​Following are updates on the “Grow Budget-Wise, Beautiful Gardens Anywhere” Program from garden expert Melinda Myers for Wisconsin Public Libraries to use from April – September.

​Here is the news release with details about the program for your review. All the program content is free of charge thanks to underwriting sponsor We Energies.
​

1. ​In the "Grow Budget-Wise, Beautiful Gardens Anywhere” program content for libraries, you’ll find information on the 3 Garden Webinars, 3 Videos, and Activities/DIY Projects (activities will be uploaded throughout the season; the April activity is available now). Consider hosting webinar watch parties at your library and/or events to do the DIY projects and activities. And feel free to use the content in any other creative way you come up with.
2. Promotional Materials are available for patron promotion in the Electronic Press Kit. This press kit provides social media posts/photos, webinar graphics, website banners for your library website to link to the program web page, a poster for your displays or bulletin boards, a QR code linking to the program web page, a news release template, and more.

You can help this program to be a success! Please promote it in your community and to your patrons. Here are some ideas:

• Add a banner or graphic to your website with a link to the program web page.
• Tailor and share the news release (click to download template) with your local media.
• Promote the programming via your social media channels (see social media post copy and images in the electronic press kit – access through link above in #2).
• Create displays in your library with gardening books, a poster with a QR code that links to the program website.

• Promote the events in your flyers, programs, and other marketing materials.

• Encourage registrations for the webinars by sharing these Facebook events on your library’s Facebook page (simply click on the links below to share them on your library’s Facebook page):
  • April 18, 2023, 6:30 p.m. CT - Growing a Bountiful Harvest – Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/3382483008631715
  • ​May 3, 2023, 6:30 p.m. CT - Gardening in a Changing Climate - Facebook event link:  https://www.facebook.com/events/887499652506142
  • Sept. 13, 2023, 6:30 p.m. CT - Fall is for Planning and Planting an Energy-Saving Landscape - Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1276832873248072

If you have any questions, please email Diana Paul. ​

• ​In our 2-week Summer Immersion Program for current 9th-11th graders, you’ll learn how to get creative with game design in live virtual classrooms led by industry-leading companies like Metlife, Bank of America, and Accenture. By the end of the program, you’ll learn the fundamentals of game design, UX, the iterative design process, and more, as you build out a suite of short games using the p5.js library for JavaScript. You can even apply for laptop and hotspot access and grants of up to $300 for financial support!
• In our 6-week Self-Paced Program for current 9th-12th graders, you’ll learn to code through independent study and real-world projects. By the end of the program, you’ll earn beginner-level certificates of completion in HTML, CSS, or JavaScript for web development or intermediate-level certificates of completion in Python for Cybersecurity or Data Science.
• Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of a sisterhood that supports you for life! Both programs introduce you to inspiring industry professionals and unlock lifelong college and career support. For more information on our virtual Summer Programs, check out our website or attend a webinar.

Head to girlswhocode.com/summerapply to apply by February 15 for priority consideration or March 24th for the final application deadline."

Per a follow-up communication from Tovah Anderson on January 3, 2023:

"It was brought to my attention that Wisconsin requires seed (re)labelers to be licensed and that seed libraries may fall under this requirement. I spoke with Greg Helmbrecht at the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Greg responded: 'Several years ago, we evaluated the need to license “seed libraries” and decided it wasn’t something we needed to do as long as commerce wasn’t affected. This was an exemption to licensing but the idea was that there wasn’t “bulk” seed involved.
 
Jung is a licensed and reputable seed labeler and one that would be directly affected by your “give away”. I think that if they are aware of your plans and don’t have a problem with it, you shouldn’t need a license. Full disclosure with Jung is advised and they could probably do your labeling for you.'
 
Upon his suggestion, I reached out to Jung Seed to see if this project was okay. I shared with him how Prairie Lakes Library System was planning to run this project in our area. Brian Isaacs at Jung Seed responded: 'It was a pleasure speaking with you this morning.  When you are wanting to do this again, just let me know ahead of time and we can package them up for you and even add library information to the package.  For this round, Jung Seed does not have any issues with the way it was handled.'

It sounds like we have the go-ahead with the understanding that seed libraries are not meant to take business away from the seed sellers and that the planning committee will approach this project differently next year.

Each library is free to order their seeds from any seller they like. There is no formal “oversight" of this project so you can run your program as you like."

(Note: Tovah is interested in how many libraries think they will participate. As a courtesy, please email her at tanderson@prairielakes.info to let her know.)

"Hi,

My name is Kaolee Yang, and I am one of the authors of two early literacy Hmong board books. Wisconsin is home to one of the largest Hmong population in the United States, and yet there are very little bilingual titles available in the public libraries. We would love to supply your library with these two new titles that teaches how to count in Hmong, and how to say the colors in Hmong." 

