Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026

Spring Institute for Youth Services 2026 Special Events

Wednesday Reception at the Grand Rapids Children's Museum

Wednesday, March 19 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Off-site Event
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
11 Sheldon Ave NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Spring Institute 2026 will kick off with a lot of fun and a lot of play at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum on Wednesday night from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Explore the exhibits and imbibe in great food and drinks from a local Grand Rapids caterer.

You are going to want to come early and not miss out on this! It is the perfect way to start the event off with a fun, low-stakes way to network with fellow attendees.

There is no transportation provided to the GRCM. It is a beautiful and safe 15-minute walk, or attendees can use the free DASH bus provided by the Rapid (please note that the DASH route will take about 25 minutes). There is also street parking available for anyone who wants to drive.

Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt

Thursday, March 20 Beginning at 5:00 PM
Downtown Grand Rapids

Keep the spirit of play going on Thursday evening with an interactive scavenger hunt in downtown Grand Rapids. Form a team, explore the city, solve playful clues, and connect with fellow attendees as you turn the evening into a game. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to unwind, discover local spots, and end the day on a high note.

MLA Literary Awards Announcement

Friday, March 20 8:45 – 9:00 AM

Hear from the YouPer, Mitten, and Thumbs Up workgroups with the announcement of the Top Ten Titles list for each award!

Poster Sessions

Visit the exhibit hall to see the projects and ideas your colleagues have chosen to share! Posters on display will include:

The (Library) Floor is Lava by Whitney Jones of Northville District Library
Leveling Up at the Library: Gamer Clubs for Tweens & Teens by Miranda Lentz of the Bay County Library System
Walking in a Winter Wonderland Scavenger Hunt by Stephanie Martin of the Ruth Hughes Memorial District Library

Trivia Lunch

Friday, March 20 12:45 – 1:45 PM
Room 215

We are excited to welcome back Matt Eickhoff of Here’s Your Host Trivia for another year of playful competition with table vs table trivia over lunch.

SI Gives Back

MLA is proud to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids for the 2026 Spring Institute Gives Back program. When you attend please consider bringing an item from their wishlist or a monetary donation that MLA will deliver following our conference.

Kids Food Basket provides nutrition to more than 38,000 kids in West Michigan. During Thursday’s lunch we will have lunch bags and coloring supplies available so the food provided can come in fun and attractive packaging that helps take the stigma out of the supper sacks.

T-Shirt Fundraiser

Show your SI pride by buying an event T-shirt at registration. Proceeds from the sale will benefit the MLA Educational Scholarship Fund. Shirts will be available for pick-up at the registration desk. The last day to order shirts is February 13, 2026.

If you have already registered for the conference and would like to purchase a t-shirt or you need a separate invoice, please contact us at [email protected] or (517) 394-2774.