Tag Archives: youth services

Youth Services Update: January 2022

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Upcoming Opportunities

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE 360°  TEACHER WORKSHOP SERIES

January 20 – March 3, 2022

During this three-part online workshop series from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, teachers will be introduced to the intersection of Indigenous women artists and activism. Native artists will explore art from the museum’s collections and contemporary children’s books that feature Indigenous women artists and activists. Using the museum’s Essential Understandings framework  and artworks by contemporary Indigenous women artists, teachers will deepen their knowledge of Indigenous women’s roles and contributions and examine ways students might use art to learn about difficult historical events and contemporary issues. Classroom materials from the museum’s Native Knowledge 360° education initiative will be provided. This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative. Click here for more information.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS: GREATER AUSTIN AREA INFORMATION LITERACY SYMPOSIUM (GAAILS)

DEADLINE: January 21, 2022

The Greater Austin Area Information Literacy Symposium focuses on information literacy initiatives in public, school, academic, and special libraries in the Austin area. Sessions will explore timely topics and practical solutions in information literacy and library instruction, and will allow time to share ideas and initiatives as well as to develop relationships across the library field. Furthermore, presentation options have been retooled to shorter sessions, poster sessions, and facilitated discussions that will allow for increased dialogue with other attendees. So, if you’re an Austin area library professional with an idea to share, consider submitting an application online by January 21st. 

The 2022 symposium will be FREE and online.

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Ongoing Tools

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TSLAC YOUTH SERVICES FACEBOOK GROUP

Our Youth Services Facebook group is an additional support for library workers throughout the state. This is an interactive space where members can discuss the ways in which they serve their communities. So, if you’re looking to further develop your professional learning network to include colleagues across the state in a space devoted to discussing our craft, then click here for more information.

2022 TxLA READING LISTS

The Texas Library Association’s Children’s Round Table (CRT) and Young Adult Round Table (YART) strive to promote and improve youth library services in Texas. To that end the round tables sponsor the reading lists below. The current recommendations are out and offer a wide variety of titles, so there’s truly something for everyone:

Furthermore, the Youth Texas Topaz List provides recommended nonfiction titles for children and teens.

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CHILDREN IN TRAUMA BIBLIOGRAPHY

Categorized by theme, this bibliography includes books that address traumas such as domestic abuse and bullying; general grief and loss; illness, anxiety, and depression; pandemics; poverty; and more. Books in the bibliography have been listed in six thematic groups, and clicking on a group opens a box where books pertaining to the designated theme are listed. This bibliography was created by Dr. Megan McCaffrey, assistant professor in the Division of Education at Governors State University, and the LibGuide was built by Linda Geller, associate professor in the University Library at Governors State University. This project was generously funded by a 2019 Carnegie-Whitney Grant through the American Library Association. To access the bibliography, visit the Children in Trauma LibGuide.

CSLP Summer Symposium

Recordings from the 2021 CSLP Summer Symposium are now available online.

Recordings now available for the First Annual CSLP Summer Symposium.
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Need more resources?

Check out our webinars that focus on Youth Services. Click here for information.

Questions?

For more information, visit our youth services page, contact Christina Taylor at ld@tsl.texas.gov, or call 512-463-5465.

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Youth Services Updates Archive

Summer library materials ordering has been EXTENDED until January 14, 2022

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Texas public libraries will be able to continue ordering the free CSLP promotional materials provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for another two weeks! 

The updated ordering process is faster, more convenient, and gives your library greater control over the process. Each library will place its order directly through the CSLP website.

Ordering Instructions

  1. Preview and order materials here.
    • ONLY the items at this link will be provided for free by TSLAC. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2021)
    • Please note how items are packaged when selecting quantities. 
    • View the video tutorial of the ordering process using the link you received via the Summer Library Newsletter.
    • You will NOT need to log in to the CSLP website to place an order.
  2. Add desired items to your cart and go to check-out.
  3. When checking out, use the voucher code you received via the Summer Library Newsletter.
  4. Complete the rest of the form fields:
    • Please list your library’s information for the shipping address and email address. Do not provide TSLAC’s information. 
    • The voucher code will ensure that TSLAC receives the invoice, so don’t forget to enter the code! 
    • Verify the total is $0.00 before submitting the order.
    • You will not need to enter any payment details once the voucher code has been entered.
  5. Submit order. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided on the form.

