We are thrilled to announce a new partnership between ASLdeafined, a leading provider of online American SIgn Language (ASL) learning resources, and libraries across the United States. This collaboration aims to increase access to authentic ASL instruction for everyone in your community.

For 15 years, ASLdeafined has been a trusted resource for individuals seeking to learn and improve their ASL skills. Our comprehensive online platform offers 300+ themed video lessons, an 18,000+ ASL video dictionary, and a free mobile app, all designed to provide an engaging and effective learning experience.

We believe that libraries play a vital role in promoting literacy and lifelong learning for all. By partnering with libraries, we can provide affordable and convenient access to our resources to a wider audience, including people who may not have access to traditional ASL classes,

This partnership will allow libraries to offer their patrons:

• Free access to ASLdeafined's online video lessons: Patrons will be able to explore basic to advanced ASL signs and grammar, learn essential vocabulary and practice their communication skills.
• Patrons will have the ability to access ASLdeafined through our mobile APP
• Educational events and workshops: ASLdeafined will be working with libraries to host workshops and events designed to introduce the community to ASL and its importance. 

We are excited to embark on this journey with libraries across the country and help break down barriers to ASL learning. By providing access to authentic ASL instruction, we can promote greater understanding and inclusivity for all members of the community.

To learn more about this partnership and how your library can participate, please get in touch with me, Meg Cowan at ASLdeafined.com or follow these listed links for more information:

• Subscription information
• Library Pricing

Thank you for reaching out to ASL Deafined. I am here to answer any specific questions you may have. I can also send a free trial username and passcode to use if requested.
​--
MEGAN COWAN
Library Sales - Program Manager
743.288.8896
[email protected]
www.asldeafined.com

Dinosaur Dimensions is the high energy show that featured four realistic looking dinosaur animatronic puppets!  Kids get involved with the show as they help grow shrunken specimens delivered from the past - and they get to meet these dinosaurs first hand right at the library!

Shows are very well attended, and run 40-45 minutes in length.  For an added bonus, a dinosaur is voted upon by the audience and kids will get a chance to meet the dino face-to face for one-on-one interactions and photos!

We have the ability to host up to three shows a day during prime summer months, and try to keep pricing as affordable as possible by crafting tours that cover area libraries nearby that will keep everyone's cost down.  We also like to include all travel fees in our price (which is under $500 per library, by the way).

We would love to get you some further information so you can see just how easy and affordable this interactive dinosaur presentation is!  Drop me an email and I can get back to you with further information.  I would love to be at your library this next summer!"

Thanks,
Curt Strutz
STRUTZ ENTERTAINMENT
Dinosaur Dimensions
www.dinosaurdimensions.com
based in Fond du Lac, WI

Dinosaur Dimensions is a nationally touring animatronic puppet experience featuring REALISTIC looking dinosaur puppetry and a complete storyline to compliment these beasts. We are WISCONSIN based, so we can set up amazing opportunities for your library without drastic mileage charges or travel bills.

You may have heard about our show from other area libraries - we have found that our Dinosaur Dimensions show has been one of the more popular programs used for summer reading programs.

Our experience is more than just a 40-45 minute show... we offer dinosaur meet & greet opportunities immediately after the program ends! This added benefit is a huge bonus for families, schools groups, and community youth as every group will get an individual experience with a dinosaur for photos, videos, etc.

Our November is FILLING UP FAST!  We have large tours set in both Missouri and Texas in Nov with the dinosaurs, and with Thanksgiving in there - dates are flying away faster than a pterodactyl! Good dates still remain for those libraries in the home state of WI.

I would love to see what opportunities we potentially could have to get the dinosaurs to your library.  I can assure you a high energy and fast paced show that is full of Jurassic excitement! Can I check some dates and pricing for your library?

