2024 Pop YS Con Schedule
See the full schedule below for descriptions of the Pop YS Con Keynotes, breakout sessions, and bios of the more than 40 speakers and presenters at the conference.
Download a PDF printable at-a-glance schedule for Monday and Tuesday:
Monday, April 8
9:30 – 10:00 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast
GALLERY LOBBY
10:00 a.m. | Welcome
PRAIRIE CENTRAL & SOUTH
10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Morning Keynote | Chapters in Childhood: Growing a Spine
PRAIRIE CENTRAL & SOUTH
From a small town public library to interviewing Pulitzer Prize winners, Charity Nebbe will talk about how she was shaped by a childhood full of books and share what she has learned about the power of literature through a thirty-year career in public broadcasting.
Speaker: Charity Nebbe | Iowa Public Radio host
Charity Nebbe has hosted Talk of Iowa, a daily talk show from Iowa Public Radio, since 2010. She began her career in public radio at WOI Radio in Ames, Iowa when she was a student at Iowa State University and has been working in public radio ever since. Early in her career she created Chinwag Theater, a nationally syndicated public radio show that she produced and co-hosted with well-known author Daniel Pinkwater. She also spent ten years as a host and producer at Michigan Radio in Ann Arbor. In addition to her award winning radio work Charity is also the host of Iowa Ingredient on Iowa Public Television and the author of the children's book Our Walk in the Woods, published in 2008. Charity grew up in Iowa and has been a voracious reader ever since she learned to read. She spent many happy hours of her childhood at the public libraries in Ogden and Cedar Falls.
11:00 - 11:15 a.m. | Break
GALLERY LOBBY
11:15 a.m. - 12:05 p.m. | Breakout Session 1
CARDINAL & GOLD | The Missing Link: Teens in the Library
It’s the proverbial, “I keep planning programs to bring teens to the library, but no one shows up.” So, what can you do to entice them through your doors and keep these elusive creatures coming back? Participants will look at what teens want, problem-solve how to draw them in, and discuss ways to engage with these legendary creatures.
Presenters: Sonya Harsha & Kristy Allison | Algona Public Library
Sonya Harsha has worked as the Young Adult Librarian for Algona Public Library in Algona, IA since 2007. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to participate in several national projects focused on STEM and summer learning through the Urban Libraries Council and the National Summer Learning Association. She enjoys sharing practical life skills with young people and hopes to challenge them to try new things. One of her greatest rewards is seeing a young person develop confidence in themselves and what they can accomplish.
Kristy Allison has been the Children’s Librarian at Algona Public Library for a year and a half. Before this new venture she was in education for nearly 20 years, focusing on middle school education. Here she gained a variety of experiences in Special Education, language arts and reading, science, computers, and Gifted Education. Though she is still learning the shift between these careers, she relies heavily on her experiences to bring quality programming and connections to youth. In her off time she enjoys games, writing trivia for local competitions, and talking about her cats.
MEADOW | Reading with History: Connecting Literacy and Social Studies for Youth Programs
Want to learn how to integrate social studies into youth library programming? Connect Iowa’s past with library programs by exploring the educational programs
and materials from the State Historical Society of Iowa. Participants will leave inspired with ideas on how to integrate social studies and literacy into youth programming and how to highlight local stories within their library.
Presenters: Matthew Jayne & Kenedy LH Reichert | State
Historical Society of Iowa
Matthew Jayne holds the position of Learning and Engagement Manager at the State Historical Society of Iowa. In this position, he helps create, develop and manage educational programs and also oversees the museum's internship and volunteer programs. Matthew has formerly held roles focusing on education and public engagement at Living History Farms in Urbandale, Iowa, and University Museums at Iowa State University. He was honored as a 2023 STATEment Maker by the Iowa State University Alumni Association, serves on the leadership team for the Iowa AEYC Play Committee and previously served as a mentor for the American Alliance of Museums EdCom's Museum Education Mentoring Program
Kenedy Reichert is the Digital Education Coordinator for the State Historical Society of Iowa. After gaining her bachelor's degree in History Education from the University of Northern Iowa, she taught social studies at Muscatine High School from 2018-2022. During those years she earned her Master's Degree in Museum Studies from Western Illinois University. Kenedy has a passion for social studies education and helping educators incorporate social studies into different content areas in all grade levels!
