Content and Promotional Materials now Available! 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.
You can help this program to be a success! Please promote it in your community and to your patrons. Here are some ideas:
If you have any questions, please email Diana Paul.
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The information below comes from Joshua Stuck, Outdoor Skills Instructor (Crivitz, WI)  Dear Youth Program Coordinator- "I wish there was a summer library program that engaged our youth in books but also got them away from the screens and outside having fun..." 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, The Hunger Games, and Hatchet? Introducing... the "Call of the Wild Outdoor Skills Youth Program" I've designed a 2-hour youth program where I teach up to 30 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 Katniss from The Hunger Games, 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. Outdoor books + outdoor skills = FUN & LEARNING!
 Would you be interested in bringing the "Call of the Wild Outdoor Skills Youth Program" to your library this summer?
LESS SCREEN, MORE GREEN! I hope to talk soon, Joshua Email: [email protected] PH: 715-587-1331
Girls Who Code Summer Programs
 Amended January 3, 2023Per 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 [email protected] to let her know.) "Hello All,
You are invited to bring this project to your library – One Seed, One Wisconsin is a loosely defined seed giveaway and programming project spearheaded by Kirsten Almo, director emeritus of Edgerton Public Library. 2023’s seed variety is the Wisconsin 55 Tomato, which has a fascinating history! Please use #1Seed1WI when promoting or posting about this project so everyone can see what the participants are up to! "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."
"You can learn more about the two books at our website: https://www.thestoryclothshop.com/
Thank you, Kaolee"  Magic Morgan & Liliana are raising the bar for library programming! They spare no effort in bringing the biggest, best and most fun experience to your library! You won't find anything like it, so get ready to say, “WOW!” Magic Morgan & Liliana will:
 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! About Matthew & Liliana Morgan
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!
The Magic of Isaiah a Great Success in Kewaunee & Algoma, WI
Posted October 13, 2021:
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."
 https://www.atcllc.com/learning-center/trees-and-vegetation/grow-smart/grow_smart-library/ 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 [email protected]. 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... The following information is taken directly from the WI Libraries for Everyone blog post, PBS Wisconsin Education Resources Available (April 19, 2022).  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:
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: [email protected]. Make Your Library Summer Reading Program Unforgettable, Successful, and Fun 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. “WISCON-SING” - A Musical History of Wisconsin Click image to download "Wiscon-Sing" brochure "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. The Illustrated Song: Folk Songs as Children's Books Click image to download "The Illustrated Song" brochure "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." Booking Now for Spring & Summer 2022! 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.
The following program information comes from Michigan author Ross Richardson. I’m scheduling virtual library programs (via Zoom) for the winter/spring season (February-May) of 2022. Each live program has an hour-long runtime and is followed by an open Q&A session. These programs feature state of the art underwater video, as well as historical imagery, research and documentation.
My most popular programs are:
Below are links to news stories concerning some of my discoveries.
 Our 2022 Summer Reading Program has arrived! My name is Sadarri Saskill and I am part of a multilingual Storytelling troupe with over 25 years of teaching and performing experience throughout the world. We are so excited! Focusing on multicultural literacy, we provide fun interactive storytelling performances, workshops, and activities for all ages — a simple turnkey opportunity that will allow you the most animated programming options with the least increase in your workload! For more information, please visit www.globaltales.com and see the promo flyer and program information below.
Feel free to contact us directly with requests and/or questions. Specific details to be discussed prior to booking. Additional references and raves available. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
(Booking Email: [email protected]) Muchísimas gracias, merci beaucoup, thank you very much! Sadarri  As an international non-profit, Girls Who Code offers free and flexible computer science opportunities for students with a strong emphasis on social-emotional development.
 Rochelle Melander is a writing coach and teaching artist. She is the founder of Dream Keepers, a writing workshop for young people in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and she teaches at libraries, local schools, and museums.  Rochelle's new book, Mightier Than the Sword: Rebels, Reformers, and Revolutionaries Who Changed the World through Writing (Beaming Books; July 27, 2021), is a middle grade social justice book pairing life changing writing exercises with the stories of a diverse group of people who changed lives and communities throughout history. The book features people from a variety of disciplines who used their words to educate people about the stars, advocate for women’s rights, end slavery, save the environment, protest injustice, and more. Sidebars explore types of writing, fun facts, and further resources.
Library directors: if you would like to review the eARC to take a look at this book, please contact Rochelle for a link. She’s also written 11 books for adults, including two books to help people write: Write-A-Thon: Write Your Book in 26 Days (and Live to Tell About It) and Level Up: Quests to Master Mindset, Overcome Procrastination and Increase Productivity. Rochelle is also available for author visits. Mike Schneider is available to perform his Pint Size Polkas program year-round! Please view the introductory video below for the programs he's offering in 2022. Whether you’ll be back with in-person programming or are in need of virtual programming, Mike will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to your patrons that librarians across the country have praised for its quality, uniqueness, and memorability! Mike tries to keep per program pricing around $350, including all expenses. The farther he travels, the more shows he needs to book to be able to make that happen, so please spread the good word to your colleagues! If you are interested in booking, please let Mike know so he can get to work making additional contacts. Mike looks forward to sharing his passion for polka music and family-friendly entertainment with your patrons in the near future!
Mike's contact information is:  Are you and your patrons still looking for that perfect paranormal/ghost program at the library this fall? Something that would be educational, entertaining, and even infused with humor an fun (without being too deep into occult or questionable material)? My "Visiting the Beyond" paranormal program could be just the fit your library needs - and at a fair price!