Thanks,

Curt Strutz
STRUTZ ENTERTAINMENT
Dinosaur Dimensions
www.dinosaurdimensions.com

• call: 262-271-7327
• email: [email protected]

­Hundreds of guides and memoirs have been published about hiking the Appalachian Trail since it was completed in 1937. Finally, we finally have a book that is different from all of them. A Talk in the Woods by Wisconsinite Cary Segall captures the stories and motivations of hikers through the eyes of an award-winning reporter and editor.

Cary was mesmerized by the ramblers, wanderers, and nomads who are part of the three million people who hike some segment of the trail each year. From 2014 to 2018, he traversed the 2200-mile trail and stopped hundreds of travelers along the way to capture their unvarnished stories.

The result is an examination of the allure of the trail and its challenges, from people who share their own varied motivations to take it on. Every hiker has a story, as does every trail angel and hostel owner. Segall brings them all together in a chronicle from one end of the trail to the other. And along the way, Cary includes wisdom about gear, food, weather, and terrain, giving the reader the inside scoop, the valuable planning and packing tips from those who have been there. The book is a must-read for those considering the trail as well as those who have done it and want to re-live the experience.

“What you have in your hands is a sterling representation of life on the Appalachian Trail... These stories of loners and lovers; givers and takers; winners and losers are captivating. They remind me of Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology. They are easy to read and shine with their authenticity.” Warren Doyle, founder of the Appalachian Long Distance Hikers Association and AT Hall of Fame inductee who has hiked the route 18 times. 

"Segall captures the culture and communication style of the trail, particularly as he chases down rumors of one intriguing hiker or another." Kirkus Reviews

Cary Segall worked on the sports desk of the Wisconsin State Journal and took his first backpacking trip on the Appalachian Trail with the University of Wisconsin Hoofers Outing Club. He has a bachelor's degree in wildlife ecology and spent three years as a ranger-naturalist in the National Park Service. He returned to the UW for a law degree and became a public-interest environmental lawyer, and returned once more for a master's degree in journalism. He spent fourteen years as a reporter and seven years as a copy editor at the State Journal. He is based in Madison, Wisconsin.

Cary is available to visit libraries to talk about his book.

For more information, contact Kevin at [email protected].

The Edge Ltd., a Wisconsin-based production company, offering two of our Wisconsin documentaries for the public libraries throughout Wisconsin. The "Hogslayer: The Unapproachable Legend" and "Walter: The Missing Link" documentaries are Wisconsin originated and depict impactful Wisconsin stories that have been and continue to be appreciated worldwide. Both films are very educational in nature, offering exciting and heartwarming aspects from the true lives and times of fellow Wisconsinites achieving their goals and influencing others with their remarkable stories.

These documentaries are available in DVD, and Blu Ray, or can be streamed from www.edgeltdproducts.com. A synopsis of each film follows.

Dinosaur Dimensions is a summer program like no other - over 75 libraries utilized this program in summer, 2023, and in many cases they had record setting audiences (not just for the summer but for the history of the library).

How would your library’s summer library reading program be with realistic animatronic dinosaurs? Just imagine the look on the children’s faces when roaring, blinking, and moving dinosaurs are brought out of “containment units” and presented to them in a fun, educational, and extremely fun show! Kids get involved in multiple ways during the show - from pounding their laps to generate "energy" to power the machine that produces the dinosaurs, to helping feed a dinosaur, to even getting to name each creature. They LOVE it!

Here is a video clip from the Dinosaur Dimensions’ show. Please take a look and see just how much excitement it brings to the kids’ eyes!

In addition to the 40-45 minute show, there's a post-show meet & greet session where kids/families can meet one of the dinosaurs in a one-on-one environment to get to pet it, take photos, etc. This is just as exciting for the kiddos - if not the highlight of the entire day!

The price for the show runs $450, and the fee includes ALL aspects of travel (motels, mileage and meals). It is a flat fee that gets paid, and it can be paid in full the day of the event (no deposit needed). Curt Strutz is based in Fond du Lac County, so any locations in WI that are outside of his general area might require a few other libraries in the area to complete a small mini tour to help offset the travel aspects.