PRAIRIE CENTRAL | STEM In the Library: Yes, You Can!
STEM programming can seem intimidating. It doesn’t have to be. This session will cover the basics of offering STEM programming for preschool through elementary age students: why it’s important, what it is, and ideas and resources to start developing your own programs. Also covered will be ideas for offering passive STEM-focused programming for use both in the library or for patrons to do at home. This session will help you gain the confidence to offer these programs at your library.
Presenter: Katie Schuelke | Oelwein Public Library
Katie Schuelke started her training and experience outside of libraries, but joined the library world in September of 2015. She transitioned to the youth librarian position at Oelwein Public Library in 2017, and started being intentional about STEM content in programming a few years later. In the last couple of years, she started offering an afternoon STEM-oriented program for older children in addition to the weekly storytime.
PRAIRIE SOUTH | Simple Steps to Success: An Early Literacy Initiative
Would you love to spread the word about the importance of early literacy in your community in a big way? Learn more about the Des Moines Public Library’s Simple Steps to Success campaign and how you can incorporate it into your storytimes, programs, outreach and more. Beginning from birth, we will share how the Simple Steps (read, write, sing, play and talk) have evolved from a public awareness campaign sponsored by a grant into something you are welcome to use and adapt for your library and community!
Presenters: Maddie Bassman & Ashley Molzen | Des Moines Public Library
Maddie Bassman is currently an Outreach Librarian with the Des Moines Public Library, where she has worked in different roles throughout the library for 11 years. She loves learning more about ways to connect families with early literacy and building relationships with schools, community organizations and daycares.
Ashley Molzen has been with the Des Moines Public Library for 16 years in many roles, and is currently the Community Engagement Supervisor for the system, working with an Outreach team and Youth Programmers throughout Des Moines. She is passionate about connecting with the community through literacy, and enjoys working with many organizations in the Des Moines metro area.
12:30 – 1:30 p.m. | Lunch Keynote: Tasha Squires
GARDEN | School and Public Library Collaboration
As librarians, we can become so self-reliant that it’s hard to reach out to others. Librarians are asked to be the keeper of knowledge, technology, as well as a literary/information specialist and must balance our time and energies on customers, students, teachers, and administration.
Learn how to take the steps to forge and strengthen relationships between librarians, to collaborate, and in turn, build your library program. Tasha Squires, a veteran of both public and school libraries, will discuss practical ways to build relationships between libraries of all kinds. She’ll share her knowledge on making and enhancing those important connections drawing from her 20 years of experience in the field.
Speaker: Tasha Squires | Teacher Librarian, O'Neill Middle School
Tasha Squires began her career in libraries as the Young Adult librarian in a large diverse Chicago suburb and found her love of working with teachers and teens necessitated a career shift to becoming a school librarian. As the Teacher Librarian for the past fifteen years at O’Neill Middle School, Tasha has enjoyed engaging students and teachers in the learning process and fostering a love for reading. She is also the author of the professional title Library Partnerships: Making Connections Between School and Public Libraries, 2009. She is the creator and main contributor of the blog www.booksinthemiddle.wordpress.com, as well as a booktalking podcast of the same name at www.buzzsprout.com/229361 and can be reached @tasquires for conversations.
1:40 – 2:30 p.m. | Breakout Session 2
CARDINAL & GOLD | Unplugged Play Station
Help develop and build upon early literacy skills by focusing on play! With limited space for toys, the Sibley Public Library has created a dramatic play station that
changes themes every two months. From a post office to flower shop and more, find out which ones were most successful. Rachel will share tips on how literacy is always stressed, where she gets her ideas, and how it can spark great community partnerships.
Presenter: Rachel Galvin | Sibley Public Library
Rachel Galvin has been at the Sibley Public Library for almost 14 years. She has three young girls who help her and her husband run a pizza place when she's not at the library.