If your library is purchasing additional items beyond what is available on the list of allowable purchases, those items must be purchased in a separate order.

The FINAL deadline is January 14, 2022

The 2022 CSLP theme is Oceanography. The slogan for early literacy, children, teen, and adult programs is “Oceans of Possibilities” or “Océanos de Posibilidades.” Unique artwork has been created for each age group by artist Sophie Blackall.

Thank you for everything you do to support the youth and families in your community!

Questions?

For more information, visit our youth services page, contact Christina Taylor at ld@tsl.texas.gov, or call 512-463-5465.

Youth Services Updates Archive

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Summer library materials ordering will CLOSE January 1, 2022

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As of December 1, 2021, Texas public libraries have been able to order the free CSLP promotional materials provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission! 

The updated ordering process is faster, more convenient, and gives your library greater control over the process. Each library will place its order directly through the CSLP website.

Ordering Instructions

  1. Preview and order materials here.
    • ONLY the items at this link will be provided for free by TSLAC. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2021)
    • Please note how items are packaged when selecting quantities. 
    • View the video tutorial of the ordering process using the link you received via the Summer Library Newsletter.
    • You will NOT need to log in to the CSLP website to place an order.
  2. Add desired items to your cart and go to check-out.
  3. When checking out, use the voucher code you received via the Summer Library Newsletter.
  4. Complete the rest of the form fields:
    • Please list your library’s information for the shipping address and email address. Do not provide TSLAC’s information. 
    • The voucher code will ensure that TSLAC receives the invoice, so don’t forget to enter the code! 
    • Verify the total is $0.00 before submitting the order.
    • You will not need to enter any payment details once the voucher code has been entered.
  5. Submit order. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided on the form.

If your library is purchasing additional items beyond what is available on the list of allowable purchases, those items must be purchased in a separate order.

Ordering will CLOSE December 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022.

The 2022 CSLP theme is Oceanography. The slogan for early literacy, children, teen, and adult programs is “Oceans of Possibilities” or “Océanos de Posibilidades.” Unique artwork has been created for each age group by artist Sophie Blackall.

Thank you for everything you do to support the youth and families in your community!

Questions?

For more information, visit our youth services page, contact Christina Taylor at ld@tsl.texas.gov, or call 512-463-5465.

Youth Services Updates Archive

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Youth Services Update: December 2021

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Upcoming Opportunities

LETTERS ABOUT LITERATURE

DEADLINE: DECEMBER 17, 2021, 5:00 PM (CENTRAL)

Letters About Literature is a reading and writing contest for 4th-12th graders under the direction of the Texas Center for the Book at the Texas State Library and Archives Commission.

Participants select a book, book series, essay, play, poem, short story, or speech that has made a lasting impact on their on their lives. They, then, write a personal letter to the author that reflects how they have been changed, inspired, or motivated by the work State winners receive $100 and will be honored at the 2022 Texas Library Association Conference. All submissions must be submitted using the new online submission platform, and a permission form is required for all students who are younger than 13 as of Nov. 4, 2021. For more information visit : https://www.tsl.texas.gov/lettersaboutliterature

Ongoing Tools

MEDIA LITERACY IN EARLY CHILDHOOD

Logo for the Erikson Institute

Erikson Institute’s TEC Center is now offering a new IMLS-funded professional development program, Media Literacy in Early Childhood for Youth Library Staff. Recruitment is open for this four-month professional development series, in which participants will spend approximately 10 to 12 hours total in entirely online synchronous and asynchronous learning. Cohorts will be made up of 20-25 youth library staff from across the U.S. All participants will receive a certificate and a $400 honorarium for their library once they complete the program to compensate for their time. For more information, visit https://www.erikson.edu/professional-development/tec-center/librarians/ .