If this sounds like something of interest, please let Curt know so he can try and get you on the ticket for next year! Also, be sure to ask about their other two shows in the Strutz Family line-up. The Wacky World of Wesley Waffles and Dragon Training Academy are also two great shows that could be added to your summer lineup, as well, both performed by Curt's two adult sons!

Please let Curt know if you think dinosaurs might be a fit for your next summer program, and get ready for an adventure like no other!

Contact: Curt Strutz
Strutz Entertainment
Dinosaur Dimensions
262-271-7327
[email protected]

The following is from Rachel Pierce, Regional Outreach Coordinator for Girls Who Code:

"On behalf of the international nonprofit Girls Who Code, I’m thrilled to let you know that our free and virtual Summer Programs are now accepting applications! I would love to work with you to encourage eligible students from Nicolet Federated Library System to apply.

Girls Who Code’s Free Virtual Summer Programs Overview

• Our free virtual summer programs are open to 9-12th graders who identify as girls or non-binary. Any coding experience level is welcome!
• In addition to our free programs, we offer a financial support grant of up to $300 and laptop and hotspot access for eligible students.
• This year, students can choose to learn new coding skills in game design, web design, cybersecurity, or data science and artificial intelligence! As they build computer science skills, students will learn about the many diverse careers in tech through virtual events with professionals in the field.
• Regular-decision applications are due by March 22, 2024. Students can apply at girlswhocode.com/summerapply."

Please share this Summer Programs Flyer with 9-12th graders along with the blurb below:
​

If you have any questions or need any other resources to encourage students to apply, please contact:

Rachel Pierce
Regional Outreach Coordinator
[email protected]
Pronouns: She/Her
girlswhocode.com

Thank you for participating in the 2024 Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library program!

Following are a few helpful documents:

• Pass Guidelines
• DNR Welcome Letter to participating libraries.
• Patron Welcome Letter (printed copies also included in kits)
• Check Out Wisconsin State Parks FAQ

Check Out These Digital Resources:

• A digital resource library can be found on the Department of Public Instruction’s Check Out Wisconsin State Parks At Your Library landing page.
• Digital resources include marketing materials, program guidelines and instructions, and youth resources/activities.

Posted December 20, 2023:

I am the former Executive Director of the American Neurological Association and the Organization for Human Brain Mapping). Here is the cover and a bit more information about my personal memoir that will SOON be available to readers (PDF file).

​I was a former library employee in my small rural NW Wisconsin Library and would sincerely appreciate it if you would share this email and both attachments with the libraries in your system. I self published the book and used Ingram and Amazon to make it easily available to both libraries and individual readers worldwide. It is my prayer that it helps many through the trials and tribulations that dominate today's headlines.

Thank you in advance for your willingness to spread my story. I can be reached at [email protected] or on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

I sincerely appreciate any help you can offer to share this book with as many people as possible. I'd cherish your honest book review as well as I consider library directors to be the most expert in the field of information sharing and service to the public.

With warm regards,

Lori J. Peterson"

Calling all Wisconsin readers! The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) and the Wisconsin Water Library at UW-Madison are pleased to announce plans for Great Lakes, Great Read, a basin-wide community read program scheduled to launch in 2024. Great Lakes, Great Read is designed to inspire passion and connection to the Great Lakes Watershed through reading. The Wisconsin program will serve as a pilot with the goal of being a catalyst for the development of similar programs in other states and provinces in the Upper Midwest and Canada.

There is a need for greater education about the Great Lakes as an important natural resource. While approximately 34 million people in the US and Canada live in the Great Lakes Watershed, recent surveys, such as the 2021 International Joint Commission Great Lakes Regional Poll, show a lack of understanding of the threats facing the greatest freshwater resource in the world. Greater education – greater environmental literacy - is critical to cultivating stewardship of the Great Lakes and of water resources more broadly.