MEADOW | Tales Around Town: Sparking Early Literacy One Local Adventure at a Time
This session will tell how you can take storytime to a new location in your community each week - everywhere from dairy farms to flower shop greenhouses to the local children’s physical therapy clinic - and the benefits that pile up when you do it! What started as a plan B for storytime during a construction project at their public library has blossomed into a success story that other libraries and their communities could benefit from replicating. Come away with a toolkit to easily implement the program and cater its groundwork to your unique community.
Presenters: Emily McClimon & Trevor Krug | Waverly Public Library
Emily McClimon has been at the Waverly Public Library for 13 years, previously as the Teen Librarian for 9 years before her current position of Youth Services Librarian. She loves innovating on early literacy services and outreach services, and especially where they intersect.
Trevor Krug has been at Waverly Public Library for three years, first as a clerk and then in his current position of Teen Services Librarian since the summer of 2023. He is passionate about the library's unique position as a community hub and loves actively pursuing collaborations with community partners.
PRAIRIE CENTRAL | PANEL: Making Space for Teens
While they’re often perceived as some of our most rowdy, surly, and ungrateful patrons, teens have just as much right to be in and use the library as all your other community members! What would it look like for you to “make space” for teens in your library’s space, programming calendar, and collections? Join this panel of teen librarians from around the state seeking to do just that!
Panelists: Ethan Atwell | Ames Public Library, Sam Exline | Marion
Public Library, Sherry Schlundt | Carlisle Public Library,
Becky Heil (Moderator) | State Library of Iowa
Ethan Atwell is the Teen Young/Adult Librarian at Ames Public Library. In his current role, he works with numerous community partners, buys for the YA collection, runs regular programs, and manages the Teen Space. His previous experience in libraries includes work in university archives, a middle school library, and as a bilingual adult services associate.
Sam Exline is a Teen Services Assistant at the Marion Public Library. She received an American Studies degree from the University of Iowa and her MLIS from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She has been there for two and a half years developing programs and wrangling the hoard of students who invade after school on weekdays. She is very proud to have built the teen programming in the new Marion Public Library building. Her next goal is to develop relationships with the current community of middle school students in the hopes that they continue using the library and its spaces into high school and adulthood. Outside library hours she is a proud fangirl always looking for her next favorite book, movie, or tv show!
Sherry Schlundt has been working in libraries for many years, first working with birth to 18 years and then working as a Teen Librarian in various size libraries both in Iowa and Montana. She feels that the Teens are the future of the library, and the goal is to plant the library seed so in the future they will think of the library fondly and remember what a unique and special place it is. She currently works at the Carlisle Public Library as a Youth Services Librarian.
Becky Heil (Moderator) is the Southeast District Consultant at the State Library of Iowa.
PRAIRIE SOUTH | Lightning Titletalks with CATS
Discover what’s hot off the press and what trends to look out for in summer/fall 2024 as your friendly neighborhood Children’s and Teen Services (CATS) manager booktalks the latest and greatest titles for kids and teens from a variety of different publishers. What are the upcoming season’s buzziest titles? Can Sara get through at least 45 titles? Check out this session to get ideas for books your library needs to order for your book displays and book lists.
Presenter: Sara Shepard | Baker & Taylor
Sara Shepard is the CATS (Children’s and Teen Services) Manager at Baker & Taylor for the Western United States, which includes all of the states west of the Mississippi River, plus Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. She proud to have gotten the chance to work at Houston Public Library for 14 years, working her way up through Youth Services before coming to Baker & Taylor. She received an MLS and Youth Services Certificate from University of North Texas and lives in Houston Texas with her husband, 5-year-old daughter, two cats (named Duncan and Long Noodles), and two dogs (Peso and Lucy).
2:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Break & Snack
PRAIRIE NORTH | Exhibitor Area Open
3:30 – 4:20 p.m. | Breakout Session 3
CARDINAL & GOLD | Building Great Teen Advisory Boards
Are you looking to increase teen participation in library programs? Do you want to gather feedback on your current offerings? In this session we will explore partnering with a local service club to build a teen advisory board for your library, engage young people in your community, and help them feel invested in your library.
