Today's teens are growing up in an increasingly complex world and many are entering adulthood feeling unprepared for everyday responsibilities. Libraries have a unique opportunity to bridge this gap by helping them build confidence, practical skills, and meaningful connections at the library.
In this interactive and idea-filled session, participants will discover practical ways to incorporate life skills into library services through programs, displays, conversations, partnerships, and everyday interactions. Kimberli Buckley, author of Teaching Life Skills at the Library, will explore why so many young people feel unprepared for life after high school and will introduce The Big 3—Money, Jobs, and Cooking as practical starting points for life skills programming that every library can adapt.
Participants will also learn practical approaches that inspire teens, build relationships, connect them with resources, and strengthen community partnerships. Along the way, dozens of ready-to-use program ideas will be shared, as well as passive programming examples, microlearning opportunities, and conversation starters that can be implemented at libraries of any size.
Whether participants are just getting started or looking to expand their knowledge, they will leave with ideas on how to connect, learn new resources, and gain the confidence to help teens prepare for adulthood while creating stronger connections within their community.
