Welcome to the 2025-26 School Year!

Summer has been a busy season for school libraries at the DPI. We have been working to improve our data analysis capabilities to best support school library programs throughout Wisconsin, connecting with new school library media specialists in our annual foundations workshop, and carefully following developments and innovations impacting our field.

Additionally, the DPI has adopted a strategic plan. Under Dr. Underly’s leadership, the department is working to ensure engaged learners are creating a better Wisconsin - together. The department is doing this through innovative education, educator recruitment and retention, learner and educator mental health, and modernization and improvement of DPI.

The department’s first noticeable step in actualizing the strategic plan is a new organizational structure to better serve students, educators, and communities statewide (DPI Reorganization web page). The reorganization has moved the school library consultant position into the Office of Literacy. This change brings conversations around school library topics closer to other content areas, highlighting new opportunities for deeper collaborations and new connections.

The former Library Services Team is now the Bureau of Libraries (WI Libraries for Everyone article), and their work remains the same. Since the reorganization is intended to reduce silos and improve coordination, the connections between school libraries and this group, where BadgerLink, WISCAT, and public library consultants work, will continue to be strong. Services to school libraries and library media specialists will be upheld in all the ways you expect, and, as we develop in this new structure, find new ways to grow.

As you officially welcome your students and staff to a new year of exciting and essential library programming, please take a few minutes to check in on this important items:

1. Get connected! We have three great ways to stay informed about all school library topics in Wisconsin. Please make sure to update your email address if you changed districts this summer.

   1. Stay informed about Wisconsin school library news and updates by subscribing to School Library Scoop. This newsletter features the latest information about library planning, Common School Funds, professional learning opportunities, and other articles to help library media specialists effectively serve their schools and districts.

   2. Our WI DPI School Libraries Google Spaces group is a fabulous place to hear about upcoming events, ask questions, and network with other school librarians throughout Wisconsin. With over 360 members, there is always a conversation happening. If you are not currently a member, send an email to monica.treptow@dpi.wi.gov for an invitation.

   3. We also host a GovDelivery email for those who cannot or choose not to access Google Chat. This communication tool is used to share only the DPI postings from the WI DPI School Libraries Google community. Use this link to subscribe.

2. Virtual Networking Meetings will be held again this year! Please help me find the best times to meet and share your ideas with me by filling out this 2025-26 Virtual Networking Meeting Survey by Friday, September 12.

3. District library plans are essential to the strength and success of library programs.The start of the school year is a great time to check progress, align goals and activities for the year with your current plan, and examine and refine procedures for collecting data..

   1. District library plans are required to be shared with the DPI through the WISEadmin Portal. This data will be included in the December district snapshot.

   2. Sharing of library plans, resources, and other tools in WISELearn Resources School Library Planning is encouraged for building our professional community.

   3. The DPI Library Planning Webinar Series will be held again this fall. The linked document provides dates and times, information, and a link to register.

4. The DPI School Libraries Mentor/Mentee sign-ups are open! If you would like to participate, please complete the respective form: Be a School LIbrary Mentor! or Be a School Library Mentee!

5. Finding ways to grow professionally and build your professional community are an important aspect of staying positive throughout the school year. Organizations, such as WEMTA, AASL, and ISTE have a wide variety of opportunities available.

If you have questions about these items or have any other school library things on your mind, please connect with Monica Treptow, your school library consultant, via email (monica.treptow@dpi.wi.gov) or phone (608-575-6065). Our priority is supporting you all in the process of building the best library programs possible for our Wisconsin students and schools. Wishing you all the best for 2025-26!