Presenter: Becky Ruberg | Burlington Public Library
Becky Ruberg has been with the Burlington Public library for 23 years, working specifically with teens for more than 10 years. She teaches everything from robotics to sewing at the library and is currently learning how to use the new 3D printers. One of her favorite games with library teens is Name That Shelf: pick any shelf in the Teen Section and she can tell you about at least one book.
MEADOW | Accessibility within Public Libraries' Programs
Explore accessible programming practices for libraries with Denise Bean, accessibility specialist. Discover how to convert common items into adaptable tools that ensure libraries can make their resources usable for a broader range of patrons and families with varying needs and abilities. Attendees will assemble three hands-on accessible storytime youth activities. Gain communication tips on how to implement the best strategies for nonverbal programming. Prepare to learn about alternative technologies on social media platforms while adding accessibility to your library’s StoryWalks and StoryTrails. As thanks for attending this session, sign up to receive a visit from the program “When Story Time Comes to You!”
Presenter: Denise Bean | Iowa Library for the Blind & Print Disabled
Denise Bean is a Youth Services Librarian and Certified Braille Transcriber for the Iowa Library for the Blind & Print Disabled. She is passionate about the Children's Library Programming, outreach and collaboration opportunities that are truly unlimited when working with public and community members. One of Denise’s purposes is to spread the importance of incorporating accessibility within all programming throughout the state of Iowa.
PRAIRIE CENTRAL | The Benefits of Large Print for All Students
Learn how to create reading success by providing students with an accessible format of curriculum-friendly and high-interest titles. Large print is an effective tool for improving students’ decoding and tracking skills. Less eye fatigue and frustration lead to a greater sense of achievement, prolonging periods of sustained reading. Hear how one librarian has found a format that students love, teachers embrace and which has led to a more satisfying reading experience, better engagement, and over time, higher comprehension skills. Learn about a national study that found the same results as well!
Slides Handout Brochure Handout Infographic
Presenter: Tasha Squires | Teacher Librarian, O'Neill Middle School
Tasha Squires began her career in libraries as the Young Adult librarian in a large diverse Chicago suburb and found her love of working with teachers and teens necessitated a career shift to becoming a school librarian. As the Teacher Librarian for the past fifteen years at O’Neill Middle School, Tasha has enjoyed engaging students and teachers in the learning process and fostering a love for reading. She is also the author of the professional title Library Partnerships: Making Connections Between School and Public Libraries, 2009. She is the creator and main contributor of the blog www.booksinthemiddle.wordpress.com, as well as a booktalking podcast of the same name at www.buzzsprout.com/229361 and can be reached @tasquires for conversations.
PRAIRIE SOUTH | Lego Explorers: Taking Your Lego Play to the Next Level
Lego bricks are a perennially popular STEM toy for children of all ages. In this session, Kayla will talk about her successful, long-running Lego Explorers program, specifically designed for preschoolers through fifth graders (though widely applicable for all ages). Learn how to level up your Lego programs from simply putting out bricks on the table to adding a narrative component and a wide variety of STEM challenges that get kids to think outside the box.
Presenters: Kayla Ferguson | Dubuque County Library District
Kayla Ferguson has been the Children’s Librarian at Dubuque County Library for the last seven years. In that time, some of her favorite programs have included a Hobbit Day Party, a Star Trek Escape Room, a Pioneer History Day, a 4-week Painting Class series, and a family Spa Day. In her free time, she loves writing, reading middle grade and YA fantasy, cosplaying, doing diamond art paintings, and cuddling with her cat, Mairon.
6:30 – 9:30 p.m. | Game Night with The Dealt Hand
GARDEN
The Dealt Hand brings hosted, pop-up game nights to the Des Moines metro area. Join us Monday evening to play some familiar favorites and try your hand at a variety of new selections. Be sure to stop by their exhibitor booth during the conference to bring the fun back to your library!
