Have you ever felt the need to Google “computational thinking” when it’s mentioned in conversations about STEAM programming trends for teens? You’re not alone! Join us for an interactive session where we will move past the jargon and explore the importance of computational thinking for young adults. Learn how you are already implementing elements of computational thinking and connected learning in your work, and discover new ways to engage teens with 21st Century skills. Prior experience with technology and coding is not required. Come away with new, attainable ideas for teen programming and language for advocacy.

Claire Ratcliffe, Education Coordinator at the Space Science Institute
Beth Crist, Youth and Family Services Consultant, Colorado State Library
Catherine Boddie, Teen Services Librarian and Collaboration Coordinator, Arapahoe Libraries, Colorado

Safe Place is a national outreach program that connects teens in crisis with social service agencies. In Spring of 2019, Worthington Libraries partnered with Huckleberry House–a licensed agency in Columbus OH–to become a Safe Place site and expand our services to teens. After working deeply with Huck House, our library decided to refocus our efforts in building better relationships with our teens. Our staff underwent new training’s about teen brain development, trauma informed care practices and truly connecting with the teens who enter our buildings. With the help of Huck House, we developed stronger relationships with our teens and made our library space a real safe place. We will present information about how your library can become a Safe Place for teens by using a licensed agency and how your library can continue to do so during COVID.

Tara Shiman, Youth Services Librarian, Worthington Libraries
Stephanie Brand, Lead Librarian at Worthington Libraries in Ohio

Novels in verse are a terrific resource for teachers and librarians as a way of reaching all teens, especially marginalized teens and those who may be struggling or reluctant readers. They also provide a more modern, practical alternative to the classic canon, which may not appeal to many teens or may intimidate them by the sheer number of words per page. Participants will discover ways to pair verse novels with teens based upon their needs, interests, and specific situations, discuss advocacy strategies for rethinking the canon, and gather ideas for engaging poetry activities related to the novels in verse.

Lisa Krok, Adult/Teen Services Manager, Morley Library, Cleveland, Ohio.
Authors:
     Margarita Engle
     Nikki Grimes
     Padma Venkatraman

Hear from 2020 Edwards Award winning author Steve Sheinkin. Steve Sheinkin is the recipient of the 2020 Margaret A. Edwards Award honoring his significant and lasting contribution to writing for teens for “Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal- the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon,” “The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights,” and “The Notorious Benedict Arnold: A True Story of Adventure, Heroism, & Treachery,” all published by Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group, and “Lincoln’s Grave Robbers,” published by Scholastic Press, an imprint of Scholastic Inc.

Enjoy a panel discussion with first-time authors Adalyn Grace; Jordan Ifueko; Bethany C. Morrow; Ashley Schumacher. Moderated by 2020 Morris award-winning author, Ben Philippe.

We will discuss our partnerships between school libraries and public libraries, including specific programs and events that have been successful, the challenges we’ve faced, and ideas on how to get started.

Ashleigh Torres and Sandra Kelsey both work in Youth Services at the El Dorado County Library in California.
Donna Martin is the Teacher Librarian at Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California
Rebecca Clark, librarian at Markham Middle School in Placerville, CA

Learn how to start and run your very own filmmaking club for teens at your library or virtually. Even with minimal resources and experience, you can encourage your teens to make their own movies step by step through the filmmaking process, from script to screen. You can even organize your own film festival or world premiere night to share with friends, family, and the public.

Bill Stea, Young Adult Librarian, Waldorf West Library in the Charles County Public Library system in Maryland

Connected Learning is a great way to address issues of equity in your community! Learn how Connected Learning can bridge racial, economic, and cultural divides in programming for youth. Find out more about what defines Connected Learning. Join the conversation about how to use Connected Learning as a lens for building successful and equitable programming.

Leah Larson, State Library Services, Minnesota Department of Education
Shannon Lake, Brannon, LLC and YALSA Transforming Teen Services Coach
Tessa Michaelson Schmidt, Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction/State Library Agency
Caitlin Schaffer, Oconomowoc Public Library (WI)

Teens today are in constant contact with social issues and injustices – whether through their own experiences, or through their exposure to issues in print and digital media. But how often do they have access to a safe place to explore their thoughts and feelings about those injustices?
Meet two librarians who have identified these needs and have developed similar yet different approaches to establishing an annual Social Justice Youth Conference. You will leave this session with a clear idea on how to plan your own conference, engage youth, and provide a safe and inclusive environment for all who attend.

Erin Hoopes, Branch Manager, Philadelphia Free Library
Gabrielle Miller, Assistant Branch Manager / Young Adult Librarian, Enoch Pratt Free Library

Are you a school librarian looking for some new innovative and creative programming to pique the interest of your students, faculty and staff? Look no further! Learn how you can both connect with your pubic librarian and empower yourself to build upon existing programming in your library. You’ll learn about some amazing programs to take back to your library and easily implement. You’ll be given a detailed road map to successful library programming! You will not go away disappointed!

Janine Asmus, School Librarian, West Leyden High School, Northlake, Illinois