Youth Services Training Opportunities, News, and Resources

 

Live Webinars, Trainings, and Roundtables

Upcoming Webinars & Roundtables

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 ~ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Join us for an introduction to your EBSCO resources. You will learn what key interfaces and databases you have access to, why they are important, and how to access them. We will discover articles, eBooks, journals, and primary source documents in popular EBSCO databases, perform basic and advanced searches, and review custom tools and functionality.
Register Here and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
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Thursday, August 6, 2026 ~ 11:00 AM – 11:45 AM

This interest meeting is an opportunity for those of you interested in forming a roundtable to learn more about what it takes to start one.  (Spoiler alert–it’s relatively easy to do!)  Join Beth Yates and other members of ISL’s Professional Development Office as they share advice and best practices on starting roundtables, connect you to an existing roundtable on your preferred topic (if it already exists), and help you get organized so you can start your own.

The desired outcome of this interest meeting is that several new in-person or virtual roundtables will be jumpstarted, increasing the opportunities for Indiana library staff to connect with neighboring colleagues.  Anyone working in an Indiana library, who is interested in starting or participating in a roundtable, is welcome–this could include youth services, adult services, circulation, cataloging, marketing, and more.  Please bring your questions about starting and managing roundtables!  Existing roundtable leaders are also invited to attend and to share information about their meetings.

This meeting will be worth 1 Roundtable LEU.  A maximum of 10 roundtables are allowed in a 5-year period and are only allowed for those holding 5 year certificates.

Register here an the Zoom link will be sent to you.
Can’t attend live?  This meeting will be recorded; request the recording here.

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Tuesday, August 11, 2026 ~ 3:30 PM-4:15 PM ET

Access to TeachingBooks is for everyone in your community thanks to the Indiana State Library’s INSPIRE program, so we want to make sure everything is set up just right so it can be as effortless and seamless as possible for your students, faculty, and families. Join us and discover multiple ways to easily promote access including:

  • Single Sign on
  • Chrome Extension
  • Buttons and Widgets
  • Resource Sharing Options
45 min / 1 LEU
Register here and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
Can’t attend live?  Request the recording here.
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Wednesday, September 9, 2026 ~ 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET
This webinar is co-sponsored by ALA’s Games and Gaming Round Table
TTRPGs (Tabletop Roleplaying Games) are increasingly prevalent in library programming as both educational tools and fun, dynamic events for participants, but starting these programs can be challenging. With a combined two decades of experience running TTRPGs, presenters from Monroe County Public Library will discuss how to start and maintain RPG programs for youth audiences, ranging from ages 8-19. We will also share strategies and resources for developing youth community through RPG programming and structuring games to provide a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for youth to explore their own skills, autonomy, and identities. 1 hr / 1 LEU
Register here and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
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Wednesday, September 16, 2026 ~ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET
Successful grant proposals do more than request funding—they tell a story about community need, impact, and possibility. In this webinar, participants will explore grant writing through the lens of storytelling, relationship-building, and strategic advocacy. Topics include finding grants, aligning projects with funder priorities, writing stronger narratives, demonstrating outcomes, and avoiding common mistakes. The session will also touch on practical strategies for securing support through community partnerships, donations, and other creative funding avenues. Designed for public library staff, this session offers practical tools and encouragement for both first-time and experienced grant seekers.   1 hr / 1 LEU
Register here and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
Can’t attend live?  Request the recording here.
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Wednesday, November 18, 2026 ~ 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Enrich your learning space with quick and easy Book Hooks from TeachingBooks. Using QR Code shelf talkers, you can engage readers with author interviews, video book trailers, audio excerpts, and book-related games that bring books to life. Each activity covered in this session will be demonstrated in multiple ways, so that you are ready to implement them in your classrooms and libraries.  45 min / 1 LEU
Register here and a Zoom link will be sent to you.
Can’t attend live?  Request the recording here.
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Every Child Ready to Read workshops

Talking, singing, reading, writing, and playing!  Parents who do these five things (while sprinkling in early math & science skills) can set their children up for success in school.  This workshop will introduce attendees to the Every Child Ready to Read program and will discuss ways to encourage reading and school readiness during storytime.  Join us for this interactive workshop that will provide you with concrete examples for using ECRR in your library.  All trainings run 9:30-12:30 local time.

Register for below fall dates via ISL’s Events Calendar!