Tuesday, April 9
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast
GALLERY LOBBY
9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. | Morning Keynote | Outside the Box: Graphic Novelists in Conversation
PRAIRIE CENTRAL & SOUTH
Graphic novels are having a moment. They are the most popular format in public libraries and young readers can’t get enough of them! Join a panel conversation of all things graphic novels with our special guests Drew Brockington and Jason Platt. Drew is the author and illustrator of the popular CatStronauts series. You may know Jason from the funny Middle School Misadventures books. They’ll share their process of creating graphic novels, what drew them to the field, and their thoughts on what makes this format so popular. They’ll also share their next projects and what they think the future of graphic novels holds.
Panelists: Drew Brockington & Jason Platt | Graphic Novelists & Janeé Jackson-Doering (Moderator) | State Library of Iowa
Drew Brockington has flown a space shuttle, repaired the International Space Station, and served in Mission Control - all during a week at Space Camp. He works at his drawing table and loves to use pencils until they are only little nubs. He has written and illustrated numerous graphic novels including the CatStronauts series, the Waffles and Pancake series, and Metropolis Grove. His picture books include Hangry and Puppy Bus. He loves bad jokes and lives with his family and bulldog in Minneapolis.
Jason Platt grew up in Durham, North Carolina and was known as the kid in the class who could draw. This did get him in trouble during recess once. While growing up, Jason was inspired by Mad Magazine’s artist Mort Drucker and famed movie poster artist Drew Struzan. Also being a kid who loved to write, Jason would often find himself reimagining what would happen in the book he was holding after his eyes feasted on its cover art. You could say he was that person who would buy a book for its cover. That, and a natural born storyteller. He worked as a professional actor and puppeteer before graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia. Jason is also a member of the National Cartoonists Society. His first two books, Middle School Misadventures and Operation: Hat Heist! were chosen for the Texas Library Association’s Little Maverick Graphic Novel Reading List. Jason lives with his family in Davenport, Iowa with their cat (who insists on being his co-worker).
Janeé Jackson-Doering (Moderator) is the Youth Services Consultant for the State Library of Iowa.
10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. | Break & Book Signing
PRAIRIE NORTH | Exhibitor Area Open
10:45 a.m. - 11:35 a.m. | Breakout Session 4
CARDINAL & GOLD | Let's Eat! Food Programming for Tweens
Food programs are a great way to bring kids into the library and help diversify a library’s line-up of activities. In this session, we will address why these programs are important for kids, how they can positively impact tweens’ lives, and how to run a successful food program, even with limited space and on a tight budget.
Presenter: Emily Van Weerdhuizen | Sioux Center Public Library
Emily Van Weerdhuizen is a youth services librarian at the Sioux Center Public Library. She previously worked as the Teen Librarian at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library in Saipan (CNMI) and has been involved in the library world since 2011. When she’s not chasing after her two small children, she enjoys reading, spending time in the kitchen, and going for walks.
MEADOW | Challenges that Go Beyond Books
The U.S. First Amendment protects the right of everyone in America to access information and develop their own ideas of thought and inquiry without censor. In spite of this, book challenges still happen. Sometimes members of the public will also challenge the library’s policies regarding meeting rooms, displays, bulletin boards, programs and minors’ right to access all the library’s materials and services. Learn how to appropriately and legally navigate these challenges that go “beyond the books.”
Presenters: Mandy Easter & Maryann Mori | State Library of Iowa
Maryann Mori has presented on a variety of topics at several national library conferences including ALA, ARSL, ALSC, PLA, and The Internet Librarian. She has also been published numerous times in professional journals and books, writing about such topics as teen services, library volunteers, job-related stress, and programming. Formerly Teen Specialist Librarian for the Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library (Indiana) and Director of Waukee Public Library (Iowa), Maryann is currently a library consultant for the State Library of Iowa. She completed her MSLIS from the University of Illinois in 2006.
PRAIRIE CENTRAL | Don't Sweat It: Song and Dance in Storytime
Learn a variety of techniques to use music in your programs; both recorded and nonrecorded music will be featured. Attendees will leave the session feeling comfortable adding music and movement to their Early Literacy program. By learning about a variety of methods, even those that “can’t” sing will leave feeling empowered.
