. With 20 years of public library experience, she coordinates the Ready to Read Michigan initiative, summer reading, and additional continuing education opportunities for youth & teen services library staff throughout Michigan. Cathy also serves on the Board of Directors for the Collaborative Summer Library Program and is a member of the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition of Greater Lansing.

Becky LeBoeufBecky LeBoeuf
Head of Youth Services
Delta Township District Library

Becky LeBoeuf is Head of Youth Services for the Delta Township District Library in Lansing, MI, where she works with kids, teens, and families, oversees the Youth Services department, orders materials for the collection, and plans programs and events. Becky has been working in libraries for 20 years and has a Masters in Library and Information Science. She is a long-time member of the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition and her local Great Start Collaborative.

Jozefa RogockiJozefa Rogocki
Youth Program and Outreach Librarian
Dewitt District Library

Jozefa Rogocki is the Youth Program and Outreach Librarian at DeWitt District Library working with families and kids and specializes in presenting creative programming. She has been working in libraries for 13 years and was previously a Community Artist in England for 15 years with extensive experience working with people with disabilities. Jozefa is a member of the Early Childhood Literacy Coalition of Ingham County.

 

Gamify the Community Scavenger Hunt: Road Trip Adventure

Room: A3

Join the Genesee District Library (GDL) Road Trip Adventure and discover how to gamify your community-wide scavenger hunt. During summer 2023, GDL patrons were challenged to visit all 19 library branches and to answer a simple library-themed trivia question. Correctly answering the question earned participants trading cards unique to each branch. When participants earned all 19 cards, they received a bonus card for a total of 20 trading cards. This program was the sleeper hit of the summer, with patrons of all ages visiting GDL library branches in groups to collect trading cards. This presentation will outline the details of the program and how to create a community game for your library. Topics covered include: game ideas, creating trading cards as incentives, using a digital version of the game to increase access, and finding inspiration for game play in summer reading challenge themes. The Road Trip is a fun, interactive way to encourage patrons to explore their library and community.

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Learn ways of customizing the program to their library and community, including ideas for digital versions to increase access.
  • Learn best practices for creating trading cards.
  • Learn tips for getting buy-in from staff and community partners.

Speaker

Heather HarrisonHeather Harrison
Youth Services Librarian
Genesee District Library

Heather Harrison is the Youth Services Librarian at Genesee District Library. She is passionate about youth and teen services, especially in the areas of literacy, innovative programming, and community outreach. She earned her MLIS from Wayne State University in 2008 and MFA in Poetry from the University of Michigan in 2001.

 

How to Implement a Successful Pokémon TCG Program

Room: A1

Are your kids into Pokémon Trading Cards, but not sure how to do a program on them? This session will show you how to implement a Pokémon Card program. We will go over brief basics on how to play the game and ways to build Pokémon decks. More time will be spent on how we started our program, going over what went well and what we would do differently, and what new ideas you can bring and try out.

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Have a better understanding of how the Pokémon Trading Card Game works as a whole.
  • Be equipped with the knowledge and resources necessary to start their own similar programs.
  • Be inspired to try new things with this idea whether it's doing Card Tournaments or Card Painting.

Speakers

Kyle BartoszekKyle Bartoszek
Library Programming and Event Specialist
Bridgman Public Library

Kyle Bartoszek is a library programming and event specialist. He has created several stand-alone events and repeatable clubs and programs with a focus on learning through fun. In this way, he has given patrons experience with concepts, ideas, and technologies that they otherwise would not have necessarily sought out. From computer programming to process art and most things in between, Kyle looks to help his community be life-long learners.His current long-term projects include D&D and Pokémon through the library. By partnering with local schools and community organizations, he has extended these programs’ reach well beyond the walls of the library. Through these initiatives, Kyle is working to make sure that everyone has a say in and can benefit from the services the library provides.

Kelly NemitzKelly Nemitz
Youth Services Associate
Lincoln Township Public Library

Kelly has been with the LTPL for five years starting at circulation and working her way to Youth Services Associate. She does a variety of different programs from STEAM story times to adult painting classes to Pokémon TCG Leagues. Her library career began as a Young Adult Assistant at Gallatin Public Library in Gallatin, TN.When she's not busy with work, she loves doing arts and crafts projects and doing nerd stuff with her husband and cats.