Fri 8/28       Hussey-Mayfield Memorial Public Library (Zionsville-Central IN)

Fri 9/11       Jasper County Public Library – Rensselaer Branch (Rensselaer-Northwest IN) – CENTRAL TIME

Wed 9/30    Bartholomew County Public Library (Columbus-Southeast IN)

Fri 10/9        Knox County Public Library, Fortnightly Building (Vincennes-Southwest IN)

Fri 10/30      Huntington City-Township Public Library (Huntington-Northeast IN)

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All Things Summer Reading

Unearth a Story: Summer Reading 2026 trainings
In-person Unearth a Story trainings have concluded for the year.  View the webinar version of that training here, along with resources for planning.

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Recorded & Self-Paced Opportunities

Note:  For all recorded webinars, you will need to have someone at your library in HR or administration create a certificate for you since they can verify you attended. Find the policy here.  Exception—Moodle courses should generate certificates automatically upon completion of the course.

General

Unearth a Story with the Indiana State Museum – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Successful Community Partnerships Through Intentional Outreach – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

PBS Kids Resources for Libraries – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Thematic Programming for Multicultural Celebrations – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

2025 State of the Child with Indiana Youth Institute – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Public Libraries & the Science of Reading – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Science of Reading Implementation: Indiana’s Priorities for Early Literacy (from IDOE)- recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

CSLP 2024: Adventure Begins at Your Library – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Getting Started with Girls Who Code – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Nature Play Days at our Local Libraries – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Getting READy to Build Better School Partnerships – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Building an Autism-Friendly Environment – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Grants for Public Libraries – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Dyslexia and the Public Library – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Beyond Books: Serving the Whole Patron – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Media Mentorship for Youth – 2-part recorded webinar – access via link – Part 1: 2hr/2LEU & Part 2: 2hr/2LEU

Philosophy & Children’s Literature – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

TALK: Text & Learn for Kindergarten – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Launching TALK in Your Community – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

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Youth Programming

Playful Opportunities – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Free & Low Cost Programming for Youth – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Early Literacy Summer Programming with the Firefly Book Award – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Storytime Basics – recorded webinar – access via link – 1.25 hr – 1 LEU

Reimagining School Readiness – 2-part recorded webinar – access via link – Part 1: 2hr/2LEU & Part 2: 1.25hr/1LEU

Material and Program Challenges in the Public Library – recorded webinar – access via link – 1.25 hr – 1 LEU

Implementing the Indiana Early Literacy Firefly Award – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Where Do We Go From Here? Reaching Young Patrons Post-Pandemic – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

How Do I Count This? Updated Guidelines for Programming Stats – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Dungeons & Dragons & Beyond: How to Run a Library RPG Program – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 TLEU

Be the Hero! Tween and Teen Live Action Roleplaying (LARPing) Games – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

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INSPIRE / TeachingBooks webinars

TeachingBooks/Book Connections is one of many databases provided free to all Indiana residents via INSPIRE.in.gov. 

Building Collections for Every Patron with TeachingBooks – recorded webinar – access via link – 35 min – 1 LEU

Using TeachingBooks at the Public Library – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Supplementing Science of Reading from the Library & TeachingBooks – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Navigating Book Selections with Book Resumes on TeachingBooks – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

 

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Teen Services

The Teen Engagement Blueprint – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Teen Tips (DIY 2021 session) – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Impacting Lives One Teen at a Time: What Directors Should Know – recorded webinar – access via link – 40 min – 1 LEU

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Access for All focused webinars

Port in the Storm: How you can support LGBTQ+ youth – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Come As You Are: Getting Started with EDI Committees in Your Library – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

From Diversity to Inclusion: How to Audit Your Collection and Why – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

Developing Welcoming Spaces for LGBTQ+ – recorded webinar – access via link – 1 hr – 1 LEU

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ISL Resource Websites
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Self-Paced Courses

Youth Services Basics – self-paced course – create free account/login to access

This course is designed as an introduction to library services for public library staff working with youth. Whether you are already working in a library or just starting out in a new youth services position, this content will help you consider why library services focusing specifically on youth are important, how to collect appropriate materials, the types of services and programs you can provide to your patrons, and the importance of outreach services.