VIRTUAL FIELD TRIPS

Logo for the National Museum of the American Indian

The National Museum of the American Indian offers live and interactive programs led by a museum educator focusing on specific topics in Indigenous histories, cultures, and contemporary lives. A variety of programs are available for Pre-K–12 students. For more information, visit https://americanindian.si.edu/nk360/student-programs/virtual-field-trips

IMPACT LIBRARIES

IMPACT Libraries Logo

The University of Maryland iSchool’s IMProving Assessment of Computational Thinking in Libraries (IMPACT Libraries) research team is looking for public library staff to help evaluate a series of assessment tools developed to measure the success of Computational Thinking (CT) programs for youth ages 11-18.  Each participating library will be provided $1000 to cover costs associated with using the assessment tools and meeting with the research team. For more information, visit https://impact.ischool.umd.edu

TELL ME ANOTHER STORY:

DIVERSITY IN CHILDREN’S LITERATURE

In celebration and recognition of the movement toward social equity, The Ezra Jack Keats Foundation (EJK Foundation), in collaboration with The Office Performing Arts + Film, has produced a new 30-minute documentary with free streaming access for all audiences. Directed by Damani Baker (The House on Coco Road), edited by Jon Henry Fine, and with original music by Meshell Ndegeocello, the film is an enlightening and informative portrait of the ways in which multiculturalism is critical to the health of our society. Tell Me Another Story describes the dedication of intellectual and artistic giants, who have, for over one hundred years, attempted to bring authentic imagery into the books all children read. The film highlights the creators, past and present, whose focus has uplifted children’s literature from W.E.B. Du Bois, Augusta Baker, Pura Belpré and Ezra Jack Keats, to Pat Cummings, Marley Dias, Grace Lin, Christopher Myers, and Andrea Davis Pinkney. Also identified are the contributions made by the many children’s book awards that make multiculturalism central to their mission, including the Coretta Scott King, Pura Belpré and Ezra Jack Keats Awards. For more information, visit https://www.ezra-jack-keats.org/tell-me-another-story

STORYTIME 101

Storytime is a magical event, and each program is a big deal in the life of a young child. During this tutorial, you will learn how to make your storytimes meaningful and impactful for your audience. This tutorial is meant to support those who are new to storytime. It covers basic skills, like preparing for storytime, reading books out loud, using props and music, and engaging adults and children. Each section has an interactive module filled with useful information, examples, and videos. There are also links to documents and online resources that will support your storytime practice. For more information, visit https://my.nicheacademy.com/idaho/course/22517 t.

Questions?

For more information, visit our youth services page, contact Christina Taylor at ld@tsl.texas.gov, or call 512-463-5465.

Youth Services Updates Archive

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2021 Family Place Library Grant Applications Close Soon!

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APPLICATIONS WILL CLOSE SOON! This year’s Family Place Library grant application will close for submissions on Friday, December 3, 2021. The application is entirely online and can be accessed after logging into the TSLAC Grants Management System (GMS).

Family Place Library Notice of Funding Opportunity (PDF)

The link below will take you to the GMS site so you can log in to begin your application:

BEGIN FY22 FAMILY PLACE LIBRARY GRANT APPLICATION

Summer library materials ordering will be open December 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022

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Starting December 1, 2021, Texas public libraries will be able to order the free CSLP promotional materials provided by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission! 

The updated ordering process is faster, more convenient, and gives your library greater control over the process. Each library will place its order directly through the CSLP website.

Ordering Instructions

  1. Preview and order materials here.
    • ONLY the items at this link will be provided for free by TSLAC. Funding for this program is provided by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services through a grant to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. (2021)
    • Please note how items are packaged when selecting quantities. 
    • View the video tutorial of the ordering process using the link you received via the Summer Library Newsletter.
    • You will NOT need to log in to the CSLP website to place an order.
  2. Add desired items to your cart and go to check-out.
  3. When checking out, use the voucher code you received via the Summer Library Newsletter.
  4. Complete the rest of the form fields:
    • Please list your library’s information for the shipping address and email address. Do not provide TSLAC’s information. 
    • The voucher code will ensure that TSLAC receives the invoice, so don’t forget to enter the code! 
    • Verify the total is $0.00 before submitting the order.
    • You will not need to enter any payment details once the voucher code has been entered.
  5. Submit order. You will receive a confirmation email at the address you provided on the form.