 

Social Media, Songs, and Storytime: a Q and A with Kate Reynolds

Room: D

Kate Reynolds (aka the Lavender Librarian), creator and director of Storytime Solidarity, is taking questions about storytime, thoughtful song selection, and optimizing your library’s social media presence.

Speakers

Kate ReynoldsKate Reynolds
Storytime Solidarity

Kate Reynolds, best known to her over 40k followers as the Lavender Librarian, is a soprano, writer, speaker, patient advocate, content creator, and public librarian. In 2020, Kate began blogging as “Lavender Librarian,” to help share her silly mask songs with other library workers as the world worked to stay safe from COVID-19. In 2021, she expanded her influence and created the Storytime Solidarity Facebook group to support librarians, teachers and families in the mission to bring inclusive, affirming, and anti-racist books and music to children. Today Kate leads a global team of volunteers helping to make storytime more inclusive with their 6k+ member Facebook group, active presence on social media, and website welcoming up to a thousand users each week. Kate’s leadership has also earned the Solidarity team the honor of presenting the 2023 AB kids series through the University of South Carolina School of Library and Information Science, as part of their children, libraries and literacy initiative. The chair and series honors the legacy of Augusta Braxton Baker, the first African American, coordinator of the children’s services with NYPL and a role model for librarians. Kate is grateful for the opportunity to share her wisdom with so many helpers through her Storytime Solidarity and Lavender Librarian platforms. And on this beautiful day in the library, she’s thrilled to speak directly to the helpers at the MLA Spring Institute for Youth Services

 

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Thursday | 3:00 – 3:45 PM

Popcorn Sessions

In our special popcorn sessions, we ask you all to be the experts! Everyone is doing great work in their libraries and this is the moment to share with our peers. We'll have a jar of questions and invite people to pick a question and share with the group. Questions will be based on the theme of the session: what's your favorite teen craft? or how do you help toddlers with the wiggles? or what's your favorite school-age program? This is an interactive session so come prepared to share!

Popcorn Session Topics

Early Literacy

Room: A1

Moderators

Courtnei MoysesCourtnei Moyses
Librarian I Branch Manager
Grand Rapids Public Library

 

Lydia Schmidt
Youth Services Supervisor
Hackley Public Library

 

 

Elementary Age Programming

Room: A2

Moderators

Laura BultmanLaura Bultman
Youth Librarian
Kalamazoo Public Library

 

Kristen GetzinKristen Getzin
Programming & Youth Services Librarian
Fraser Public Library

 

 

Teen Services

Room: A3

Moderators

Becky DeLisoBecky DeLiso
Librarian, Youth Services
Chesterfield Township Library

 

Holly OsentoskiHolly Osentoski
Teen Services Librarian
Troy Public Library

 

 

Intellectual Freedom

Room: D

Moderators

Ashley LehmanAshley Lehman
Head of Youth Services
Orion Township Public Library

 

Heather HarrisonHeather Harrison
Youth Services Librarian
Genesee District Library

 

 

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Friday | 10:45 – 11:30 AM

Handling Book Challenges on the Ground

Room: D

The ALA reported a record number of censorship attempts to library materials in 2022, and preliminary data from 2023 indicates a 20% increase. While many of us are not responsible for setting policies and addressing official challenges, working with the public means fielding complaints and questions about materials all the time. In this session, we’ll talk about being the first line of defense in protecting intellectual freedom, strategies for talking with patrons, and how to protect your own mental and emotional wellbeing while dealing with a nationwide rise in materials challenges.

Speaker

Tirzah PriceTirzah Price

Tirzah Price grew up on a farm in Michigan, where she read every book she could get her hands on and never outgrew her love for YA fiction. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts, and is a former bookseller and librarian. Now, she’s a senior contributing editor at Book Riot, and co-host of the Hey YA podcast. When she’s not writing, reading, or thinking about YA books, she splits her time between experimenting in the kitchen and knitting enough socks to last through winter. She lives in Michigan. Tirzah is pronounced TEER-zuh. Pronouns are she/her.

