Additional Youth Services Programming

Upcoming Webinars & Workshops
Please follow the link above for information on upcoming youth workshops, webinars and events.

Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact Becky Wartella, at 517-335-4038 or WartellaB@Michigan.gov no less than 10 days in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing, or other assistance.

Library of Michigan Webinar Archives
We've archived webinars provided by Library of Michigan staff on a variety of topics. These are available to you 24/7 for your convenience. Check back often for updates.

READsquared

The Library of Michigan provides public libraries across Michigan READsquared for tracking their online reading programs. The opportunity to request a site is open. Follow this link for recorded trainings and a preview of READsquared.
 
A few key points: 

• READsquared will help libraries import any files from other online platforms, such as 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten or past registrants that created accounts for summer reading.
• Pre-created programs are set-up to choose from and libraries will be able to adjust all program defaults to meet their needs, or, if you choose to design your own from scratch, the estimated staff time on program design is less than 2 hours.
• A Mobile App is available.
• Reading recommendations, booklists, and the ability to link to your catalog is available.
• READsquared also offers the ability to track "paper program" participation, so libraries can easily collect data.
  
  This support will have the option to be renewed by LM on an annual basis.
  
  READsquared is provided in part thanks to the support of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Read by Grade Three: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers from Your Library

The Libraries are encouraged to download and add their contact information to this public library Read by Grade Three Guide and print for patrons to take home. Additional resources and information can be found on the Read by Grade Three Law from the Michigan Department of Education. 

Braille Enhanced StoryWalk ®

The Library of Michigan, Braille and Talking Book Library, and MDE-Low Incidence Outreach collaborate to bring Braille Enhanced StoryWalks® to library communities across Michigan.

Michigan Authors and Illustrators Database

Find out about Michigan authors! You can look for non-fiction, poetry, mysteries, romance, children’s books and much more. This is a great source for students looking for Michigan authors to read and for librarians or teachers looking for Michigan authors to do events or for collection development. The database is brought to you by the Michigan Association of Media in Education, the Library of Michigan and the Michigan Center for the Book.

Lauren Baker, Plymouth District Library

Lindsay Fricke, Novi Public Library

Heather Harrison, Genesee District Library

Alice Howard, Ecorse Public Library

Nisa Kesseler, Petoskey District Library

Jill Lansky, Kalamazoo Public Library

Melissa O'Sickey, Spring Lake District Library

Kelly Soerens, Saline District Library

Stephanie Wambaugh, Braille and Talking Book Library

Cathy Lancaster, Library of Michigan

YSAC Volunteers will be responsible for:

• Assess ongoing needs in the areas of youth services library staff (providing ideas such as webinar topics, workshops, etc.)
• Advising & leading of MiYouth (youth services) library staff meetings 
• Other tasks specific to promoting & serving youth services throughout the state 

Contact: 

Cathy Lancaster at lancasterc5@michigan.gov or 517-335-8129 if you have any questions about youth or teen programs.

Updated: 03/16/2023