If your library is purchasing additional items beyond what is available on the list of allowable purchases, those items must be purchased in a separate order.

Ordering will be open December 1, 2021 – January 1, 2022.

The 2022 CSLP theme is Oceanography. The slogan for early literacy, children, teen, and adult programs is “Oceans of Possibilities” or “Océanos de Posibilidades.” Unique artwork has been created for each age group by artist Sophie Blackall.

Questions about this or other Texas Summer Library Program topics? Visit the TSLAC summer reading page or contact Christina Taylor at ld@tsl.texas.gov, 512-463-5465, or 800-252-9386 (toll-free for Texas).

Thank you for everything you do to support the youth and families in your community!

NOW OPEN! 2022 Family Place Grant Application

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The Texas State Library and Archives Commission is pleased to announce that the FY 2022 Family Place Libraries grant application will open on Monday, November 1! TSLAC is looking for qualified libraries to attend online Family Place Training and implement the program in their libraries.

The purpose of this grant is to create a welcoming, family-centered environment that empowers caregivers of young children as they become their child’s first teachers. This grant will provide funding for the equipment and training necessary for each library to:

  • Host workshops for children ages 0-3 and their caregivers.
    • Develop an interactive space for this age group to play and learn in the library.
    • Forge strong partnerships with organizations serving young children and their families.

In addition to offering this opportunity to new libraries interested in the program, TSLAC is also offering established, qualified, Family Place Libraries the opportunity to apply for funding to expand the Family Place program into one additional branch in their library system this fiscal year.

If chosen to participate in the 2022 cohort, new and expansion libraries can expect to have staff members attend online training in May 2022. Following training, TSLAC will reimburse participating libraries up to $6,000 to purchase the supplies necessary to launch a successful Family Place Library location at their facility.

APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN MONDAY, NOVEMBER 1! The applications will close for submissions on Friday, December 3, 2021. The application is entirely online and can be accessed after logging into the TSLAC Grants Management System.

As you prepare to apply for the grant, please pay close attention to the appropriate Notice of Funding Opportunity. Inside, you will find information on eligibility requirements as well as a scoring matrix that will provide guidance on the best information to include in your application to ensure the best scoring outcome.

Family Place Library Notice of Funding Opportunity

The link below will take you to the GMS site so you can log in to begin your application:

BEGIN FY22 FAMILY PLACE LIBRARY GRANT APPLICATION

IMPORTANT!! When you reach the budget portion of your application, you are only required to fill in the line specific to Materials & Supplies. In the space for a description, please type in “Recommended Family Place Supplies.” The dollar amount should be $6,000.

This project is made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act.

The 2021 Summer Library Program Survey is now open!

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It is the time of year to reflect on summer programming, and we are coming to you for feedback as we think about how we can best support you and your library next year. We recognize the ongoing pandemic  may have been affected your programming in a variety of ways and, we greatly appreciate your hard work and efforts. Your commitment directly impacts your communities, and we are thankful for your responsiveness and willingness to continually adjust to the times.

While everything is still fresh in your mind, please consider sharing your summer program experience with us. Tell us what surprised you and touched your heart and share how many people in your community participated in your program. Let us know how you liked the artwork and manuals and share your suggestions for future programs.

Approximately 500 Texas libraries received funding to purchase materials and participate in the Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) through a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for their summer programs. We ask that all participating libraries complete the 2021 Summer Program Survey to help inform our approach to next year’s program. The survey contatins19 questions which should take approximately 30 minutes to complete and will be available through Friday, October 8, 2021.

Here is a direct link to the CSLP/SRP 2021 Survey: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/6515586/CSLP-SRP-2021-Survey We would love to highlight and showcase your library’s summer programming. Please send photos of your summer programs to Christina Taylor at ctaylor@tsltexas.gov with expressed written consent allowing us to use the images on our website and publications. We look forward to hearing from you!