 

Leadership Tales from the Children's Area

Room: A3

Join us for an insightful conference panel session featuring accomplished library directors who embarked on their careers in youth services. These seasoned professionals will share their experiences and expertise on advancing in the library field. Delve into discussions on navigating the trajectory from the children's section to leadership roles, gaining valuable insights into the skills and perspectives acquired during their time in youth services. Gain inspiration and practical advice as these directors reflect on the impact of their early roles in shaping their current successful leadership positions.

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Learn valuable leadership lessons as directors share anecdotes and reflections on how their time in youth services shaped their leadership philosophies.
  • Learn strategies for transitioning from youth services to the director’s office.
  • Develop a deeper understanding of how early roles in youth services contribute to the skillset and leadership style of library directors.

Moderator

Hennie Vaandrager
Manager of Outreach and Programming
Kent District Library

 

Panelists

Julie Meredith
Director
Clarkston Independence District Library

 

Cindy MackCindy Mack
Director
Brighton District Library

 

Angela Semifero
Director
Marshall District Library

 

Claire MeekerClaire Meeker
Director
Romeo Public Library

 

 

Tender Topics: Helping Families with Difficult Conversations

Room: A2

Families deal with a variety of issues that may be difficult to discuss. This session will provide concrete examples of materials and resources that assist parents and caregivers of young children with sensitive issues. Topics include mental health, death of a pet or family member, adoption, differing abilities, family types, gender stereotypes, and more. Learn how the West Bloomfield Library addressed these issues by creating circulating Tender Topic kits.

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand what sensitive issues families in their community may be facing.
  • Be able to identify materials, including toys and games, that can assist with these difficult issues.
  • Be able to create simple kits for circulation regardless of budget.

Speaker

Emily VickersEmily Vickers
Early Childhood Specialist
West Bloomfield Township Public Library

Emily Vickers is an Early Childhood Specialist at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library. She has a masters degree in Early childhood Special Education and a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. She previously was a teacher for the West Bloomfield School District teaching GSRP and the Associate Director of School Readiness for OLHSA.

 

Welcoming Homeschool Families with Resources and Programming

Room: A1

When podcasters and news articles talk about the increase in homeschooling across the United States, they rarely mention public libraries. However, as people who work in libraries, we know that families depend on their public libraries and the staff therein to provide resources and knowledge. This session will focus on how library staff members can offer support to families that have chosen alternative school options for their children including programming/activity ideas and MeL eResource content.

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Have ideas for programming and activities that support homeschool families.
  • Have a variety of resources to provide for homeschool families.

Speakers

Laura Warren-GrossLaura Warren-Gross
Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries
Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)

Laura Warren-Gross is the MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries. In this role she shares the content and features of the MeL eResources with library staff throughout Michigan. An educator for over 25 years, Laura is passionate about connecting patrons with information. In her spare time, Laura enjoys reading and traveling.Laura Warren-Gross is the MeL Engagement Specialist for Public Libraries. In this role she shares the content and features of the MeL eResources with library staff throughout Michigan. An educator for over 25 years, Laura is passionate about connecting patrons with information. In her spare time, Laura enjoys reading and traveling.

Andrea VernolaAndrea Vernola
Branch Manager
Kalamazoo Public Library

Andrea Vernola has 15 years of progressive public library experience, serving in libraries of all sizes. She has led programming for babies, preschoolers, school age kids and teens, and is currently a branch manager at Kalamazoo Public Library. Andrea believes the public library is a essential resource for homeschooling students and educators. With that in mind, she has consistently connected homeschoolers with library resources over the years, whether it be collections, programming, or information literacy instruction.

Jessica PangbornJessica Pangborn
Clerk and Programming Specialist
Cadillac Wexford Public Library

Jessica Pangborn has been the Clerk and Programming Specialist for the Mesick Public Library since May 2022. She married her best friend 20 years ago and has lived in Michigan all her life. She loves the area and people she serves each day. Jessica has been a public, online, homeschool, and foster parent to many kiddos over the years. She believes that utilizing the resources that the library offers has proved essential to educating not only them, but herself as well. Jessica has always had a love for the library and is thrilled to live out her dream of working in one every day.

