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Spring Institute for Youth Services 2025 BREAKOUT SESSIONSNot sure which breakout sessions to attend? Get some inspiration from these suggested itineraries (pdf)! *Schedule is subject to change Thursday, April 10, 202511:00 – 11:45 AM | 1:45 – 2:30 PM | 3:00 - 3:45 PM Friday, April 11, 202510:45 – 11:30 AM | 11:45 AM – 12:30 PM | 2:15 – 3:00 PM
Thursday | 11:00 – 11:45 AMWorkshop: Celebrating Early Literacy Through MovementThis workshop session requires pre-registration. Room: Composer Focus: Early Literacy We all know the early literacy practices of Talk, Sing, Read, Write, Play, but have you considered integrating Movement and Mindfulness into your programs? The Two Ms are just as important: preparing little learners through fine and gross motor activities while stretching their imaginative capacity. Discover how bringing dance, yoga, & intentional breathing into early literacy programming helps little learners celebrate themselves and their potential. Be ready to move and groove. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Facilitator
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 also served on the Michigan Library Association Thumbs Up! Award Committee.
Enhance Your Library Storytimes with Music and MovementRoom: Mosel Focus: Early Literacy Are you interested in harnessing the power of music to make your storytimes more engaging and fun for children? Learn how you can use music and movement in various ways during storytimes, and why they are such effective tools, all with the ultimate goal of helping children on their path to literacy. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
As the Youth and Teen Specialist at the East Bay Branch Library in Traverse City, Matt combines his ten years of library experience with nearly thirty years of teaching music (as well as Master's Degrees in both Library and Information Science and Music Education) to provide engaging, fun storytimes for children, that use research-based principles to lay the foundation for literacy.
Library Arcade: Building & Strengthening Communities with Retro GamesRoom: Rhine Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen, Family, Technology Video games have been a popular pastime for decades, making them a perfect medium for intergenerational programming that builds and strengthens connections among children and their families. From the benefits to the logistical challenges, this session will share how a few old gaming consoles inspired the creation of a variety of programs and why libraries should consider incorporating retro gaming into their programming in a way that works for their staff and community. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Killian is a Youth Services Librarian at the Bloomfield Township Public Library and has been working in teen and youth services in public libraries for over a decade. She currently works with children from birth through 8th grade and enjoys incorporating gaming of all types into her programs. Outside of the library she coaches high school color and winter guard, spends time with her cats, Kaz and Jesper, and enjoys anything with a good story (yes, including video games).
Jayah Johnson is a Youth Services Library Assistant at the Bloomfield Township Public Library. Inspired by the creative work of youth and teen librarians, she decided to pursue a career in youth librarianship. She seeks to integrate her interdisciplinary studies background into various youth projects and programming. In her free time, she volunteers at the Ann Arbor District Library, enjoys day trips, and getting lost in antique shops.
Providing Services, Materials and Programs for Disabled YouthRoom: Danube Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen, Family Learn how to create an inviting environment for youth with disabilities of all types. From what types of materials to purchase to creating innovative programming this session will provide all the tools needed to get you started in serving this much overlooked part of every community. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Shari Fesko has been in public library youth services for 30 years. During this time she has been a teen specialist as well has a youth generalist. She has spoken at Spring Institute, Public Library Association and American Library Association conferences on a variety of topics involving teenagers in the library. Currently she is a staunch advocate for providing services, programming and materials for disabled youth.
Reach Out and Refresh with Wonder Media!Room: Lorelai Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen Discover Wonder Media, an online resource filled with programming resources to use for engaging school outreach. Learn how to facilitate programs about misinformation and dependable news sources through fun and interactive activities. Mix and match these peer-designed resources to build a school program that is just right for outreach. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Cathy Lancaster is the Youth Services Coordinator at the Library of Michigan and holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University. With 20 years of public library experience, she collaborates on the Wonder Media library project, coordinates the Ready to Read Michigan initiative, supports summer reading, and conducts trainings for youth & teen services public library staff throughout Michigan.
