Webinar: Responding to Awkward Situations in Youth Services

Working in youth services keeps you on your toes! You've probably experienced moments that catch you off guard, make you pause, or just feel... awkward. But what if you had the tools to handle tricky situations with confidence and care?

Let's dive into strategies that support comfortable interactions for both youngsters and their caregivers. Join guest presenter Erin Downey Howerton, Wichita Public Library youth services manager, to explore how to make your library space feel welcoming, respectful, and safe--even when things get complicated.
 

In this webinar, you will learn to:

• Keep kids’ dignity front and center, even in tricky moments
• Change the dynamic of awkward situations
• Overcome challenges to create positive experiences for youth and caregivers in the library

Guest presenter Erin Downey Howerton has been helping people in public libraries of various sizes for over 20 years. Currently, she is the Youth Services Manager at the Wichita Public Library, leading teams in their busy downtown urban library and across the system. Erin has reviewed for VOYA, IndiePicks, and Booklist magazines in all areas of children’s, teen, and adult fiction and non-fiction. A member of REFORMA and ALA, Erin’s past professional contributions include serving on the Margaret A. Edwards committee, chairing the Printz Award committee, and chairing the Booklist Editorial Advisory Board.
 

If you are interested in related topics, register for these 2025 events...

• Webinar: Teen Brains Debunked--Exploring Teen Development and Handling Library Conflicts | APRIL | Register here
• Webinar: Programming for Teens--Understanding Teen Needs Through a Holistic Perspective | OCTOBER | Register here

Also, check out these recorded trainings at your convenience...

• Introduction to School Librarianship | RECORDING | Watch now
• Introduction to Public Library Youth Services | RECORDING | Watch now
   

EVENT NOTES

Registration Details | Not sure you can make it to a live webinar? Register anyway, and we’ll send you a link to the recorded version when it is available. Registration is limited. Deadline for registration is seven days prior to the event. Webinar access information will be emailed to registrants prior to the event.

Recording | When you participate in a SCKLS webinar, a photographic, video or audio recording may occur. If you want your image or voice removed from the webinar recording, you must notify in writing SCKLS Training Specialist Katherine Hughes at least 24 hours in advance of the webinar. Absence of written notification grants SCKLS all rights to the webinar recording for educational purposes.