DPI Library Services Team presents at WAPL 2024 Conference

Join the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) Library Services Team this week at the 2024 Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries (WAPL) Annual Conference. The conference takes place May 1-3, 2024, at the Holiday Inn Stevens Point Conference Center.

Hear from Library Services Team members in presentations ranging from what’s next with the Wisconsin Public Library Facilities Assessment report and caring for yourself during high-stress times such as book challenges to science-based reading and what it means for public library staff, along with learning about the numerous games-based library initiatives in the state and how to adapt for your library.

The WAPL Annual Conference 2023 brings together the public library community to share ideas and learn from each other through interactive breakout sessions and special events. Registration for the conference is required for attendance. The Library Services Team’s session details are as follows:

Thursday, May 2

10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Stonefield
Speaker: Jeni Schomber, DPI Public Library Consultant, Stacy Gray, DPI Early Literacy Consultant, Robin Bindrich, DPI Literacy Consultant

What is Science-Based Reading and Why Should Wisconsin Public Libraries Care? - In July 2023, Wisconsin Legislature enacted Act 20, a bill relating to reading instruction in public and private schools. What does this mean for public library staff serving youth and their families? Through intentionality in programming, such as story times, and in curating well-rounded collections, public libraries are already providing opportunities to meaningfully support the goals of Act 20. This session will provide both an overview of Act 20, including the definition of science-based early reading, and practical tips for supporting children and their families as literacy partners, as well as highlighting the ways in which libraries continue to empower youth and families as they embrace the joy of reading through choice and access.

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Spruce
Speakers: Monica Treptow, DPI School Library Media Consultant and Sara Gold, WiLS

The Personal Toll of Book Challenges: Making Peace and Caring for Yourself - Book challenges in school and public libraries reached a record high in 2023, according to data released by the American Library Association. Much has been shared about what librarians need to know when dealing with challenges to their library collections and threats to their professionalism. What is less often talked about is the personal toll this takes on public librarians, including additional stress and altering curation practices, resulting in soft censorship. Join Sara Gold and Monica Treptow for a discussion on strategies for self-care during and after a challenge experience. In addition to learning how to create a circle of support, the session will address how to navigate the dynamics between personal feelings and professional responsibilities of education and librarianship.

1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Location: Stonefield
Speakers: Ben Miller, DPI Library Services Team Director, John Thompson, IFLS Library System, and Laurie Freund, Bridges Library System

Next Steps with the Wisconsin Public Library Facilities Assessment - The Wisconsin Public Library Facilities Assessment was conducted in 2023 to inventory information about public library buildings in the state and provide recommendations to improve them. This panel presentation will outline efforts in moving the recommendations in the report forward.

Friday, May 3

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Location: Woodland
Speakers: Chris Baker, DPI Public Library Consultant

Games, Learning, and Libraries: Harnessing the Power of Play in Wisconsin - If libraries hope to remain both relevant and forward-thinking in the eyes of our communities, it's crucial that our institutions evolve, respond, and adapt to modern media interests and innovative learning pathways. Gaming (including video gaming, board gaming, TTRPGs, card gaming, etc.) continues to explode in popularity, demonstrating the unique value that interactive media holds -- both as a recreation, and within the learning sciences. This presentation will highlight the numerous games-based library initiatives occurring in our state, explore the extraordinary learning/literacy benefits unique to gaming, invite interested librarians to grow their knowledge within the space -- and get involved themselves!

We look forward to seeing you in Stevens Point!