Presenter: Sheila Olson | Johnston Public Library & Dee Shalon-Deur | Clive Public Library
Sheila Olson is an energetic and nerdy librarian from Johnston Public Library. She has 12 years of experience in metro libraries doing storytimes, crafting classes, STEM programs, and nerdy events (like D&D for kids). One of her favorite programs is her Move & Groove class because she loves to dance!
Dee Shalon-Deur is the Youth Services Librarian at the Clive Public Library. Dee fell in love with public libraries when she planned a Harry Potter Party for the local library while she was in college. Dee is currently the Awards Chair for the Youth Services Subdivision of ILA. Whether it is weekly storytimes, a Penguin Party, Storytime with the Goats or collection development she loves it all.
PRAIRIE SOUTH | Embracing the Legacy of Fred Rogers: Advocating Open-Mindedness and Understanding Against Book Bans
Fred Rogers, best known as the host of the television show Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, was a strong advocate for education, understanding, and kindness. While he may not have explicitly addressed book bans during his lifetime, we can infer his perspective based on his known values and beliefs. This session is an exploration of intellectual freedom with ALA’s United Against Book Bans Campaign in the realm of youth materials to shed light on the challenges of book bans and strategies for navigating them. Join us for an insightful discussion on how unrestricted access to diverse content fosters intellectual growth, critical thinking, and a sense of empowerment among young readers through the lens of Fred Rogers’ work in Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.
Presenter: Tyler Hahn | Cherokee Public Library
Tyler Hahn is a Library Director in Northwestern Iowa with a diverse background. Having previously served as a college librarian and youth services librarian, he brings a wealth of experience to his current role. Tyler is recognized for his dedication to library services, as the midwest representative for the Association for Rural & Small Libraries (ARSL) as well as the Iowa Governor's STEM Council and being recognized as one of the state's "STEM Gems." Tyler is a tireless advocate for small and rural libraries, serving as co-chair for ARSL’s advocacy committee for several years as well as work on the Iowa Library Association’s executive board where he highlights the many roles libraries fill in small and rural communities. His interests focus on leveraging local networks to build community capacity, advocating for taxpayer education within public services, and library advocacy for small and rural communities.
12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch Keynote: Maya Payne Smart
GARDEN | Beyond Storytime: How Librarians Can Help Parents Nurture Reading from Birth
In this presentation, Maya Payne Smart describes how reading unfolds from birth, what caregivers can do to nuture it at each stage, and how educators, librarians, and other professionals can support families along the path. Through case studies, historical insights, and scholarly research, Maya illustrates why any serious effort to address reading achievement disparities must begin upstream with parents of young children and the communities who uplift them.
Speaker: Maya Payne Smart | Literacy Advocate & Author
Maya Payne Smart is a parent educator, literacy advocate, and the author of Reading for Our Lives: A Literacy Action Plan from Birth to Six which was published in 2022 from Avery/Penguin Random House. Her website, MayaSmart.com, publishes new book lists, literacy activities, and other free family resources weekly to help parents play their dual roles as first teachers and educational advocates. She holds a master’s degree in journalism from the Medill School at Northwestern University and a bachelor’s in social studies with honors from Harvard University. She serves as affiliated faculty in Educational Policy and Leadership in the College of Education at Marquette University.
1:10 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Breakout Session 5
CARDINAL & GOLD | Planning Book Clubs for Kids and Tweens
Explore book clubs for kids and tweens, and see how easy it is to start one up in our library. Presenters will cover the general format and provide you with a roadmap to kick-start similar programs. Whether you’re a seasoned librarian or a newcomer to youth programming, we’ll cover the process from start to finish — including promoting a new club, book club set acquisition, program structure, activities, and getting continued attendance.
Presenters: Nate Huber, Hailey McKinney, & Amy Seufert | West Des Moines Public Library
Nate Huber has been a Youth Services Assistant at the West Des Moines Public Library for 19 years. He has presented a variety of programs over the years, but he currently plans and presents programming for children and families including graphic novel book club, an after-school program, and family nights. He has also taken on the role of graphic designer for Youth Services, and he creates digital and physical signage, designs promotional materials, and generally tries to make any visual materials look great. He has a bachelor’s degree in studio art and art education with a minor in business administration from the University of Iowa.
