Talking Teen Services: Kids and Teens are Patrons, Too – Restorative Justice and Trauma-Informed Approaches in Public Libraries
How can public libraries be truly inclusive spaces for youth and teens, especially those from marginalized communities? In this session, we will explore how traditional patron codes of conduct often alienate young patrons and discuss the role of trauma-informed library services in building a more empathetic and equitable environment. Participants will leave with actionable strategies to adopt restorative justice practices and communicate rules in ways that foster trust, understanding, and inclusion.
This will be an interactive learning opportunity. Please bring a copy of your library’s patron code of conduct with you for a group exercise.
June M (she/ they) is a youth reference librarian in a public library outside of Denver, CO and a recent MLIS graduate! June has spent over a decade working in community with teens and young adults and has trained trauma informed principles in a number of different roles both in nonprofits and libraries.
Jessica Mendes Ford (she/ela/ella) is a librarian and educator currently serving as a Teen Reference Librarian with Arapahoe Libraries. She first encountered restorative justice practices in her past life as a teacher and has carried that philosophy with her ever since. She believes in the power of relationships, repair, and really good snacks.