Staff Highlight: Christina Taylor, TSLAC’s Youth Services Consultant

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As part of our effort to make sure you know who the staff here at the Texas State Library are, we would like to periodically highlight staff members that you may at some point come in contact with! For our next staff highlight of 2021, I interviewed Christina Taylor, Library Development and Networking (LDN)’s new Youth Services Consultant on the Continuing Education and Consulting (CEC) team)!

Portrait of Christina Taylor, Woman smiling
Christina Taylor, Youth Services Consultant

What are your job responsibilities at TSLAC?
As the Youth Services Consultant, I will work towards ensuring Texas libraries are knowledgeable about and have the resources to implement youth services that meet the needs of their communities. To that end, I will lead projects for internal, statewide, and national initiatives relating to youth services.

What projects are you excited to get started with?
As a fervent advocate for comics and graphic novels, I am extremely excited to help Texas libraries enhance the robustness of those collections and leverage their impact on empowerment, learning, and lifelong joy as they serve their communities. Furthermore, I am eager to amplify libraries’ community engagement, advocacy, and outreach efforts via social media.

What was the last book you read/movie you watched/podcast or song you listened to that you enjoyed?
This past year I’ve read so many books that were balm for my soul in the face of recent social unrest. My newest love is The Magic Fish by Trung Le Nguyen. This graphic novel is an intensely gentle story of a mother and son who must navigate the shifting landscape of their relationship as they struggle with language barriers and a lack context for fully understanding each other. Outside of the luscious visuals and the backmatter expounding upon the writer’s craft, what I love most about this story is that it is rooted in a very personal tale of unconditional love that refuses to be unseated by anything. The mother’s love is and will always be a safe haven for her son even when she doesn’t have the words to express it or the ability to fully understand who he is. Every person deserves to be loved like that.

Some other gems that I’ve discovered are Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series and its copious spin-offs, Shanna Swendson’s Rebel series, and H.E. Edgmon’s The Witch King series. I’m finding that speculative fiction is a wonderful means of helping me contextualize topical concerns while providing just enough abstraction to mitigate being overwhelmed by them.

What is something about you that people don’t know?
My passion for vintage glamour is a critical part of what defines me. It is rooted in beloved childhood memories of my grandmother, echoed in the person of my mother, and exhibited by so many fierce women that I’ve had the honor of knowing personally or admiring from afar. It is—without a doubt—a physical manifestation of my better self and who I continually strive to be!

What drew you to this position?
I was drawn to this position because of the opportunities it affords me to promote learning and library work throughout the state and beyond. As a lifelong educator, I am thrilled that I can build upon my prior work and use it as a foundation for enhancing the service capacity of libraries and the library community.

Youth Share and Summer Reading Program Q&A

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Let’s put our heads together and share programming ideas, summer logistics, concerns, and any questions you may have about the summer. Together we have years of experience and wisdom to draw from! 

Who: Join youth librarians, staff, and volunteers who provide services to youth in our Texas libraries.

When: Thursday, April 29 2:00 – 3:30 p.m. and Tuesday May 4, 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.

Links to register:

April 29: https://www.ctls.net/civicrm/event/info/?id=13&reset=1

May 4: https://www.ctls.net/civicrm/event/info/?id=12&reset=1

What to Bring:

  • A question or challenge you have
  • Programming Ideas, including:
    • Favorite storytime book
    • Craft ideas for preschool, elementary or teens
    • Favorite program you have done
    • Passive programs
    • Storytime props, felt board activities, song or fingerplay
    • A puppet or prop you have never used. We can help you come up with ideas!
    • Teens – programs, youth volunteers, tips on getting teens involved…
  • Resources
    • Fundraising ideas
    • SRP logistics
    • A link, website, app, or other useful resource
    • Library Facebook Page, YouTube Channel…

We will be compiling your shared ideas and questions. Please take a moment to send your ideas, summer plans, links, and questions. If every library sends just one thing, we will all benefit!

These Youth Shares are offered in partnership with CTLS, Inc.