Opening a book is like opening a door to a world of opportunities. As the constant distractions by technology keep spilling in, libraries everywhere are faced with the challenge of getting children to drop the video games and pick up books. NOW is the time to show everyone the MAGIC IN READING through AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE IN READING - with MAGIC - to get them excited about coming out to YOUR library! Watch as many books "vanish" from the bookshelves after the show!

But, Mike's program is so much more than music. It's theme-fitting magic, comedy, and education rolled into one fluid, high-energy musical package guaranteed to bring a smile to the faces of young and old alike! Age-appropriate trivia questions, jokes, and a special edition of name that tune will relate to friendship, from great friends like Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox, to the theme song from Mister Rogers' Neighborhood. Plus, one lucky adult will even have the chance to participate in a special friends-don't-get-friends-wet magic trick that will result in two dry adults on stage against all odds!

​Pint Size Polkas is the perfect fit for your library in 2023. It's tons of fun for all your family and friends!

"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 kid’s eyes!"

"In addition to the 40-45 minute show, we also host a post-show 15-20 minute meet & greet with one of the dinosaurs!  It makes for an experience like no other, with a show, photos, and a chance to pet a realistic looking dinosaur!

As mentioned, we are planning to bring the 45 minute show throughout WI at various points this next summer (I reside in WI).  I have many random dates and spots that can be filled. Times are already filling in fast, and at an all inclusive price UNDER $500 (that includes mileage from Wisconsin, meals, and all motel expenses) – you just can’t go wrong!

Would this be something your library may have interest in?  It is by far one of the best received children's library programs I have ever been involved with!"

Curt Strutz
Strutz Entertainment
Dinosaur Dimensions
262-271-7327
strutzentertainment@outlook.com

Meet Isaiah, of The Magic of Isaiah out of the La Crosse, Wisconsin area. Isaiah has an all new 2022 summer library show entitled Dive Into Reading: Oceans of Possibilities. He has been performing for libraries for the past 15 years, with an all new show every year based on the National theme. This is much more than the average magic show! 

Every show incorporates books that support the magic. This will get your patrons excited to check out books on the various topics he introduces and performs on. Along with the magic, Isaiah also incorporates light juggling, puppetry and clean family comedy. 

This year's show, Dive Into Reading: Oceans of Possibilities, will include books such as How I Became a Pirate, Land shark, The Pout Pout Fish and many more. During the show, there will be a fish race with one child against four adults. It's amazing seeing all the audience members involved in this, with nothing more than loud cheering and laughter happening. During the show, the audience members will learn about the importance of reading and how often they should be reading. Isaiah also has a special guest puppet that has an important message to tell all of your guests. There is so much more to talk about with Isaiah's shows and he cant wait for you to be as excited as he is about it. 

Shows are 45 minutes long and are tailored to all ages, and all shows are guaranteed with a simple agreement and invoice. Isaiah travels anywhere in Wisconsin and offers multiple-show discounts with your own library or libraries within your system. Show prices range from $250 to $450 depending on the location.

"I want to thank you for taking the time to read this and I look forward to your interest in my summer reading show."

5/4/2022 update from Kelly Bolter, Adult Programming Coordinator @ Milwaukee Public Library:

​We're counting down the days until Melinda Myers will be celebrating Pollinator Month with your libraries and patrons! She’ll be hosting 3 live webinars and 3 youth videos with corresponding DIY projects that can be done as part of library programming with kids, tweens and teens. These projects can also be accessed online for any families or households who would like to do this at home with take home kits.

Attached (below), you will find a DIY Project Supplies List created by Melinda. This could helpful for any libraries who plan on including them in a Summer Reading Program, and any take-and-make kits. Please note that step-by-step instructions for each of these DIY projects and the corresponding videos are being produced and will be available online by 5/16 on the program’s webpage, www.atc-GrowSmart.com/library. This page is currently under development.
 
I’ve also attach(ed) a refresher of the Pollinator Month program and content that will be provided to our libraries free of charge (see the attached June 2022 Pollinator Month Factsheet) and information so you can promote the 3 pollinator gardening webinars presented by Melinda to your patrons (see Pollinator Month 2022 Webinar Registration Info).
 
If you have any questions, please contact Diana Paul at diana@melindamyers.com.
 
Thank you for getting the word out about the importance of pollinators and ways we can help them! Please note the dates of the Pollinator Month Webinars are June 1, June 15, and June 22.