Enter Great Lakes, Great Read. The program’s “one book, one community” model, already adopted by many libraries, is a natural fit for a basin-wide project, and Wisconsin is the perfect state to pilot the project. Wisconsinites have a deep connection to water through culture, economy, tourism and way of life. Wisconsinites also have access to a well-connected network of academic, public and special libraries that serve as the center of our communities.

Funded by a grant from WiLS, the Great Lakes, Great Read program will officially kick off on February 1, 2024. The selected titles will be announced on Earth Day (April 22) 2024. Two books, one for adults and one for children, with themes related to the Great Lakes watershed will be announced. All Wisconsinites will be encouraged to read these titles, and libraries around the state will be encouraged to engage their residents through book discussions and related activities. While program designs are still being finalized, the plan is to host public presentations by the selected authors and a website that includes book discussion questions and other ideas for engagement.  

Watch the WLA website and join the Great Lakes, Great Read 2024 email list for program updates: Great Lakes, Great Read email list.

David HB Drake has been performing for Wisconsin Libraries for over 40 years, each summer presenting a new program for the year's theme.

This year the theme is “Read, Renew, Repeat,” and it is about saving our Mother Earth.
 
Check out this flier presenting David's "What a Wonderful World" program.

"What a Wonderful World" presents songs for building a better earth, of other cultures, peace between people, and "recycled" singalongs.

The 2024 summer reading program, “Read, Renew, Repeat,” is about Conservation as a movement, focusing on protecting species from extinction, maintaining and restoring habitats, enhancing ecosystem services, and protecting biological diversity.

David sings songs for better tomorrows gathered over 40 years as a performer and environmental musician. He performs on guitar, concertina and handmade banjo, dulcimer, and tells stories using Native American flute.

David performed at the very first Earth Day in 1970 for Gaylord Nelson and every Earth Day since. He has been resident musician and educator for the Wisconsin Flagship “Denis Sullivan” and has served aboard the environmental ship CLEARWATER with Pete Seeger. He has performed for many nature centers and environmental organizations including Greenpeace and the World Sing-out for Peace.

Contact:

• www.davidhbddrake.com
• 414-702-6053
• [email protected] 

David participated in the WLA Virtual YSS Performers Showcase on Friday, December 8th and the video can be seen on their website. Registered members can sign into the Showcase app through the end of February 2024. (For assistance, email [email protected].)

The information below comes from Joshua Stuck, Outdoor Skills Instructor (Crivitz, WI)

Dear Librarians-

Would you like a summer program that matches perfectly with this year's theme “Adventure Begins at the Library!?”

Hi! My name is Joshua Stuck. I am a local Outdoor Skills Instructor (from Crivitz, WI) who has been teaching outdoor skills to kids for over 20 years. Would you be interested in a summer library youth program that gets kids excited about some of the most popular outdoor themed books like Call of the Wild, Sign of the Beaver, and Hatchet?

Introducing… “Woodsy Dude’s Embrace the Outdoors Youth Programs” with Woodsy Dude!
​
I've designed three separate library programs for three different age groups where I teach between 20-25 youth some of the outdoor skills featured in the world's best outdoor themed books. They'll learn how to make a Survival Shelter like in Hatchet, how to set a survival trap like Matt from Sign of the Beaver, how to tie Buck's # 1 Call of the Wild Rescue Knot, and so much more. They even get items during the course to start building their own outdoor survival kit.

Brian also published a book of plant disease-themed limericks (with additional prose descriptions of the featured diseases, photos, and original artwork). Learn about Limerickettsia: A Plant Pathologist's Book of Verse at https://pddc.wisc.edu/limerickettsia-book/.  

If you have questions, please contact Brian at:

Brian Hudelson
Plant Disease Diagnostics Clinic
University of Wisconsin-Madison
1630 Linden Drive
Madison, WI  53706-1598
Phone: (608) 262-2863
FAX: (608) 263-2626
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: https://pddc.wisc.edu
Follow on Facebook and Twitter @UWPDDC

Consider booking Barnaby Jones for a speaker showcase at your library!
 
