MLA Connect: How Do You Do, Fellow Kids?: Interacting with Reluctant Teens at the Library

May 21, 2026
1:00 - 2:00 PM

Every Youth Services Librarian knows the anxiety of how to best connect with the teenagers at the library. How do you engage with them when it feels like they speak a different language? But here’s the secret: teenagers are actually just awkward weirdos. They’re people who are looking for a space they feel is theirs and can let their guard down. The best way to let them show their authentic selves is to be your authentic self. You’re not their friend, or their teacher, it doesn’t matter if they think you’re cool—you’re their librarian. Join Paris and Lindsey for a lively hour of digging into what that means by being authentically uncool and turning embarrassment into engagement.

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Cancellations for MLA online and virtual events must be received in writing by e-mail no later than five (5) business days prior to the program in order to qualify for a refund. Within five (5) business days of the event, no refund will be issued. Registrations received within five (5) days of the program are not eligible for a refund. No-shows will be invoiced. A $10.00 processing fee will be applied to refunds for MLA Connect webinars.