Sue Ellen Christian is the 2021-2024 Presidential Innovation Professor in Communication at Western Michigan University. Her most recent book is “Everyday Media Literacy: An Analog Guide to Your Digital Life” (2nd edition, 2024, Routledge). She is the content creator of the new www.wondermedialibrary.com website, which is funded by an Institute of Museum and Library Services grant. A former Chicago Tribune reporter, Christian is the recipient of many teaching awards, including Michigan Professor
Thursday | 1:45 – 2:30 PMWorkshop: Lego Build CompetitionThis workshop session requires pre-registration. Room: Composer Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen, Family Experience a Lego Build Competition. Inspired by puzzle competitions, participants will work as teams to build the same Lego set as quickly as they can. The first team to assemble their set wins! Prizes available to the winners! OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Facilitators
Lydia has worked as a youth services librarian for over eleven years--seven of those at Hackley Public Library in Muskegon, MI. She graduated from the University of Illinois, School of Information Sciences in 2012 with a special emphasis in Youth Services. When not librarian-ing, Lydia can be found building Legos, playing video games, or listening to an audiobook.
Melissa realized she wanted to be a Librarian when she was 50 years old... and quickly decided, due to previous life decisions, she couldn't afford the debt. Luckily, she is a really good interviewee and landed a sweet paraprofessional position at Hackley Public Library. In previous incarnations, Melissa was a lecturer at University, a parent/student advocate at an all male school in Detroit, and a trapeze artist. Melissa likes Star Wars, Star Trek, and Zelda, and Lydia the most.
Podcasting with KidsRoom: Lorelai Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen Hosting a Podcasting with Kids program is a great way to introduce kids to new technologies, but it comes with unique challenges. What can you accomplish during a program? What kind of technology expertise do you need? What about privacy? Sound effects? Editing? Importantly, how do all of these things change with the addition of kids? From preparation and set-up, to storytelling choices and finalizing your podcasts, this session will explore strategies for successful podcasting with kids. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Anna Hinkley is the Youth Services Librarian at the Saline District Library. She holds a dual masters in Musicology and Library Science from Indiana University.
Partnering with Your Senior Living Community Through StorytimeRoom: Mosel Focus: Early Literacy, Family, Senior Adults Come learn how the Dewitt District Library Youth Librarians started a new inter-generational story time. They will discuss how partnerships with senior living communities enriched the program, benefiting both seniors and young children. Information will include logistics, planning and tips for a successful storytime format. Be empowered to build relationships across generations, include different community members into story times, and broaden perception and understanding of senior populations. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Jozefa Rogocki is the Youth Program and Outreach Librarian at DeWitt District Library working with children and families and specializes in presenting creative programming. She has been working in libraries for 14 years and was previously a Community Artist in England for 15 years with extensive experience working with people with disabilities. Jozefa has a Masters Degree in Fine Arts and brings her skills to a wide range of library programming and events.
Kelsie Rodriguez is in her third year in the Youth Services Department at Dewitt District Library. She leads story times for families with young children and after-school programs for elementary-age students, conducts outreach, and assists with large-scale library events. Previously, Kelsie worked with children and families as a clinical social worker, and she brings her passion for child development to her work in the library Youth Department.
Teen, Teen, Goose: Creating Whimsy in Your Teen SpaceRoom: Danube Focus: Tween/Teen Building a vibrant culture in your Teen Space can be fun! Learn how to empower teens to help you shape the identity of your library's Teen Space. Get ideas for how to solicit input from teens, inspire them to create community art, and engage their sense of whimsy. Participants will leave this session with passive programming ideas geared toward middle schoolers and high schoolers, community art project inspiration, and perhaps even the desire to acquire a fanciful mascot. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Olivia Pennebaker has served as the Teen Services Librarian at the Portage District Library since 2013, where they coordinate a variety of lively programs including dessert decorating competitions, a paranormal investigation, and an annual murder mystery party. They delight in assisting young people of all ages with their information needs. A former intern at a songbird rescue, Olivia has helped several wayward birds find their way out of the library over the years.