Barnaby is a cryptozoologist, paranormal researcher, author, narrator, speaker, podcast host for "Monsters on the Edge" and "Whispers from the Dark," and founder/lead investigator of Wisconsin CAPS (Cryptids, Anomalies, and the Paranormal Society).
 
Barnaby, in collaboration with Barb and Craig Sulk, will be releasing the book Bigfoot is Hyden: The Incredible True Story of Strange Activities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula on January 1, 2024. This book will be available for purchase at the speaker showcase.

You can find more information about Barnaby and CAPS at www.wisconsincaps.com.​

The USDA Forest Service, in collaboration with the Georgia Public Library Service, is excited to announce the Smokey Bear Reading Challenge in celebration of Smokey Bear's 80th Birthday in 2024!

They are collaborating with public library systems across the country for this year-long challenge. This challenge is meant to complement CSLP's "Adventure Begins at Your Library," and is designed to be a fun and easy way to engage children in reading about wildfire prevention, forests, and natural resource careers, while exploring their local environment.

Public libraries are invited to run the challenge for those 4 to 10 years of age, from January 1st to November 28th, 2024.

The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction is registered as the participating state library, which means Wisconsin public libraries do not need to register individually to participate in the challenge. Each public library will receive the following incentives that will be sent out through the statewide delivery system sometime in January: one roll of 500 Smokey stickers, 50 Smokey cards, and one Smokey Stamp.

The Smokey Bear Reading Challenge Toolkit is available now – download posters, bookmarks, and more!

We are pleased to share below some FREE webinars and gardening activities for 2024 from nationally known and Wisconsin-based gardening expert and author Melinda Myers for all public libraries in Wisconsin. Melinda hopes you can incorporate any or all of the following into your 2024 Library programming calendars. If you have any questions, please contact Diana Paul at [email protected]. Look for more information in the New Year coming via WisPubLib!

Your Library can host a watch party on the dates below or schedule it after the live webinar date and play the recording. If you host a live watch party on the dates below, your patrons will be able to submit questions live and get them answered by Melinda at the end of each webinar. You can also let your patrons know they can individually register for the webinars if they’d prefer to watch them at home. Registration links are below: 

•  April 10, 2024, 6:30 p.m. CT – WEBINAR: Container Gardening Throughout the Year with gardening expert Melinda Myers
  Use container gardens to boost the color and seasonal interest in any size landscape, garden, balcony, or deck.  With your budget in mind, we will explore attractive combinations of trees, shrubs, flowers, edible plants, and those that attract pollinators. Plus, you’ll learn strategies for extending your enjoyment year-round by transforming all or a portion of the container planting with the changing seasons. Register for this free webinar at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SwTJwDSaQgWnm7YU-iY0mg. 

  

• May 1, 2024, 6:30 p.m. CT – WEBINAR: Ornamental Fruits and Vegetables with gardening expert Melinda Myers
  Increase the nutritional value and beauty of your landscape by incorporating attractive fruits and vegetables into your landscape, garden beds, and containers.  Growing varieties that are both ornamental and productive increases the opportunities for creating a beautiful space right outside your door. We will look at new and proven fruit and vegetable varieties suited to both gardens and containers. Register for this free webinar at: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_SFUNmF3LSUmpTXGpRMVbiA.

 

• June 5, 2024, 6:30 p.m. CT – WEBINAR: Under-Appreciated Pollinators with gardening expert Melinda Myers
  The plight of honeybees and monarchs fill the news but many more pollinators are often overlooked yet critical to the production of food, fiber and other raw materials we depend upon. Native bees, moths, bats, beetles, flies, and birds are also important. We will look at a variety of pollinators, their role in the environment, and their impact on people. Plus, we will discuss ways to co-exist with these often overlooked and sometimes feared or dreaded animals.Register for this free webinar at:  https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__q1UbmcTTMyyumfGd-o6AA. 