 

Intro to Every Child Ready to Read – self-paced course – create free account/login to access

This course serves as an introduction to the six skills and five practices of Every Child Ready to Read, and offers some suggestions on using them in storytime.  It discusses reaching parents with this information and gives participants a chance to plan their “messaging” to parents. 2 hr – 2 LEUs  Additional Every Child Ready to Read resources

 

Readers’ Advisory 101 for All Ages – self-paced course – create free account/login to access

This course introduces the best practices for readers’ advisory for any age, with tips for adapting readers’ advisory for youth.  Great for new-to-libraries staff or those who would like a refresher.  2 hr – 2 LEUs

 

Media Literacy & Youth Services – self-paced course – create free account/login to access

This course utilizes a virtual workshop, recorded in Fall 2022 and brought to you by the Indiana State Library and the Maryland State Library Agency in partnership with New America, to review media literacy basics when it comes to advising young patrons and their families, and discusses how librarians can act as media mentors.  3 hr – 3 LEUs

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Non-ISL Training Opportunities

These trainings have been approved for LEUs.

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ALA/Public Library Association’s On-Demand Webinars website – This website contains webinars on a variety of youth services topics.  While some require a fee, many are free.

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Webjunction’s Supercharged Storytimes course – This self-paced course provides training in how to intentionally apply research-based practices to boost early literacy in young children attending library storytime.

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“A Teen Walks into the Library” course from the Colorado State Library, in conjunction with Arapahoe Libraries (CO).  This is a great entry-level self-paced training about working with teens in the library setting.  This course utilizes videos that provide real-world examples of situations you may encounter, and how to handle them.  It’s great for those new to working with teens—and all library staff who may encounter them.

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The Safe Zone Project – From the website:  “The Safe Zone Project (SZP) is a free online resource providing curricula, activities, and other resources for educators facilitating Safe Zone trainings (sexuality, gender, and LGBTQ+ education sessions), and learners who are hoping to explore these concepts on their own. Co-created by Meg Bolger and Sam Killermann in 2013, the SZP has become the go-to resource for anyone looking to add some Safe Zone to their life.” You can take a training yourself or organize a group at your library.  It is recommended that someone in or otherwise familiar with the LGBTQ+ community take part in leading any in-person group trainings.

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Book and Program Challenge Resources

Get Ready, Stay Ready: A Community Action Toolkit – a collection of resources curated by a group of librarians and parents

Preparing for Program Challenges at Your Public Library webinar from Programming Librarian – practical tips on preparing for challenges of books and programs in the library

Banned Books & Censorship virtual mini-conference from Library 2.0  – short sessions on a wide variety of banned book and censorship topics

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CSLP’s Professional Development Trainings

Library Services for Customers With Accessibility Adaptations
Online Training Session recorded on December 10, 2020 10am Central

Play, Diversity and Inclusion
Online Training Session recorded on November 10, 2021 2pm Central

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Literacy & Child Development

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Interactive Movie webinar & List of Interactive Movie Experience Scripts curated by Sarah Pearson, Minerva PL, OH – 1 hr / 1 LEU

Presented by: Sarah Pearson-Minerva PL, OH / Caitlyn Clark – Oak Bluffs PL, MA / Patricia VanArsdale – Hussey-Mayfield Memorial PL, IN / Mary Harrington and Deborah Dwyer – Phoenix PL, AZ

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Professional Tools

ALSC: Professional Tools for Librarians Serving Youth – A collection of resources organized by topic, from access and advocacy to summer reading and technology.

YALSA:  Professional Tools for Librarians Serving Teens – A collection of resources organized by topic, from teen development to engagement and beyond.

Indiana Youth Institute: IYI is a non-profit organization with a mission to “improve the lives of all Indiana children by strengthening and connecting the people, organizations, and communities focused on kids and youth.”

Children in Trauma Bibliography – The bibliography was created by Dr. Megan McCaffrey, assistant professor in the Division of Education at Governors State University. Categorized by theme, the bibliography includes books that address traumas such as domestic abuse and bullying; general grief and loss; illness, anxiety, and depression; pandemics; poverty; and more.

CDC’s Developmental Milestones website

1000 Books Before Kindergarten –  1000 Books Before Kindergarten is a national program.  This link takes you to some helpful resources provided by the program if you’re interested in starting a program at your library!

StoryWalk– StoryWalk was started by the Kellogg-Hubbard Library in Vermont and the name is a registered service mark—you can use it but should give the creator credit.  Read more about it, along with other helpful info on starting your own walk, by viewing the Storywalk FAQs posted at the bottom of the Kellogg-Hubbard StoryWalk website.

View ISL’s StoryWalk Resource Page here.

Summer Food

Summer Food Service Program – Indiana summer food program information portal.

Feeding Your Community: Summer Meals at Libraries – Webinar from CSLP and USDA. Public librarians share how they built partnerships and creatively implemented the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), with a panel of librarians from across the country. Learn the basics of SFSP and ideas for how to participate.

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