Isn’t it amazing how a brief change in the daily work routine can help us recharge and rejuvenate? Participants attending the North Carolina Library Association’s recent youth services retreat returned to their libraries revitalized and ready to work after a two day training this month.
This workshop “Back to the Summit,” held at the beautiful retreat facility at the Haw River State Park in Browns Summit, NC, offered opportunities to meet colleagues while focusing on contemporary issues and practical suggestions for enhancing staffers’ work serving children and teens in public libraries.
The Board of the Youth Services Section, a division of the North Carolina Library Association, coordinated the retreat for approximately 60 participants from across the state. After the fun icebreaker Master Connector, including such unusual questions as “Find someone who loves the scent of something unusual,” participants attended a session incorporating innovative ways to implement the latest edition of Every Child Ready to Read in their story times. Practical tip: Beginning reader books, with their repetitive, uncomplicated narratives, transform into fantastic flannel board and puppet show interpretations for preschool children just learning the art of storytelling.
Another program described some of the latest online tools and the impact in the workplace as participants shared their favorite sites. What was the clear winner among this group of North Carolina youth services staff? Our professionals regularly turn to Pinterest for program planning and inspiration, whether gearing up for their next special story time or scheduling events for our upcoming Summer Reading Club.
A session on LGBTQ literature and collection development provided concrete examples and professional resources to support this often disenfranchised group within our libraries. Attendees shared how their programs for teens must provide a safe haven for all participants where bullying behavior and inappropriate comments must not be tolerated.
During this full day of activities, attendees also heard updates from the State Library of North Carolina and tried their hand at creating crafts. Angry Bird catapults provided a popular programming idea and a friendly competition among participants. A wine and cheese reception offered a forum for youth services librarians to discuss everything from their biggest challenges in story times to their favorite new children’s book.
The following day focused on the common core and the public library and provided practical suggestions to assist parents and educators with navigating these standards, including adding nonfiction materials to the public library collection and incorporating more displays offering diverse titles. From the science of pancakes for preschoolers to exploring optical illusions with older kids, our final session incorporated interactive science elements into library programs for all ages.
There was time to relax, reconnect with colleagues (and meet new ones!) and recharge for another successful year of work in youth services. Though this retreat occurred earlier this month, the Youth Services Board is already planning sessions to sponsor during the biannual North Carolina Library Association Conference scheduled in October 2013. What trainings, workshops, or presentations have you recently attended that impacted your work serving children and their families? Please share in the comments below!