Karina Gluys is a current MLIS student graduating from Kent State University in May 2025 and youth services staff member at the Portage District Library. She frequently collaborates on teen and youth programming, creates book displays throughout the department, and can often be found taking part in general silliness of all varieties. Her background in youth mental health services and music contribute to her sense of creativity and calm in library land.
Toy Libraries: Broaden the Playing Field for All Ages, All AbilitiesRoom: Rhine Focus: General Toy libraries increase play opportunities and support developmental needs of children; ease economic challenges of families and promote positive socialization and cognitive conservation of seniors. Discover ways to utilize toys in library programs and how to successfully launch and maintain a toy library to encourage play that entertains, educates, and enriches....everyone! OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Sue Kirschner, Youth Literacy and Outreach Manager, Cuyahoga County Public Library, whose duties include the Toy Library (that's breaking circulation records!) Sue is President of the USA Toy Library Association and has been published in "Children & Libraries" ALSC journal, wrote: "The Real Toy Story" in "Audio Recorders to Zucchini Seeds", "Splash into Kindergarten" workbook, "Whooo's Ready for School?" preschool calendar, and presents toys and literacy on the local, state, and national level.
Thursday | 3:00 – 3:45 PMWorkshop: Only Mysteries in the LibraryThis workshop session requires pre-registration. Room: Composer Focus: Tween/Teen Take up the case at this Murder Mystery workshop! Interrogate witnesses and suspects, gather evidence and bring the suspect to justice. If you have ever wanted to host a murder mystery at your library, this workshop is for you. Leave with a list of free online resources, and inspiration to create your own mystery from scratch including AI tools and document generators. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Facilitator
Jennifer is a youth services librarian at Shelby Township Library, where she works with children, teenagers and their grown-ups to engage with each other, connect with their community, and play to learn (and have fun!). In her free time, she enjoys K-drama, drinking lots of coffee, and looking for the best shawarma around.
Aged Out of Storytime… Now What? Programming for Ages 5-8Room: Danube Focus: School Age Children With the trends of providing programming specifically for teens and tweens, the 5-8 year old crowd may be overlooked. We will share our programs catered to this group. You will learn what has worked for us and what hasn't and hear what other libraries are doing. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Dana Bussard graduated from Wayne State University in 2003 and has been working as a youth librarian at the Plymouth District Library for over 20 years. Over the course of her career she has helped design the youth webpage, trained staff on new computer software programs and created new programming for the tween age group. Her favorite part of her job is programming and she has run over 2000 programs for kids ages 0-12.
Sam Stachowiak is a youth librarian at the Plymouth District Library. She loves curating the youth nonfiction collection, creating eye-catching book displays, and cultivating community through inventive programming opportunities. When she's not at work, she can be found crafting, reading, or hanging out with her four guinea pigs.
Michelle Berens holds a BS in Computer Integrated Manufacturing from Purdue University (1988) and worked in software design for a decade. She earned an MA in Education from National-Louis University (2008), specializing in Mathematics, Science, and Instructional Technology. Michelle taught at all education levels for 14 years and now facilitates the Plymouth District Library makerspace, where she creates programs, maintains equipment, and assists patrons using the space and its resources.
All Ages Archives: Working Together to Share History and StoriesRoom: Lorelai Focus: General, School Age Children, Tween/Teen This session explores ways to engage youth in historical literacy and primary source research. Archives can be intimidating for students, but changes in statewide curriculum has made it imperative for library professionals to engage youth in historical inquiry, share resources, and encourage primary source-driven projects for academic work and extracurricular activities like Michigan History Day. Through examples, this session shares successes and challenges in shaping future historians! OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Lindsay Hiltunen is the Director of the Michigan Tech Archives and is a PhD student in the university's Rhetoric program. She has presented locally and nationally on the role libraries and archives play in getting youth excited about the past and teaching them how to engage with primary sources. She is the past-President of the Michigan Archival Association and serves on the Historical Society of Michigan Board and the State Historical Records Advisory Board as appointed by Governor Whitmer.