My name is Curt Strutz, and I am a self-proclaimed "Paranormal Explorer." I tour and visit some of the country's most notorious haunted locations and experience them - with personal happenings, history, and original photography. I bring all of this original content to libraries and museums across the country - and already have a semi-full fall schedule at this point in time (with live and in-person lectures in WI, FL, IA, and AL already booked in 2021). My presentations are loved by those into the paranormal, but also are great for those into both history and photography. I am pleased to announce that I do have a handful of solid/great dates that can still be booked for this September and October that will work for WI libraries - given the fact I do reside right here in the state! While the majority of the bottom half of October being booked, there are still quite a few solid dates open for the top half of the month. We could still make it happen for your library! I have been scheduling lectures on the paranormal for nearly 10 years - speaking at libraries all over the country, as well as museums, special events, and even some paranormal conferences down in Illinois a few years back. I was also a featured cast member of a nationally syndicated cable access TV show called "Paranormal Generation." This show aired on cable access channels across the country, from Lancaster, CA to Philadelphia, PA! The show ran for two seasons/years, and all back episodes are still available to view on YouTube!  Check out this super fun program from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources!
"Make tracks to the nearest state park, forest, trail or recreation area and ask for a free Wisconsin Explorer booklet. Inside you'll find nature activities, scavenger hunts, games, hikes and crafts to help you explore Wisconsin's great outdoors together. Kids who complete the requirements will earn collectible state symbol patches. Don't just sit there - get out and start discovering secrets together!" Folksinger and storyteller David HB Drake presents “Animal Faire” - a menagerie of songs for the whole family! To celebrate the Summer 2021 Reading Program, “Tails and Tales”, David is “Going to the Zoo” to visit “My Rhinoceros” and go “Waltzing with Bears” at “The Animal Faire”. Magical beasts like “Puff the Magic Dragon” play with “Jennifer’s Rabbit” in songs performed on guitar, concertina, banjo, dulcimer, and Native American flute.
David HB Drake has been called “the real thing” – a musician and historian with 40 year of experience performing throughout the Midwest. Contact Organic Arts at [email protected] (preferred) or call 414-702-6053. Libraries over 100 miles from Milwaukee – please be “green” and try to work with other area libraries to schedule more than one show a day and/or on adjacent days to save travel costs. Programs can be done outdoors or in large rooms if COVID restrictions are still in place. David also has programs for the community, Library Week, and Seniors year-round. For a wealth of information on David’s rainbow of performances for all ages, visit www.davidhbdrake.com and David HB Drake on YouTube. -- David HB Drake Creative Director, Organic Arts Ltd. 414-702-6053 / [email protected]  Looking to add a spark to your “Tails & Tales” line-up? Sharon Page and the Circus Dogs are national-award-winning performers based right here in Wisconsin!
They’ve retired from live shows, but spent the past four months filming and editing a 48-minute video called “ABC CIRCUS”—the culmination of 25-years performing with animals. This was a labor of love for the 2021 Summer Reading Program theme “Tails & Tales” that will never be repeated! From inspiring to laugh-out-loud funny, the fourteen mini-chapters feature topics ranging from “a puppy’s life in Istanbul” to “dealing with sibling rivalry.” Along the way, their performing dogs and cat showcase over 80 Awwwww-inspiring tricks. Already have live performers booked? Stream “ABC CIRCUS” ahead of the Summer Reading Program as an incentive for families to sign up! There’s even an option to add a “live” Zoom meet & greet with Sharon and all three pets. Free Summer Coding Program from Girls Who Code for Nicolet Federated Library System Students2/16/2021  I’m excited to share that Girls Who Code’s free Summer Immersion Program (SIP) will be virtual again in 2021. We care deeply about serving students who are underrepresented in the tech field and lack access to CS education. I want to help you learn more about the program and encourage your eligible students to apply!
SIP is a free 2-week virtual program! Participation is 100% free, and GWC provides need-based stipends of up to $300 for those who qualify. We are committed to serving all girls and non-binary students but especially those who come from underrepresented backgrounds in tech, including Black, Latinx, and low-income students.
Partner with us and your students receive priority consideration! As a SIP Community Partner your students would receive priority consideration into the program. All they need to do is indicate that Nicolet Federated Library System is their Community Partner when asked on their application. Complete this form to partner with us! Encourage your students to apply, share the blurb below! I hope you can partner with us and share the blurb below with 9th-11th graders in your community. If you have any questions, sign up to join an informational call. Best, Kibret ---------------------  "Hello,
My name is Alyssa Bohm, a Racine native, I am currently serving as Miss Wisconsin 2020-2021. I am a high school special education teacher that understands the importance of equal opportunities and educating our youth about inclusion and acceptance. As a state titleholder, it’s my job to volunteer, make appearances throughout the state and promote my social impact initiative, "Embracing Special Needs, Building Inclusive Communities" which focuses on enhancing the lives of those with disabilities and creating inclusivity within our communities. I am diligently working to fill up my calendar for the remainder of my tenure. I am scheduling virtual and in-person appearances. I am available to speak (about my social initiative, perseverance, social media, and a few other topics), sign autographs, mingle, walk in fashion shows, dance, etc. I would love to make an appearance at your library and present my Inclusion Program: Teaching Acceptance and Kindness. I can also assist in promoting the program event prior to the event taking place on our social media platforms. |
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