Still time to register...
Looking for
affordable and engaging Teen programming this summer? Register now for our Food Literacy workshop:
Gather 'Round the Table with Teens!
In-person workshops, 10:00 am ET - 5:00 pm ET
for the following dates/locations:
-
Monday, April 20, 2026 -
Register for this session at Jackson District Library's Meijer Branch,
4699 Airport Road, Jackson, 49202.
-
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 -
Register for this session at Traverse Area District Library's Woodmere Library,
610 Woodmere Ave., Traverse City 49686.
-
Food literacy is essential for teens to understand and learn about food in a positive way, including food skills and best food practices.
Young Adult library library staff will benefit from this workshop designed to guide libraries to in turn support teens as they explore the impact of food on so many levels of their lives.
Many people over the years have requested more training around food programming, so now is your chance to register!
This project is made possible by grant funds from the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) administered by the State
of Michigan through the Library of Michigan.
Resources
No Kid Hungry
Join in the 2026 Summer Meals Webinar Series! This year we will be joined by a superstar line-up of speakers, including sponsors, partners, state agency staff, and No Kid Hungry Program experts. We will go in-depth on several topics to help you take your summer
meals program to the next level. Tune in to learn the basics of Rural Non-Congregate meal service, menu building, community engagement, delivery models, program advocacy, outreach, and so much more! Session topics, dates, times, and registration can all be
found
here.
Reach Out & Readc Michigan
Reach Out
& Read is the only organization working directly with pediatric medical providers to share the lifelong benefits that result from families reading with their children every day. By reaching children during the critical early years, we can combat the effects
of inequality so that family income, race, and geography are no longer predictors of kindergarten readiness, school, and life success. Recently the MI PR Group for Libraries hosted a webinar with Reach Out & Read, you can watch the
recording and consider partnering opportunities.
AI Social Companions and Youth: What Parents Need to Know
Parenting Tip Sheets!
A significant number of today’s teens are regular users of AI chatbot tools as social companions. It’s not just teens – research also
indicates that 20% of preteens and 9% of 8-9 year-olds are using AI chatbots as well. What are the risks to children and adolescents of attachment to human-mimicking bots as social companions and even friends? How can parents and caregivers encourage the development
and practice of critical real-world social skills in the age of AI companions?
Access:
https://www.childrenandscreens.org/learn-explore/research/ai-social-companions-and-youth-what-parents-need-to-know/
In the News...
Stay warm & safe with snow storms coming our way this weekend!