YOUTH SERVICES SECTION

PURPOSE

The Wisconsin Library Association's Youth Services Section (YSS) advocates for professional empowerment, collaboration, and innovative, inclusive, and intentional service. To that end, YSS provides a forum and resources for people in Wisconsin's libraries who share a commitment to serving children and young adults, their parents, caregivers, and teachers. It is a vital, dynamic group whose interests focus on providing quality library service and encouraging literacy and library use. YSS members include public and school library staff, library trustees and library supporters who work together to benefit youth in Wisconsin. To become a member simply check the YSS box on your WLA membership or renewal form. To become actively involved, please contact the current YSS Chair or Chair-elect to find out more about committee and conference opportunities for volunteering.

Youth Services Shout-Out-YSS! Blog

An up-to-date spot for librarians around Wisconsin to find relevant news, events, and resources.


EVENTS

 

2026 WLA Performers Showcase Update

 

The virtual portion of the 2026 WLA Performers Showcase, originally scheduled for December 8, has been canceled.

 

However, we will still be producing the 2026 Performers Directory, featuring information about performers and their programs available to Wisconsin libraries. The directory will be distributed electronically to all WLA members free of charge. We will circulate the directory bu December 15.

 

We hope this directory will serve as a valuable resource for libraries planning programs and looking to connect with talented performers.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support!


RESOURCES

Welcome to The Vault, a community-driven, teen programming resource brought to you by the WLA Youth Services Section!

Whether you need quick passive programming ideas, engaging hands-on activities, curated book lists, or fresh display inspiration, The Vault has you covered. It is designed to take the stress out of your tween and teen services planning.

Because this is a crowd-sourced space, it thrives on your creativity. We encourage you to share your own successful projects and favorite ideas to help support your colleagues across the state!

How to Access The Vault

The Vault is completely free for all current WLA members. Getting started is simple:

  1. Create an account: Visit yssvault.proboards.com and register. Please use the same email address associated with your WLA membership.

  2. Await verification: Our administrators will review your registration to verify your current membership status.

  3. Explore and collaborate: Once approved, log back into the forum to browse resources, download materials, and start planning.

Ready to share? Contribute your own fantastic ideas anytime by using the upload link located at the top of the forum homepage.


 LEADERSHIP

Chair

Kate Davis [email protected]

Vice Chair/
Chair Elect

Katie Alford [email protected]

Past Chair

Cathy Pescinski  [email protected]

Director at Large

Lynn Christiansen [email protected] 

Katie Ganser [email protected]

Abby Seymour [email protected]

Desiree Johnson [email protected]

Secretary

Hanna Collins  [email protected]

YSS Board Liaison

Linda Jerome   [email protected]

 


MEETING MINUTES

Meeting minutes are available to WLA members. Please sign in to see them. If you need assistance logging in, please contact [email protected] or call 608-245-3640.

YSS Meeting Minutes (wisconsinlibraries.org)