  ​

Looking for an enchanting, inspiring, and library-focused program to engage and delight your patrons? Scott Obermann has just the show for you: "Great Scott and the Magical Archeology Adventure!"

Tailored exclusively for library settings, this performance is designed to kindle a love for reading while delivering a delightful and unforgettable experience.

Program Highlights:

• Reading Fun: "Great Scott and the Magical Archeology Adventure" is all about celebrating the joy of reading. Through a magical journey, students will be inspired to explore books from your library, creating a wonderful connection between literacy and entertainment.
• Inspiration and Encouragement: This show is a true source of inspiration. It emphasizes the importance of reading in an exciting and imaginative way, encouraging children to see their place in the world of books and knowledge.
• Interactive Entertainment: My program is interactive and engaging from start to finish. Patrons are invited to participate, share their thoughts, and even become a part of the show. It's a fully immersive experience for everyone.
• What to Expect: Amazing magic, plenty of audience participation, some very fun ventriloquism and lots of laughter.
• Library-Centric Message: I understand the vital role libraries play in nurturing young minds. My show underscores the significance of libraries as magical places where dreams and stories come to life.
• Unforgettable Moments: "Great Scott and the Magical Archeology Adventure" leaves your young readers with lasting memories and a powerful message, reminding them that every book they read is a key to a world of imagination and discovery.
• Great Family Entertainment: All ages will appreciate and enjoy this show.

Their goal is to make reading fun, exciting, and a part of your library's everyday adventure. "Great Scott and the Magical Archeology Adventure" is the perfect show to inspire children to explore your library's treasures.

If you're interested in adding this enchanting and library-centric program to your calendar or if you'd like more details, call Scott at 262-364-6524 or email [email protected].

Work with Scott to create a magical and inspiring experience that will make your library a place where young readers embark on captivating journeys through the world of books.

More information is available at www.wisconsinmagician.com.

Would you be interested in booking my Pint Size Polkas show next year? I have details posted now at www.pintsizepolkas.com/library for the theme-fitting programs I’m offering in 2024. I’d love the chance to bring to your patrons a one-of-a-kind experience that librarians across the country have praised for its quality, uniqueness, and memorability!

This past summer, I was able to keep pricing in the $350 to $400 range per program, including expenses. The more libraries I’m able to book on a given trip, the lower my price, so please spread the good word to your colleagues! If you are interested in booking, please let me know so I can make some additional contacts, as well.

I have already received interest for programs in Park Falls, Altoona, Marathon, and Spencer on Monday, July 8 and Tuesday, July 9. Would you be interested in booking the week of July 8?  I have a few openings remaining on July 8 and 9 as well as the rest of the week. I have additional availability the week of May 27; July 5-6; plus numerous openings in August and throughout the rest of the year. Looking forward to spreading the joy of polka music and family-friendly entertainment throughout Wisconsin again during my 2024 summer reading adventures!

Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear back from you soon!

Mike Schneider
(414) 431-4683
P.O. Box 126
Clinton, WI 53525
www.pintsizepolkas.com
Six-Time Polka Hall of Fame Inductee

Solar science resources are available from the Wisconsin Department for Public Instruction for local libraries looking to host activities coinciding with the upcoming solar eclipses. Public libraries can serve as centers for eclipse education and viewing for their communities during the annular solar eclipse in October 2023 and the total solar eclipse in April 2024, while state agencies, like the DPI, will be the backbone for supporting their libraries by circulating the solar science programming kits.

The solar science kits are a “program in a box,” featuring books Moonbear’s Shadow by Frank Asch and When the Sun Goes Dark by Andrew Fraknoi and Dennis Schatz, interactive activities, and solar viewing instruments including a solar telescope, a SunSpotter, and Sunoculars. They also include printed materials aimed at helping public library staff feel more comfortable when talking about these exciting celestial events. There are two kits geared for a multigenerational audience, and two kits for a younger audience.