Props to Stories! Using Puppets and Other Props in StorytimeRoom: Mosel Focus: Early Literacy For new and veteran storytimers alike, this session presents different props for telling stories. From flannels that pair with books to full-on stuffed animal fun and even some out of the box props, Laura has lots of fun ideas for interacting with children and bringing stories to life. If you're nervous about going off-book, these storytime prop ideas will help guide you so you can storytell with confidence. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Laura Bultman is the Lead Children's Programming Librarian at Kalamazoo Public Library. She has worked in libraries of all sizes in several different states and is happy to 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 loves using felt boards and other props to engage young children in stories and storytelling.
SEL: Social Emotional Learning Support Through Children's Library ProgramsRoom: Rhine Focus: General After emerging from pandemic lock-downs youth service librarians reported changes in kids' behavior, ranging from inabilities to reengage in play and normal conversations to demonstrating lacks of empathy and inclusion. A call went out for remedial SEL: Social Emotional Learning. Positive results inspired librarians to expand SEL interventions into all programming. Learn how to foster social skills through kids's programming in this interactive, participatory session and review of best resources OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Kathleen, public, academic, and school librarian, has taught at both Wayne State and the University of Michigan. A frequent contributor to professional journals, she's also reviewed children's media for decades (most recently with Booklist). She has served on numerous state and national committees, including as a past-president of MASL, on the ALA's Batchelder and AAAS/Subaru Annual Science Book awards, ALSC's Programming for School-Aged Children, and ALA's 2025 Carnegie Medal Award committee.
Friday | 10:45 – 11:30 AMWorkshop: Braille Builders: LEGO and Literacy in Tactile PlayThis workshop session requires pre-registration. Room: Composer Focus: General Join us for Braille Builders, an interactive workshop that combines the creativity of LEGO with the tactile experience of learning braille. Each participant will have the opportunity to engage with LEGO Braille Bricks kits as they work together in small groups to create, test, and share programming ideas for their public library audience. Perfect for anyone interested in accessible learning through play, this session proves that when it comes to creativity, there are no limits‚ only possibilities. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Facilitators
Stephanie Wambaugh received her Masters of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University in 2013 and began working for the Braille and Talking Book Library that same year. She served on the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled summer reading committee bringing accessible programming to a nationwide audience from 2022-2024. Stephanie has presented at numerous state and national venues, including Public Library Association, MichiganAER, and Re:Con.
Anita Chouinard has worked for nearly 29 years at the Traverse Area District Library (TADL) and is currently the Manager of The Larry Gorton Talking Book Library, a role she has held for the past 4 years. In 2024, she was awarded the AOC of the Year award from the National Library Service and Library of Congress. She was honored in part for her extensive outreach, and also worked with TADL to add more accessible materials to the general collection, including Braille LEGO STEM kits.
Mix, Measure, Master: Teen Food ProgramsRoom: Rhine Focus: Tween/Teen If you feed them, they will come. Food can be a motivation for tweens and teens to attend library programs but it can also be an opening to learn something. No kitchen? no problem! Using recipes that require little to no "cooking" rural libraries were able to teach kitchen skills and expand palates in a fun and engaging atmosphere. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Kayla Koning has worked in a library on and off at all levels starting in 2010. She has worked as a teen librarian and cataloger since 2017 with the Paw Paw District Library and has volunteered on the MLA ThumbsUp Award work group since 2019. She received her MLIS from Wayne State University. When not at the library she can be found binge-watching YouTube and trying to cuddle with her cat.
Laura Dorgelo is the PR and Tech Instruction Librarian at the Van Buren District Library, but she also divides her time creating programming for teens and leading Story Time at the Webster Memorial Branch. She received her MLIS from the University of Tennessee. When not at the library, she enjoys crafting, discovering new games with friends, volunteering at church, and cooking with her husband.
