Turning the Page on Trauma: Libraries as Safe Havens for Children and Caregivers

In a world where trauma affects the lives of countless children and caregivers, libraries are more than just repositories of books. They serve as sanctuaries of healing, hope, and empowerment. This webinar aims to shed light on the essential resources and successful programs available within libraries to support those affected by trauma. By providing access to recommended read-alouds, apps, materials, professional resources, and establishing partnerships with community services, libraries will continue the work to be safe spaces where children and caregivers find the support and strength they need to overcome trauma. This webinar will inspire libraries to continue their important work in this area, ensuring that they remain pillars of support and resilience in their communities.

Learning Objectives

1. By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to identify at least three recommended read-aloud books for children dealing with trauma, integrating these resources into their library programs or services.
2. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of trauma-informed apps, and by the end of the presentation, they will be able to recommend and demonstrate the use of at least one trauma-informed app for children and caregivers in a library setting.
3. After attending the presentation, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and strategies to establish partnerships with local community resources, such as social services and mental health organizations, and develop at least one actionable plan for collaboration within their library environment.

Georgette Spratling is the Assistant Library Director and Youth Services Librarian at the North Miami Public Library in North Miami, Florida. She is currently enrolled in the Simmons University School of Library and Information Science PhD. Program. She is a mother of two daughters, an HBCU Alum (Florida A & M University), and a lover of all things science fiction and fantasy.

Gabrielle Stoller is a Youth Services Librarian with the Meridian Library District in Meridian, Idaho. She is passionate about early literacy programming and embedding with the community to recognize and meet the needs of the underserved. She graduated with her MLIS from Emporia State University in 2021, was a Morris Institute attendee at ALSC Institute 2024, and is currently on the Excellence in Early Learning Digital Media Committee. When not working, she loves collecting picture books, thumbing through cookbooks, and talking about books with her husband, daughter, family, and friends.

Ewa Wojciechowska is a Youth Services Librarian at the New Castle Public Library in Delaware and a member of ALSC’s Membership Committee. She is especially passionate about early literacy, working with underserved youth, and fostering children’s love of reading, learning, and libraries.

This event will be hosted in Zoom. Automatic captions will be enabled for this event. This event will be recorded, and registrants will receive access to the recording within 2-4 business days after the event ends.

If you have questions or requests regarding accessibility, contact us at ce@ala.org or at 312-280-5100.