Understanding Teens is a 3-part Talking Teen Services series facilitated by members of the Teen Services team at Arapahoe Libraries in Colorado. All three sessions do go together but they can also be attended independently. Attendees do not have to have to be present at a previous session to benefit from the content of the next.

Please register for each session individually. Register for Session 3 here.
Recordings of past sessions are available on Libraries Learn.

Session 2

Understanding Teens: Biases and Stereotypes

Teens are important patrons in our libraries, with unique and evolving needs. In this series of webinars, we will share our approach in working towards welcoming, inclusive teen services by using staff training. Our goals with our staff training are to establish a base of empathy through better understanding of teens and their current experiences, and to offer practical strategies in working with youth. We will hold three sessions in this webinar series; each session will include working through a different part of the training. We will share our adaptable outline and references for attendees who would like to use the training in their own libraries. 

Our second session will explore biases and stereotypes, both about teens and library workers, and how they impact teen experiences in our libraries. We will cover some foundational information, activities that aid us in identifying biases we and teens might feel, and practical strategies in supporting teens. 

Facilitators:

Catherine Boddie was a teen librarian for 12 years before moving into the Teen Services Supervisor role at Arapahoe Libraries. She has spent spent most of her career focused on community outreach, mentoring, and training.

Erica Schimmel is a teen services librarian with Arapahoe Libraries, primarily focused on outreach, programming, and strategic planning. She has been active on YALSA committees, and is an adjunct instructor with University of Denver's MLIS program.  

Anush Balayan is a teen services librarian with Arapahoe Libraries. She has been working with youth in public libraries for the last ten years.

The Colorado State Library’s Talking Teen Services sessions are recorded. After the event, the recording and any additional materials will be sent to everyone who registered.

If you have any questions about the event or how to register, please contact Kate Brunner, CSL Youth & Family Services Principal Consultant, at brunner_k@cde.state.co.us OR 720-595-9248.