 

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Friday | 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM

Who Are You? The Problems with Appropriation and Native Identity

Room: A1

Cultural appropriation is everywhere in American society and culture but no population has experienced more appropriation than that of natives. From sports to food to holidays, this breakout will bring awareness on how appropriation of native culture occurs and the negative impacts it can have.

Speaker

Eric HemenwayEric Hemenway
Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records
Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians

Eric Hemenway is an Anishnaabe/Odawa from Cross Village, Michigan, and is the Director of Repatriation, Archives and Records for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. Eric oversees the management, collecting and preservation of historic documents and materials for the tribe. These materials are used to support LTBB government functions, its citizens and educational initiatives, such as; museum exhibits, media, curriculum, publications, historical interpretation, signage, web content and presentations. Collaborations on exhibits have included the National Park Service, state of Michigan, Mackinac State Historic Parks, Emmet County, Welt Museum Wien Vienna, Austria and the Harbor Springs History Museum. Educational partnerships include: Harbor Springs Public Schools, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, Harvard, Yale and Aquinas College. Eric has also extensive work experience under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act.

He currently sits on boards for the Michigan Historical Commission and Central Michigan University Clarke Library and Little Traverse Conservancy. Eric is a former board member of the Michigan Humanities Council, Michigan Historical Society, Emmet County Historical Commission, National NAGRPA Review Committee, Harbor Springs Historical Museum and the Michigan Commission on the Commemoration of the Bicentennial of the War of 1812. He is the recipient of the Grand Rapids Public Museum Casey award 2010, Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce Community Service Award 2015 and Michigan Humanities Council Humanities Champion of the Year 2019.

 

 

Creating Community Through Story Book Trails

Room: A3

It's a beautiful day at the library story book trail. Story book trails tick all the boxes of literacy 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, temporary or permanent display units, seeking community partners, and creating a display. Resources will be provided. Together, attendees will brainstorm page prompt ideas and post-trail activities to bring patrons of all ages back to the library.

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Understand the process of creating a story book trails: from choosing a location, to finding community partners, selecting and installing display units, and creating and changing displays.
  • Learn what to consider when choosing a location, including ease of access for young families and seniors, and best practices for changing the story each month.
  • Discover ways to entice patrons of all ages back to the library after they walk the trail.

Speaker

Heather HarrisonHeather Harrison
Youth Services Librarian
Genesee District Library

Heather Harrison is the Youth Services Librarian at Genesee District Library. She is passionate about youth and teen services, especially in the areas of literacy, innovative programming, and community outreach. She earned her MLIS from Wayne State University in 2008 and MFA in Poetry from the University of Michigan in 2001.

 

Beyond the Breakout Box: Take Your Escape Rooms to the Next Level

Room: A2

Escape rooms, puzzles, and treasure hunts have long been popular library programs, but are you ready to venture beyond the Breakout box or checklist-style scavenger hunt? Take your escape room programs to the next level! Learn tips for designing your own adventures that get families exploring, thinking, and having fun together, both in the library and out in the community. Hear how we’ve created escape room-style programming to challenge and engage patrons of all ages - and how these programs can be cost-effective, flexible, and staffing-friendly too! And bring your thinking caps - we'll be trying our hand at solving some puzzles of our own!

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Learn basic tips for designing an effective puzzle.
  • Learn how technology and everyday materials can be utilized in bringing puzzles to life.
  • Experience solving an escape room and scavenger hunt designed with these principles.

Speaker

Elizabeth GriffinElizabeth Griffin
Youth Librarian
Loutit District Library

Elizabeth is a youth services librarian at Loutit District Library in Grand Haven, MI. She has worked in libraries for over 10 years, with previous work in early childhood education and outdoor education. She graduated from the University of Michigan School of Information with a MSI in 2010. Her work focuses on programming, early childhood, and services to support families and caregivers.

 

Building Teen Resilience: Using Trauma-Informed Practices to Boost Teen Services

Room: D

Every person you meet is going through something. How do we recognize when our teen patrons are struggling and how can we help them out?