On the Hunt for Easy Programming: Library Scavenger HuntsRoom: Lorelai Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen, Family, Programming Learn how scavenger hunts can be easily created and run with minimal librarian effort. We'll also discuss fun ways to make more involved scavenger hunts, how to pair them with existing programs, and how to use them as educational opportunities. In the last few minutes, we'll even design one together! Everyone will leave with practical ideas, examples, and the confidence to create their own. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Heather is a dedicated literacy advocate with interests in early childhood and family literacy. She has served as a youth services librarian, a poet/artist-in-residence in Detroit elementary schools, and as a writing instructor at the college level. Heather has extensive experience leading storytelling sessions for children and caregivers, developing story book trails, and creating strong partnerships with community organizations in support of literacy efforts. MLIS Wayne State University, 2008.
StickyStories: Early Literacy and Family Engagement via Community CollaborationRoom: Mosel Focus: Early Literacy, Family, Outreach StickyStories: Literacy That Sticks is a community-driven initiative by Flint & Genesee Literacy Network using interactive song and story mats to foster early literacy and family engagement. Partner organizations tailor StickyStories to their programs, from bilingual tales at the Latinx Center to nature themes at For-Mar Nature Preserve. This hands-on, low-cost approach connects literacy with culture, science, and play, enhancing school readiness, parent-child bonds, and community impact. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Lauren Aquilina is a Youth Services Librarian at the Commerce Township Community Library. As a child, she was bitten by a spider that crawled out of an I Spy book and now she's really good at scavenger hunts and really afraid of spiders.
First Grade Round Up: Getting Kids Stoked on the Library for Over 30 YearsRoom: Danube Focus: General, School Age Children Canton Public Library has been hosting First Grade Round Up (FRGU) every March for over 30 years. FGRU is a program that invites every first-grade classroom in the community to the library for a fun and exciting 90-minute program culminating in every child getting their own library card and checking out a book. Learn how the program has evolved over the years, remains an important benchmark for many young patrons and one of the highlights of the year for all of the staff involved. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Nichole has been a librarian in Michigan for over 25 years. That is a long time. She loves working in a place with other passionate, creative and focused people dedicated to connecting with and providing services, programming and resources to their community. It's really that simple.
Friday | 11:45 AM – 12:30 PMWorkshop: Paint & PopThis workshop session requires pre-registration. Room: Composer Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen, Family Giving patrons a space to be creative is so important. It provides options for date night, an escape from the day-to-day, and a place to make new friends. Join me for this Paint & Pop workshop where I show you how easy it is to run an instructional beginner painting program for all ages. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Facilitator
Adrianna is a Branch Librarian at Kent District Library, where she leads the adult programming workgroup and supports community engagement. With a BA in Art and an MLIS, she has a passion for art in libraries, fostering lifelong learning, and intergenerational programming. A former presenter at the Kent District Library Youth Summit, Adrianna is committed to fostering diversity in librarianship and helping others discover the joy of reading.
Camp MADL: Camp Inspired Stations to Create a Great Program for KidsRoom: Rhine Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen, Family Bring the fun of camping to the library! Use a variety of materials (some may already be in the supply closet) to create an engaging program filled with creativity and education. Self-guided stations allow kids to choose the activity they want to enjoy from things like axe-throwing (child friendly toy), knot tying, picnic area (blanket and play food), a scavenger hunt, frog jump, make your own bracelet, sit by the campfire (don't get burned), and end with a thrilling outdoor experiment. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Diana is currently the Early Literacy Coordinator at the Muskegon Area District Library. She has been a librarian for 15 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 is the lead librarian at the Muskegon Area District Library's Holton and Montague branches. She enjoys youth programming (especially for teens), engaging with patrons, and listening to her storytime kids talk about all of their adventures.
Michele is the Youth Coordinator at the Muskegon Area District Library. She began her career in 1991 as the Youth Librarian at the Norton Shores Branch of MADL and was promoted to Youth Coordinator a few years later. Her favorite time of year is, and always will be, Summer Reading.
