Designed expressly for library staff serving children and teens, the Joint Youth Services Retreat on August 28th and 29th is a time to connect with and learn from fellow colleagues in a beautiful setting. Below, you can see a complete description, including the schedule and fees.
You can REGISTER HERE! (Please note that registration will close on August 12 at the latest and earlier if it sells out.)
WEDNESDAY (August 27). Option of evening arrival.
THURSDAY (August 28)
9:00 Introductory Remarks
9:10 – 11:00 Building Hope in Yourself and Others. (Dr. Suzi Yokley-Busby) Everyone is born resilient. Even more so, anyone can learn to adapt better, bounce back stronger, and rebound healthier than ever. It’s not an easy thing to rebuild after trauma, and it’s a different journey for every individual. But with the right amount of support, time, and hope, survival is not only possible, it’s within sight.
11:10 am – 11:50 Booktalk Your Successes. (Retreat Participants) This session allows you to inspire others by sharing successful programs, fun crafts, helpful websites, or any other exciting finds or experiences from the past year. The goal is to provide each other with ideas and resources.
Lunch
1:00 pm – 1:50 pm Inspiring Hope through Young Adult Literature (Dr. Melissa Cast-Brede) Research has linked students’ sense of hope to positive outcomes such as academic success, physical health, and overall well-being. However, findings from a Gallup poll reveal that students’ levels of hope tend to decline progressively with each advancing grade level. This presentation explores the potential of young adult literature as a tool for fostering and sustaining hope during the often stressful and formative adolescent years.
2:00 pm – 2:50 pm Great New Books for Teens (Kris Cram) This presentation will include brief book talks about a variety of recently published young adult titles including graphic novels and crossover reads that could interest both teens and adults. Several ways to promote your teen collection will also be discussed.
3:00 pm – 3:50 pm What in the World is D&D? And What Does it Have to Do With My Library? (Liz Hittle) Have you been hearing all the rage about this “new” old game, Dungeons & Dragons? Turns out that it’s pretty fun and educational! AND it’s great for libraries, in many different ways!! From teaching empathy, to being a cathartic way of unwinding, to letting your and your patrons’ imaginations run wild – D&D is a wonderful addition to any environment!
4:00-5:55 Examples of Activity Possibilities:
- Boating (New this year!)
- D & D
- Walk or jog
- Board games, Puzzles, etc. (Bring your favorite along!)
- Networking
Supper for those staying overnight
7:00 After Supper Activities, if you wish:
S’mores (dependent on interest), Boating available from 7-8, other activity examples from above, downtime, etc.
FRIDAY (August 29)
9:00 – 9:50 Say Something: Empowering Your Community to Help Share Your Library Story. (Mitchell Roush) Tell your story or someone else will. Why can’t we have it both ways?! This session will explore the power of capturing your library story and empowering your community to help carry that positive message along the way. The workshop will provide sustainable strategies, templates, and ideas to boldly share your vision on a budget. Because a community is only as strong as its public library and vice versa.
10:00 – 10:25 Talking Book and Braille Service: Improving Accessibility to Books. (Miranda Shreves) Reading is for everyone, which is why Nebraska’s Talking Book and Braille Service (TBBS) provides free audiobooks, audio magazines, and braille to individuals with a visual or physical impairment, or reading disability. Join Marketing and Outreach Coordinator Miranda Shreves to learn about the service’s history, upcoming partnerships with Nebraska public libraries, and new efforts to reach more youth across the state in the coming months.
10:35 – 11:50 Tapping into Collective Wisdom. (Retreat Participants) In this session, we’ll exchange perspectives on tackling challenging situations. As part of your registration, you’ll submit a problem you’re facing at your library. Systems staff will categorize these into broad topics. At the retreat, we’ll form small groups where you’ll briefly present your issue and receive feedback from your peers. Finally, each group will share some fresh ideas and new approaches with the large group. (If you desire to continue the discussion with your group at lunch, feel free to do so!)
Lunch
1:00 – 1:25 Powerful Partnerships Are Easier Than You Think. (Sam Rundle) The Hastings Public Library has developed a model of providing outreach services through building partnerships. In doing so, programming has been elevated to a higher level and allows us to offer engaging programs that promote learning, create social connections, and stir up fun in several areas across the county.
1:35 – 2:10 One Book for Nebraska Kids/Teens. (Sally Snyder) Wouldn’t it be great if kids all over Nebraska were talking about books? The Nebraska Library Commission & the Regional Library Systems have a program where kids can all read and discuss the same book. Learn more of how this program came to be, what is involved, and how your library can participate.
2:20 – 2:45 Collaboration Station: The Partnership Between School and Public Libraries (Justine Ridder and Dana Fontaine) Justine Ridder is the Youth Services Librarian at Keene Memorial Library. She will discuss working with the elementary schools and high schools in the Fremont community. Dana Fontaine is the Media Specialist at Fremont High School. Dana has a thriving high school book club and will share her secrets (failures and successes). Join Justine Ridder and Dana Fontaine as they discuss how they joined forces with Fremont’s public library and public high school and how it has benefited their community.
2:45-3:15 Time to finish evaluations & say farewell!
Please let us know if you need accommodations of any kind or have any concerns.
Fees:*
Registration for both days, including a single occupancy room for Thursday night, Thursday lunch and supper, and Friday breakfast and lunch – $190
Registration for both days, including a double occupancy room for Thursday night, Thursday lunch and supper, Friday breakfast and lunch – $165
Registration for both days, no overnight, includes lunch both days – $120
Registration for Thursday only, includes lunch – $60
Registration for Friday only, includes lunch – $60
Add-on option: Arrival on Wednesday night after 6 pm, includes breakfast Thursday morning – $100
*Please note that each system awards scholarships for Continuing Education. For details, contact or email your system director. The information may also be on the system web site.