Hailey McKinney was hired at the West Des Moines Public Library in the summer of 2020 as a Youth Services Intern. She came back to the YS Department as a Teen Services Assistant in September of 2021. Hailey coordinates teen volunteers (including a robust 20-25 student program in the summer); plans bi-annual, after-hours programs; and hosts Tween Club Read (ages 11-14). She has bachelor’s degrees in Writing and Digital Media Production from Drake University.
Amy Seufert was hired in December 2012 at the West Des Moines Public Library Youth Services Department as a Youth Services Assistant. Before she worked at the library, she was an elementary teacher for 7 years in northwest Missouri. Amy started at the library leading the Lapsit baby storytimes, now she plans and "performs" story times for toddlers/preschoolers, and leads the Kids Club Read (ages 7-10) book club. Amy has a Bachelor’s degree from NWMSU in Elementary Education, and a Master’s in School Library Studies from UNI.
MEADOW | Bringing Literacy to Your Community with a StoryWalk™
This session will not only go over basics of getting a StoryWalk™ launched in your community, but will also focus on programming centered around the StoryWalk. We will look at ways to partner with other organizations in your community to make the StoryWalk a focal point in your community. We will dive into the collaboration of creating an original picture book for the StoryWalk, which Phyllis undertook with a local 7th and 8th grade class, which extended the learning from the typical picture book to older students.
Panelists: Phyllis Peter | Newton Public Library
Phyllis Peter was the Youth Services Librarian in suburban Chicago at the Bloomingdale Public Library from 1987-1990 and after a 15 year hiatus raising her 4 children and doing in-home daycare, she returned to the Library world in 2006 at the Newton Public Library, where she has been the Youth Services Librarian for 18 years.
PRAIRIE CENTRAL | It's All For the Family
Family programs are all the rage in our town, from Homeschool Hangout to Chess Club and more, come prepared to gather ideas for multi-generational programs you can host at your library, the startup and continued costs of them, as well as tips and tricks that we’ve learned along the way as we’ve implemented (and discontinued) programs for all ages. At the end, we’ll save a bit of time for others to share their tips and tricks as well.
Presenter: Brianna Sholly | Clear Lake Public Library
Brianna Sholly has been working as the Youth Services Librarian in Clear Lake for 6 years, after transferring to the library world from Natural Resource Management. She enjoys getting kids involved in learning about nature, spending as much time outside as possible, and putting together jigsaw puzzles when the weather isn't as cooperative. She lives in Clear Lake with her husband and 2 kids.
PRAIRIE SOUTH | Reading Between the Dice: Leveraging Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) for Library Engagement
"Reading Between the Dice" explores the benefits of Tabletop Role-Playing Games (TTRPGs) as innovative tools for fostering community engagement and literacy within library spaces. Join us as we delve into the intersection of storytelling, gaming, and community building, showcasing how TTRPGs can captivate readers of all ages. Discover the potential of these games to inspire a love for narrative, critical thinking, and creativity among patrons of all ages. Participants will acquire valuable terminology and fundamentals for running a D&D session, with broader applicability to various TTRPGs. This session caters to both novices and experienced players alike. Attendees will receive practical tips and strategies to foster an inclusive and enjoyable atmosphere for all participants.
Character Handout Dice Handout Space Kings Handout
Presenter: Margaret Nuttall | Bloomfield Public Library
Margaret Nuttall is a seasoned TTRPG player with over 30 years experience in a variety of systems. She is a less seasoned librarian with a passion for engaging the youth of her community. After a decade abroad she returned to her home state of Washington, only to follow her family further inland and landed in Bloomfield, Iowa.
2:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Break, Book Signing, & Snack
2:30 p.m. - 3:20 p.m. | Breakout Session 6
CARDINAL & GOLD | Strengthening Communities through Collaborative Partnerships, Youth Development, and Volunteer Engagement
Libraries carry a unique task of knowledge and active participation in supporting the local community with programs, like connections with community groups and youth volunteers. Through surveys and engagement, we’ll show how partnering with local organizations increased youth engagement in both the library and community. This created opportunities for youth to encourage and interact with peers and their community. Post-pandemic, we lost most of our teen and tween interactions, but these partnerships helped increase our youth engagement. Through this presentation, we empower librarians to forge partnerships with community organizations to support youth development and community volunteer work.