Researchers have done the work of finding some of those answers, and we want to share with all of you! Learn about adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how those can impact both mental and physical health in children and teens; learn how to use trauma-informed practices in your library to create a safe and welcoming environment for teens; and learn how to help your teen patrons build resilience, which is the key to a healthier life post-trauma.

Session Materials

Speaker

Nisa KesslerNisa Kesseler
Teen Services Librarian
Petoskey District Library

Nisa is the teen services librarian at the Petoskey District Library. She has been at PDL since 2015 and has worked professionally with teens since 2010. She is currently a NASA partner Eclipse Ambassador and was part of YALSA’s Future Ready with the Library program. Nisa has also served as a committee member on the MLA Thumbs Up! Award committee and is the 2023 recipient of the Frances H. Pletz Award.

Megan GoedgeMegan Goedge
Children's Librarian
Petoskey District Library

Megan is a children’s librarian at the Petoskey District Library. She has been at PDL since 2016 and has worked as a children’s librarian since 2005. For 2022 and 2023, Megan served on the CLEL (Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy) Bell award committee.

 

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Friday | 2:15 – 3:00 PM

Storytime on Wheels: Expanding Community Outreach

Room: D

Looking for a way to rejuvenate your storytime? RDL’s Storytime on Wheels program utilizes our new Bookmobile to take storytime into the community. But you don’t have to have a mobile library! Anyone who is doing storytime at the library can be doing storytime in their community. Come learn how!

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Be able to identify components needed for creating their own Storytime on Wheels programs.
  • Be able to identify key factors in combining outreach with existing programs.
  • Have some strategies to find, contact and maintain relationships with community partners.

Speakers

Heidi GatzkeHeidi Gatzke
Children's Librarian
Romeo District Library

Heidi Gatzke has worked as a librarian in public libraries for nine years with a focus on children and families. Although she has lived around the US and abroad, she is happy to be working in her home state of Michigan again. When not at the library, she enjoys traveling, hiking and knitting.

Sydney RainesSydney Raines
Outreach Specialist
Romeo District Library

Sydney is the Outreach Specialist for the Romeo District Library. When she isn’t cruising around town in the Bookmobile, she is most likely at home snuggling up with her dog, Beau. She loves belting songs in the car, fact-dumping with her boyfriend, and making a strong attempt at baking. She loves to create, whether it be art, spaces of comfort, or joyful experiences.

 

Should It Stay or Should It Go?

Room: A2

Do you feel like you're wasting time putting together programming no one attends? Has your library invested time and money into a program that would positively impact the community, but no one attends? Do you hate the phrase "that's how it's always been done" -- but don't know how to get the ball rolling toward doing things differently? We've been there too, and want to prepare you for the difficult conversations that come with a program overhaul -- and show you how you can get past those program fails and reframe them as success. Get the tools to objectively analyze your existing programming, discuss program effectiveness with colleagues and stakeholders, and consider whether or not program resources can be better utilized -- or canceled altogether.

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Receive tools and information to assist in critically evaluating current program offerings and collections in their libraries, and be able to use these tools to assess a program's value in the short-term, as well as to forecast its long-term success.
  • Be able to objectively analyze their programs to ensure that they are worth the library's financial and staffing investment.
  • Be empowered to have difficult conversations about their programs' effectiveness with their supervisors, colleagues, and other stakeholders.

Speakers

Dena MoscheckDena Moscheck
Children's Coordinator
Bay County Library System

Dena Moscheck (she/they) has spent her career in youth services, having worked in large and small libraries in Massachusetts and Michigan. Since 2019, she has worked for Bay County Library System, currently as their Children's Coordinator. She is passionate about making connections through outreach, partnerships with community organizations, and directly with community members by fostering an environment that celebrates connection and inclusion. She earned her MSLIS from Simmons College in 2012.

Dani DiAmicoDani DiAmico
Children's Librarian
Bay County Library System

Danielle "Dani" DiAmico (she/her) has worked for the Bay County Library System at the historical Sage Branch since 2016. In 2019 she was awarded the Rising Star award by the Michigan Library Association. She was recognized for developing innovative library collections, collaborating with local elementary schools, and building community through the programming she provides for families. She has a BFA degree from Central Michigan University and a MLIS from Wayne State University.

