Thank you to all who have completed the summer library programming
survey
already. Keep those responses coming so we can continue to provide resources to MI Libraries! I'll keep this week's updates short & sweet - I hope you all have some vacations lined up before Library Card Sign-up Month.
Resources
Raising Independent Thinkers in the Age of AI - Children & Screens
Wednesday, August 29, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm EDT
Is AI use impacting the development of resilience, critical thinking, creativity, academic integrity, and intellectual curiosity in today’s youth? What happens to forming one’s own identity as a thinker when easy answers are just a few keyboard taps away? Join
Children and Screens for “Raising Independent Thinkers in the Age of AI,” on Wednesday, August 19 at 12:00pm ET, the first webinar in our “Character Matters: Values and Resilience in the Digital Age” series. Our panel of researchers and thought leaders will
engage in a timely discussion to help parents, caregivers, and educators grapple with the challenges and opportunities AI presents in shaping children’s ability and motivation to learn new things, think critically and creatively, and persist through challenges.
Citizen Science Champion Training Opportunities
The Foundations
of Citizen Science badge is awarded to individuals who have translated their curiosity into impact by demonstrating foundational citizen science skills and contributing to advancing scientific research on the SciStarter platform.
After earning the Foundations of Citizen Science digital badge, you’re eligible to become a
Citizen Science Champion. By completing the Citizen Science Champions training, you’ll be prepared to help others discover opportunities to participate in real scientific research. Becoming a Champion also makes you eligible to apply to become a
SciStarter Ambassador.
Introduction to Libraries as Hubs for Citizen & Community Science
Date: Tuesday, September 15
Time: 11:00 am PT | 2:00 pm ET
Explore how libraries across the country are engaging their communities through citizen science. Learn about the program’s history, impact, and future goals—and discover ideas and inspiration to help you get started.
Bonus! Get an exclusive preview of Citizen Science Month this April, including new resources and ideas to help your library start planning early. It's never too early to prepare!
WebJunction Resources
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THURSDAY, AUGUST 13, 2026
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Messy on purpose: The power of playful learning for children
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3:00 – 4:00 pm Eastern Daylight Time (UTC -4)
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Splatter painting indoors and a sand table out on the floor for an entire month!? These things really happen in the Youth & Family Services department at the Kenosha Public Library! Learn how making a mess can benefit your patrons, why to embrace it, and how
others have managed it.
Presented by:
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Heather Thompason, Kenosha Public Library, Youth and Family Services Department
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Shawn Wolf, Kenosha Public Library, Youth and Family Services Department
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Teen librarians can be a trusted source of support for teens as they navigate adolescence, and starting a new role as a teen librarian can feel both exciting and daunting.
But the key to working with teens is building trust: show up in their spaces, listen, demonstrate that you value them, and follow through on things that you say you’ll do.
If you are new to teen librarianship, these eight tips can offer a road map to build confidence, strengthen key skills, and begin to establish trust with teens that will be the foundation for success.
Ready to Read Michigan Presents...
Practical Puppetry for Powerful Programs!
Adding puppetry to library programs can engage learners, promote inclusive environments, breathe life into timeless classics, lift up diverse stories, and ignite imaginations. But who has time for memorizing lines, the budget for exotic supplies, or the opportunity
to implement long-term lesson plans? You can do it all without complicated puppet stages, formal scripts, expensive materials, or midnight oil!
Experience practical puppetry activities in action. Learn what makes puppetry well-suited to library learning and which types of puppets are best-suited to different activities. Adapt a story, song, or game to include puppets. Practice your crafting and performing
skills. Return to your own library inspired and prepared to add puppetry to your own programs.
Registration Details:
This in-person workshop runs from 9:30 - 5:00 pm EST, with lunch provided. Space is limited and there is a $35.00 fee to attend, payment for either workshop location is due by September 7th.
This program is made possible by the Library of Michigan and supported in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Thank you,
Cathy Lancaster
Youth Services Coordinator
Library of Michigan
702 W. Kalamazoo St.
Lansing, MI 48915
My Pronouns: She/Her/Hers - See
www.mypronouns.org to
learn more.
LancasterC5@michigan.gov
| 517-335-8129 | www.mi.gov/libraryofmichigan
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Join the
MiYouth Listserv,
created for Michigan public library staff to share and discuss children and teen programming and services.
Do you know an outstanding Michigan educator? Nominate them for 2027-28 Michigan Teacher of the Year!
The Michigan Teacher of the Year Program is accepting nominations through September 23.
Nominate an educator using the
online
form. For more information, visit
www.Michigan.gov/mtoy.
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Get personalized voter information on early voting and other topics at
Michigan.gov/Vote.
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