Dyslexic-Friendly Print Materials in the LibraryRoom: Danube Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen, Family Dyslexia is a common learning disability that affects a person's ability to read, write, spell, and process language. Those with this neurological condition can find reading traditional print materials unenjoyable or even frustrating. Dyslexic-friendly print materials are a rapidly growing option allowing individuals with print disabilities to experience the joys of reading through print. Learn how your library can support those with dyslexia and how you can build a dyslexic-friendly collection. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Cathrine Trautman is a Youth Services Librarian at Northville District Library. Her most notable contributions to librarianship include introducing AAC library-focused core vocabulary boards and a dyslexic-friendly print materials collection. She was selected for the Erik Jones Reading Champion 2024 award and is a cohort member of MLA Leadership Academy 2024. She enjoys time spent with her husband, daughter, and huskies, rock hounding, and listening to as much true crime as she can.
Hands-On Chaos: Exploring the Joy of Messy PlayRoom: Mosel Focus: Early Literacy, Family Messy play is a vital part of childhood! Through it, children develop critical thinking skills, a sense of curiosity, and fine and gross motor skills. Learn how to put on a messy play program for ages 0-4 and how to adapt it for indoors, outdoors, or different sized libraries. Let go of cleanliness and gain the confidence to speak about the benefits of mess to caregivers. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Nicole Munson graduated from University of Tennessee Knoxville School of Information Sciences in 2023. A lifelong "library kid" and Metro Detroiter, she began working in libraries in 2020 and is currently employed at the Plymouth District Library in Plymouth, Michigan and formerly Walled Lake City Library and Redford Township District Libraries. Growing up she would make a mess of her yard by making flower and mud concoctions.
Brad Bachelor is currently a Youth Librarian at the Plymouth District Library (MI). He has been serving youth and teens for 17 years, formerly working at the Canton Public Library (MI) and the Ogden Farmers' Library (NY). He loves bombastic programs that use library space in unexpected ways.
Strategies for Effective Conversations with Concerned Parents and CaregiversRoom: Lorelai Focus: General, Library Leadership, Family We want all families to feel welcome and safe in our libraries, but it can be hard to please everyone in today's polarizing times. This session will help you have hard but respectful conversations with concerned parents and caregivers about the library. Learn what experts recommend and bring your success stories to share with the group. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Kristin Fontichiaro is an award-winning clinical professor at the University of Michigan School of Information, where she studies public library leadership, strategic communication, and learning in libraries. She is the author of numerous books for librarians, educators, and youth.
Friday | 2:15 – 3:00 PMWorkshop: Dramatic Play Stations: Pick and Play Early Literacy SkillsThis workshop session requires pre-registration. Room: Composer Focus: Early Literacy, Family Dramatic play stations are an open play program for ages 2 - 5 to practice early literacy skills. Conference attendees will learn more about how to promote early literacy through play by interacting with 2 dramatic play station themes. Each theme will have 5 stations with examples of activities that correspond to early literacy skills. Following playtime, attendees will have the opportunity to plan their own dramatic play stations to bring home to their library. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Facilitator
I am a graduate of Wayne State University. I have been a Children's Services Librarian with the Clinton-Macomb Public Library since 2022. I love programming and making the library a fun and welcoming place for all of my patrons. When not in the library, I enjoy reading, kayaking and walking my dog Shay. I am also a gamer and love playing cozy games on my Steam Deck. This is my first time presenting at a conference.
Animating Stories: Launching and Maintaining a Club for Young AnimatorsRoom: Lorelai Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen Interested in helping your youth patrons create their own animations but not sure where to start? In this session, the presenters will share tips and resources to help library programmers develop and run engaging animation programs. Various animation techniques, activities, and resources will be shared. Regardless of budget or artistic experience, there are many ways that library programmers can help their patrons discover the joy of animating. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speakers
Eric Berling, Ph.D. is the STEAM Educator at the East Lansing Public Library. He earned his doctorate at Michigan State University, where he focused on the nature of scientific explanation and the development of scientific character. As a STEAM Educator, Eric shares his passion for inspiring and nurturing curiosity by developing a wide variety of STEAM programs. He also oversees the library's Maker Studio, where he helps patrons of all experience levels utilize maker tech and design software.