Presenters: Kayla Hodgson & Zoe Murphy | North Liberty Library
Kayla Hodgson (she/her) works at the North Liberty Library as the Youth and Teen Services Librarian. She specializes in reader’s advisory, providing programming and outreach for K-12th grade, and supervising the youth volunteer program. Kayla is passionate about transforming communities through the power of libraries. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, reading (of course), and being loud in the library.
Zoe Murphy (she/her) works at the North Liberty Library as the Youth and Teen Services Assistant Librarian. She assists the family services librarian and the youth and teen services librarian in programming and outreach and enjoys working at the front desk to show the wonders of the library to all who enter it. She engages in local theatre, crocheting, and reading in her free time.
MEADOW | The Art of Messy Programming
It’s the simplest ideas that can really take off as programs for your community. From messy art programs that encourage creativity in the most hands-on form to simple escape room setups that gather friends and families together to think outside the box. These programs are both engaging for participants of all ages and surprisingly simple and adaptable to put together for your own community. There will be time left at the end, so be ready to share about some of the programs that have been successful at your own library.
Presenter: Myra Meyer | Clear Lake Public Library
Myra Meyer is the Assistant Director at the Clear Lake Public Library. She primarily works with teens and adults, though she loves to help out with the children’s programs on occasion. When the weather isn't keeping her holed up inside reading and crocheting, she loves to be outside, hiking and camping (well, and maybe still reading and crocheting).
PRAIRIE CENTRAL | Check It Out! Live!
Join Janeé for a special LIVE from Pop YS Con edition of Check it Out!, a monthly-ish webinar series from the State Library of Iowa spotlighting the best new books for ages 0-18. Youth Services Consultant Janeé Jackson-Doering will share collection development tips, programming ideas, the best books to use for storytimes, and of course, new titles galore for kids and teens. This is a fun, fast-paced session that will fill both your library shelves and your TBR list!
Presenter: Janeé Jackson-Doering | State Library of Iowa
Janeé Jackson-Doering is the Youth Services Consultant for the State Library of Iowa. She worked as a youth librarian in both small and large public libraries in Iowa for over ten years. Janeé also served preschoolers as an assistant preschool teacher for 4.5 years at Head Start in Rock Island, IL. Born and raised in Iowa, Janeé enjoys art journaling, visiting her family in Davenport, reading horror fiction for youth and adults, and watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 films with her husband David, and their cat, Aslan.
PRAIRIE SOUTH | Programs for Our Youngest Patrons - Babies, Toddlers, and their Caregivers!
Whether you are experienced with early childhood programming, or new to working with littles, this program will spark ideas for serving your youngest patrons and their families. Mindy and Megan will discuss their Lapsit, Toddler and Babydoll storytimes. They will also share information about specialized programs that they offer, including Babies on the Move and Shake, Rattle, and Roll. Mindy and Megan will focus on the resources, materials and technology that support each event and how libraries with all levels of budget can adapt. Special emphasis will be placed on supporting caregivers, and including them in the early literacy process. There will be time look over sample materials and ask questions.
Presenters: Mindy Borgstadt & Megan Hartman | West Des
Moines Public Library
Mindy Borgstadt has been a Youth Services Assistant at the West Des Moines Public Library for seven years, primarily leading programing for babies, ranging from 1 month – 18 months old and their caregivers. Prior to moving to Iowa, she was an elementary teacher in Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and Missouri. She earned a degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Special Education from University of Missouri- Columbia.
Megan Hartman is a Youth Services Assistant for the West Des Moines Public Library. She has planned and led programs for babies through preschool for the past 8 years and is currently leading the Toddler Storytime program. Megan has a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Northern Iowa in K-12 Art Education, and an MLIS degree from the University of Iowa with an emphasis in school librarianship.