Original post: 3/21/2022
​
June is National Pollinators Month. In an effort to raise awareness of the importance of pollinators and how everyone can help them, American Transmission Co. is teaming up with gardening expert and author Melinda Myers. Together, they will produce and provide libraries throughout Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan with educational programming and content for National Pollinators Month.

The content and programming will be made available to the libraries at no cost and the libraries may offer the programs and content to their patrons throughout the month of June.​.. 

Guest post from Marci Glaus at PBS Wisconsin Education

Whether you are preparing for Oceans of Possibilities this summer or looking to bolster early learning and youth services programming, PBS Wisconsin Education provides both Wisconsin-specific and nationally-curated content you can use as a springboard or central component to educational programming.

PBS LearningMedia is a free digital learning website created to support the distribution of compelling Pre-K-12 educational media resources. PBS LearningMedia’s robust and contextualized digital resources are designed to supplement educational experiences with video segments from award-winning PBS documentaries and series, PBS KIDS properties, station-produced programs, and original video and interactive resources!

Collaborative Summer Library Program
Examples below highlight some ideas from PBS LearningMedia that pair well with preparation for Oceans of Possibilities summer programming:

• Kick off storytime with the “Search for the Flying Fish” video from PBS KIDS Wild Kratts, to get children excited about creatures living in the ocean! Go deeper into activities with free/downloadable printables in English and Spanish. (Grades K-2)
• Use Follow the Water, a brief video (available in English and Spanish) from PLUM LANDING™ PBS KIDS aimed at tracking water from melting snow all the way to the ocean, including pollution and trash the water picks up along the way. Tie the video to books, games, or activities on the ocean/s or pollution. (Grades K-5)
• Dive into “Sharks and Shorelines” from EARTH A New Wild, to learn about social networks and coastal ecosystems including shark populations (Available in English and Spanish). Then choose any one of the other educational videos or supplemental materials to extend the learning while tying to books and other materials available in the library. (Grades 3-5, 6-8, 9-12)

PBS Wisconsin Education
Beyond summer library programming, pbswisconsineducation.org offers seven different Wisconsin-focused collections for grades 3-12 with cross-curricular connections in American Indian Studies, English Language Arts, Environmental Education, Music, Social Studies, and Science. Collections include videos, student interactives, games, educator guides, and more. All of these resources are made with Wisconsin educators, and are completely free to use in any learning space!

If you have any questions or would like to talk further, please contact Marci Glaus: marci.glaus@pbswisconsin.org.

If you are booking summer shows in your libraries and still need a variety act,​ consider the Magic Village magic show.

​Magic, ventriloquism, escapes, comedy, and audience participation are all set around a theme about the job opportunities attempted by Charlie, the ventriloquist dummy. His attempt at being a doctor is demonstrated by the magician sawing an audience volunteer in two. His attempt to be a security guard is demonstrated by audience members locking up the magician in a set of old wooden stocks.

David HB Drake has been touring the Midwest for over 35 years presenting original and heritage music and folklore of the Great Lakes region at performing schools, festivals, concert stages and libraries.

"Wisconsin's vibrant past comes to life in Wiscon-Sing, a multi-media performance of  music and images featuring educator and folksinger David HB Drake.  David has performed Wiscon-Sing for 30 years and counting live in state schools and libraries.

David engages audiences of all ages in an authentic immersion into history, performing on handmade and historic instruments: mountain banjo, dulcimer, concertina, Native American flute, and guitar.

Stories of Native Americans, French explorers, European immigrants, Great Lakes sailors, lumberjacks and farmers are further enhanced with over 150 historic and scenic images and sing-along captioned lyrics. It was performed over 300 times statewide during the 1998 Wisconsin Sesquicentennial and over a thousand times over the years." Review David's Wiscon-Sing flyer here.

"Many popular folk songs have been illustrated as children's books. Taking the concept full circle, David sings folk songs such as This Land is your Land, This Little Light of Mine, The Marvelous Toy, and I've been working on the Railroad while the pages of the corresponding children's books are projected.

It’s like having a giant book that everyone can read the words and see the pictures while the illustrated songs are performed live so everyone can sing along!

​David plays authentic folk instruments including banjo, dulcimer, concertina, and guitar. This multimedia program was created with the help of the John Stewig Collection at the Center for Children's Literature, Hedberg Library of Carthage College in Kenosha WI."

Alex Thomas and Friends offers a variety of unique programs, in person and virtual. A team of professional animators & puppeteers with Television and Film experience, they have been providing unique library programs for nine years. They're also willing to travel!

Please contact Alex Thomas and Friends if you have any questions about their programs or if you would like to get something on the calendar. They would love the opportunity to work with you! For links to some of their programs, and reviews from librarians, please visit www.alexthomasandfriends.com.