Teen Services
Summer Library Program Planning Resources
- 2023 WVLS Summer Program Ideas
- Performer Collaborative Booking Spreadsheet: see who is hiring which performers for ideas and cost sharing.
- Summer Library Program Resource Roundup: resources your WVLS peers use to plan their summer programs.
- Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP)
- Includes lesson plans, activity handouts, and graphics for each Summer Reading Program.
- Youth Services Information Exchange: Facebook Page
- A place to share programming ideas and support for WVLS member libraries.
- WLA Youth Services Section: AND YSS Blog
- Ideas and information for librarians serving youth.
- Association for Library Service to Children ALSC Blog
- VERY good blog with timely information and nationwide inspiration.
- The Programming Librarian
Associations and Blogs
- YSS Youth Services Section, WLA: Resources and YSS Blog
- The Wisconsin Library Association’s Youth Services Section provides a forum and resource for people in Wisconsin’s libraries who share a commitment to serving children and young adults, their parents, caregivers, and teachers.
- Teen Librarian Toolbox: School Library Journal
- … to help libraries serving teens (and anyone who cares about teens) and to foster a community of professional development and resource sharing by providing quality information, discussions, book reviews and more.
- YALSA Young Adult Library Services Association
- Book Awards, Conferences/events, Teen service guidelines, webinars, professional tools, Teen Read Week, Teen Tech Week, and more!
- Teen Services Underground: Blog
- American Libraries Magazine
- Public Libraries Online: Public Library Association Resources
- WEMTA Wisconsin Educational Media & Technology Association: Resources and K-12 Library Information
- Wisconsin’s Common School Fund: WI DPI Information about the main source of state funding support for K-12 school library materials
Teen Programming
- YSS Youth Shout Out Blog: WLA Section
- Annual Events and Celebration Days
- Book Clubs and Groups
- Calendar of Teen Programming Ideas: YALSA Wiki space
- Clubs: gaming, board gaming, sound or video production, art, craft…
- Teen Library Clubs: Pierce County Library System, Tacoma,WA
- Cyber and Social Media Security
- San Jose Public Library Virtual Privacy Lab
- Wisconsin Department of Justice Parent Resources & Online Safety Tips
- Mentally Healthy Schools: Internet Safety Toolkit
- ESL programs through collaboration with the school district or adult resource center.
- Film/Movie Screenings
- ContactAnne Hamland at ahamland@wvls.org for WVLS Movie Licensing USA group rates.
- Job Search and Career Programs: resumes, mock interviews, application tips…
- Resume Template Worksheet
- Contact your nearest Job Center to create programs and services for teens.
- McMillan Memorial Library, Wisconsin Rapids: Job Help/Volunteering resources for teens
- Literacy
- Money Management for Teens
- Programming Librarian: Blog
- Teen Author Readings: Brampton, Ontario Public Library
- Teen Librarian Toolbox: School Library Journal programming resources.
- Teen Programming in Libraries (a collaborative board): Pinterest
- Teen Services Underground: Blog
- YALSA Professional Tools: Wiki spaces on programming, advocacy, apps, teen spaces, teen advisory boards.
- Youth Services Information Exchange: WVLS Facebook Page
Book Recommendation Lists
- Starred Reviews, in your Youth Services emails, from WVLS & IFLS collaboration
- Kirkus Teen Reviews
- School Library Journal Reviews
- YALSA Best lists
- ALA Book, Print & Media Awards
Graphic Novels & Manga
- Graphic Novel Recommendations for Kids and Teens, Steph Cherrywell, Antio PL, 2020
- A Super-fast History of Manga in the US and Purchasing Suggestions, Steph Cherrywell, Antigo PL, 2018
- Yearly Great Graphic Novels List from YALSA (teen)
- CommonSense Media - Best of Graphic Novels for Kids
- 12 Essential Nonfiction Graphic Novels for Kids and Teens - School Library Journal 2020
What Kind Of Collaborator Are You?
What Kind Of Collaborator Are You? Call or email Anne Hamland ahamland@wvls.org or 715-492-2114
Building a relationship with K-12 librarians and teachers is essential.
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Communicate regularly with your K-12 librarians ask them what their preferred communication method is.
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Support K-12 librarians and teachers during the school year.
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Make a list of K-12 Teacher emails that you can use for announcements and feedback.
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Send regular information BITES as well as Summer Reading Program information to K-12 librarians well in advance.
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Set up a library booth at parent teacher conferences or open houses.
2020 School Libraries Panel
"Realities of and Relationships with School Librarians: A Panel"
Three public school librarians will gave a brief tour of their space(s) and described the realities of working in public school libraries: duties, schedules, challenges and accomplishments.
- Anna Julson (Bridges Virtual Academy, Merrill) slides
- Michele Green (Greenwood) slides
- Paula Norman (Tomahawk) slides
- What Kind of Collaborator Are You? see the full details on the WI Libraries for Everyone Blog
Youth Data
- Kids Count Data Center
- Create your own reports by choosing your topic and characteristics. KIDS COUNT is a project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation and a premier source of data on children and families. The KIDS COUNT Data Center draws from more than 50 KIDS COUNT state organizations that provide state and local data, as well publications providing insights into trends affecting child and family well-being. Each year, the Foundation produces a comprehensive report — the KIDS COUNT Data Book — that assesses child well-being in the United States. The indicators featured in the Data Book are also available in the Data Center.
- Topics: Demographics, Economic Well-Being, Education, Family & Community, Health, Safety & Risky Behavior
- Characteristics: Age, Family Nativity, Race and Ethnicity
- Wisconsin Council on Children and Families, Inc. (WCCF)
- The Council is a multi-issue child and family advocacy organization, providing research, policy analysis, public education and advocacy that lead to improved outcomes for children in the areas of health, economic security, safety and education.
Inclusive Services Resources
If you are looking for information on Inclusive Services, check out the page dedicated to it on our website.
What does it mean to be inclusive? Wisconsin public libraries are places where everyone should be safe, welcomed, and respected in experiences such as arrivals in our buildings, getting library cards, using a computer and paying fines.
Summer Program Templates & Tools
All Together Now!
Use these images and templates as you wish. Facebook banners, social media posts, you name it!
Major thanks goes to the Wisconsin Department of Instruction for a statewide membership to the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP). Find the complete manual on the CSLP website.

Beanstack Resource!
Check out this wonderful instruction handout for Beanstack for library users courtesy of the Demmer (Three Lakes) Youth Services Team!
Notice librarians can manually enter participation for users!
TeenTober: No more Tech and Read Weeks!
TeenTober replaces YALSA’s previous Teen Read Week™ and Teen Tech Week™ celebrations, allowing libraries the flexibility to choose what to celebrate (digital literacy, reading, technology, writing, etc) and the length of time for each celebration. Find resources on the YALSA website.

Wisconsin Valley Library Service
300 N 1st Street
Wausau, WI 54403
715-261-7250