 

Won't You Be Our Neighbor? Scavenger Hunts & Field Trips

Room: A1

Marshall District Library took the 2023 summer reading theme of All Together Now and customized it for their community. Their Summer Reading Program was a nod to some of the best educational TV programs for youth: Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, Magic School Bus, and, of course, Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. Just as these programs brought kids from all over "together" to learn, so did the library's summer programs. The focus was on Comm-UNITY and encouraging people to connect‚ to support local businesses, attend library programs, and read about neighbors everywhere! The Programming and Community Engagement Department will share how their Won't You Be Our Neighbor month-long scavenger hunt, involving scrapbooks, trading cards, and customized puzzles, engaged over 300 families and nearly 40 businesses. They'll share how they leveraged community partnerships to take library patrons "behind the scenes" to meet their neighbors and explore together what makes Marshall magical. Best of all, they'll inspire you to think about your neighbors and what makes your community special so you might highlight the ways it's a beautiful day all around your community!

Session Materials

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Have an asset list of their unique community.
  • Be inspired to highlight what makes their community special.
  • Understand how partnerships can help you work smarter and not harder.

Speakers

Shauna SwantekShauna Swantek
Head of Programming & Community Outreach
Marshall District Library

Shauna Swantek has served as Head of Programming & Community Engagement at Marshall District Library since 2017. She is responsible for coordinating library programming for all ages, outreach services, & marketing. She served as Director of Putnam District Library, developing a reputation in the library world for her creativity & collaboration with community. She is the recipient of the Library of Michigan's Outstanding Small & Rural Librarian Award.

Kelly DykwellKelly Dykwell
Youth Services Librarian
Marshall District Library

Kelly Dykwell has served as Youth Services Librarian at Marshall District Library since 2015. She holds a Master of Library & Information Science degree from Wayne State University. Prior to her work at Marshall, she worked as a member of the Kent District Library staff in Grand Rapids. She is well known in the community for her expertise in children's & young adult literature & early literacy services. She has acted as a regional facilitator for Supercharged Storytime training & has served as a committee member on the Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award Committee.

Andrea StaffordAndrea Stafford
Programming Assistant
Marshall District Library

Andrea Stafford has worked at Marshall District Library since 2014, first as a Clerk in the Systems Department & now as an Assistant in the Programming Department. She can be found working with all ages at the library from preschool through adults & specializes in teen services.

Amanda FrebergAmanda Freberg
Programming Assistant
Marshall District Library

Amanda Freberg has worked at Marshall District Library since 2019 as an Assistant in the Programming Department. Her primary duties are adult programming & social media scheduling; however, she works with all ages & assists with community outreach.

Brenda Jones
Programming Assistant
Marshall District Library

Brenda Jones has worked at Marshall District Library since 2016, first as a Clerk in the Systems Department & now as an Assistant in the Programming Department. She can be found working with all ages at the library from preschool through adults & oversees the Library of Things. She completed her Master of Library & Information Science degree from Wayne State University in 2023.

 

Memorable Moments: Using Storytelling in Tabletop Games

Room: A3

Many libraries are now hosting their own tabletop role playing game groups- playing Dungeons & Dragons with their community of tweens and teens. The problem is that once you've gotten your group started, where do you go from there? The best way forward could lie in the set of skills you use with your Toddler Time! This session aims to show how props, creativity, and storytelling can all come together to create memorable moments for all of your players at the table. You might even pick up some inspiration for your own tabletop programs on the way!

Outcomes

At the end of the session, participants will:

  • Feel confident in creating compelling plot for their tabletop players.
  • Understand how they can use improve and active listening in their games.
  • Know how they can use their storytelling skills to keep players engaged.

Speaker

Erin LuetzErin Luetz
Youth Services Librarian
Ferndale Area District Library

Erin is a Youth Services Librarian at the Ferndale Area District Library. At Ferndale, she has the privilege to work with kids of all ages from babies to teens running programs that range from storytimes to a very successful middle school tabletop rpg group. Erin also helps maintain her library's teen Instagram account. She has worked in libraries for the past 14 years in both circulation and librarian capacities, and has loved every moment. In her free time she is a cat mom and Dungeon Master.

 

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