This year’s theme was “Spread Color, Spark Joy,” which complemented the Collaborative Summer Library Program’s theme for this year, “Color Our World.”
The WLA-YSIG Mini-Conference held in Douglas, Wyoming, May 1-2 was packed full of opportunities for learning, connection, and professional growth for youth services librarians from throughout the Wyoming library community. Library professionals from 20 different Wyoming counties joined together for their first conference in three years. This event was coordinated by WLA-YSIG co-chairs Chelsea Fenton, Angel Capone Evans, and Karri Savage, with assistance from Joanne Pruitt, Wyoming State Library Youth Services Specialist.
“We had a great turnout,” said Joanne. “There was so much energy, enthusiasm, and engagement.”
Forty-three youth services librarians from across Wyoming attended the WLA-YSIG Mini-Conference.
Participants benefitted from instruction from speakers regarding a variety of youth-related topics. A youth mental health speaker regarding how youth services professionals can help young library patrons in need of resources. Special guests, both human and canine, from K-9 Caring Angels, and a presentation by Sit Means Sit taught the attendees about how therapy dogs are trained and how they can be used in libraries with youth and children.
The librarians also participated in some educational and fun STEM activities with Karri, equipping them to include science, technology, engineering, and math in their library programming. Joanne shared information about GoWYLD databases, including some tips and tricks for increased efficiency. Plenty of networking and fun took place during a murder mystery icebreaker event on Thursday night, and a photo scavenger hunt and a children’s author icebreaker game on Friday. Friday’s agenda also included a business meeting, which included the adoption of updated WLA-YSIG guidelines.
Therapy dogs receive special training and can be beneficial when used as part of a library’s programming.
Everyone gained something from the conference, whether it be swag, information, inspiration, or some of each. At the end of the conference, participants left with renewed excitement and plans to implement new ideas in their libraries back home, and some even left with some amazing Collaborative Summer Library Program merchandise that was raffled and given away during the event.
Two Wyoming youth librarians participate in STEM activities involving static electricity.
“I loved that we were able to learn and practice new skills, easily access the resources you had for us, work together with other librarians, and to have fun while doing it,” said Hayden Rawlings from the Rock Springs Library in Sweetwater County. “We have decided to start focusing on one database a month in our building until we fully understand the benefits and drawbacks of each one. We’ve already been able to more easily connect patrons with test prep resources this week thanks to you.”