The Team
The Bubbler at Madison Public Library
Madison Public Library is an urban library system with nine locations and many staff throughout the City of Madison - home to the Madison Public Library Bubbler program - they support a broad scope of arts and maker programs and exhibitions throughout the entire library system and Madison community at large.
Over the last eight years, the Bubbler at Madison Public Library has created systems of consistent documentation and genuine assessment of impact. Systems that allow for evidence-based conversations that support growth or change, and streamline storytelling to funders, colleagues, patrons, and the public.
https://www.madisonbubbler.org/resources/educators/assessment-history
Beginning with a formal IMLS funded research partnership with the University of Wisconsin, the Bubbler team has designed and refined several assessment tools - starting with paper forms, then Google surveys and shared photo drives - they have captured evidence of critically thinking, innovating, or making connections through making over time.
https://www.madisonbubbler.org/resources/educators/assessment
In 2021, youth services librarian for the Bubbler, Rebecca Millerjohn, and her team sought to turn these practices into a self contained, digital toolkit with a National Leadership Grant from the Institute for Museum and Library services in collaboration with Waupaca Public Library and Skokie Public Library.
Rebecca Millerjohn
Youth Services Librarian | Bubbler at Madison Public LibraryHer work focuses on hands-on exploratory learning, educator support, research into making & learning assessment and practices, and strategic partnerships. She loves sock monsters, power tools, printmaking, and when kids get little scrunched faces that shows they are THINKING. She is the project manager for the Observation Deck.
Waupaca Public Library
Waupaca Public Library is in a rural area, serving the City of Waupaca (population 6,000), but also a broader surrounding area of 250 square miles. They are a small, but mighty provider of STEAM learning in their community in Northern Wisconsin. For many years, their programming for youth has centered around 21st Century skills like problem solving, communication, and self-directed inquiry. The library is the hub for informal, out of school time learning in the community where other resources can be scarce.
Youth Services Librarian Sue Abrahamson is a powerhouse in the Wisconsin Library community, regularly sitting on panels and boards promoting community engagement, STEAM education, and inclusive library practices. Her incredible insight and wide range of experiences has been invaluable to the development of the Observation Deck, especially in its strategic design for the busy, on the ground librarian.
Sue Abrahamson
children’s services librarian | Waupaca Public LibrarySpecializing in STEAM learning Waupaca Public Library - a 25 year veteran in her public library, Sue’s work with youth is dedicated to promoting 21st Century Skills and has propelled youth programming in and out of the library in her community.
Skokie Public Library
Skokie Public Library, in a bustling Chicago suburb (population 66,000), is the heart of a vibrant village, and is a beloved community space and resource highly utilized by all pockets of the community. SPL’s reputation as a space of learning is strong, and their multilingual community offers unique perspectives in serving diverse populations.
Skokie Public Library is a national leader in experiential learning, regularly setting the bar for excellence with their spaces, programs, and strategic goals grounded in community engagement. Their team is led by Amy Holcomb.
Amy Holcomb
Learning Experiences Manager | Skokie Public LibraryAmy oversees programs, learning spaces, tools, and staff to facilitate learning for the Skokie community. She oversees and supports the work of a talented team that coordinates experiential learning spaces and opportunities and programming for all ages.