Gillian is the Youth Services Librarian at East Lansing Public Library. She received her MLIS from University of North Texas. She has been a librarian for 12 years and worked in public and academic libraries since 2007, from a student reference assistant to paraprofessional to librarian. She loves fostering kids' creativity and sharing stories with new readers. When she has free time, Gillian enjoys crafts, movies, music, and games.
Implementing a Community-Wide Read Program for YouthRoom: Danube Focus: School Age Children, Tween/Teen One Book, One Community programs are popular, but they are often geared toward adults. How can such an initiative be implemented for youth? For nearly twenty years, Grand Rapids Public Library has conducted a One Book, One City program for fifth graders. Learn how you can create a similar program in your community and foster literacy, social-emotional learning, and connection among students. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Erin is a librarian in Youth Services at Grand Rapids Public Library. She focuses on tween and teen programming, which includes Lego Robotics, Dungeons & Dragons, and One Book, One City for Kids, and also helps plan the Summer Reading Challenge. She has worked in libraries since her high school job as a page at her hometown library in St. Joseph, MI. Erin earned her BA in English from the University of Chicago in 2016 and her MLIS from the University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign in 2019.
Out-of-the-Box Collection Development StrategiesRoom: Rhine Focus: General, School Age Children, Tween/Teen Building diverse and dynamic collections for youth requires more than just reading review journals. This session will explore unique and unconventional approaches to collection development. Participants will also have an opportunity to discuss their methods and brainstorm new practices for curating diverse collections. OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Whitney Jones is a Youth Services Librarian at Northville District Library. She has worked in libraries in Southeast Michigan since 2010, with experience across varied and diverse communities. She has participated in a variety of committees and workgroups to help shape the direction of Michigan libraries. She loves spending time in nature, traveling, and cuddling with her rescue pitbull.
Where the Pages Take You: Destination Story TimesRoom: Mosel Focus: Early Literacy, School Age Children, Family Pack your bags for "Tales on the Trail: Destination Story Times!" Join me, Beth Emmons, as I share two years of adventures bringing story time out into the community. I'll spill the tea on the good, the bad, and the magical moments, plus give you a list of tried-and-true destinations. You'll also have time to brainstorm and swap ideas to make your own Destination Story Times a hit. Let's take story time on the road and spark imaginations everywhere! OutcomesAt the end of the session, participants will:
Speaker
Hi, I'm Beth Emmons, the Early Learning Specialist at Frankenmuth Wickson District Library! I've been bringing stories to life here for over two years and spent 16 years teaching kindergarten before that. I'm a book-loving adventurer who adores traveling, crafting, theater, and family fun. Whether it's books, glitter, or giggles, I believe in making every day magical!
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Kelly Dykwell
Matthew Archibald
Killian Weston
Jayah Johnson
Shari Fesko
Cathy Lancaster
Sue Ellen Christian
Lydia Schmidt
Melissa Thatcher
Anna Hinkley
Jozefa Rogocki
Kelsie Rodriguez
Olivia Pennebaker
Karina Gluys
Sue Kirschner
Jennifer Sunderhaus
Dana Bussard
Samantha Stachowiak
Michelle Berens
Lindsay Hiltunen
Laura Bultman
Kathleen McBroom
Stephanie Wambaugh
Anita Chouinard
Kayla Koning
Laura Dorgelo
Heather Harrison
Lauren Aquilina
Nichole Welz
Adrianna Triche
Diana Wenger
Christina Le Vey-Rowland
Michele Wittkopp
Cathrine Trautman
Nicole Munson
Brad Bachelor
Kristin Fontichiaro
Jessica Biebuyck
Eric Berling
Gillian Streeter
Erin Hart
Whitney Jones
Beth EmmonsUniting the Michigan Library Community
MLA is proud to partner with organizations serving the library community.
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