Managing Patron Challenges Through a Trauma-Informed Lens: Skill-Building Sessions

This interactive IN PERSON workshop is focused on supporting library staff with developing and practicing skills for working through patron challenges from a trauma-informed library lens, including:

• A review of:
  • General information about trauma and how it impacts both patrons and staff in a library setting
  • The six guiding principles of trauma-informed care and examples of how they can be applied in a library setting for the benefit of both patrons and staff
  • Examples of library services and programming offered through a trauma-informed lens
• Support with skill development and application of those skills to common library scenarios. Five specific skills will be discussed that can be helpful for difficult patron situations (i.e. Reflect, Protect, Connect, Respect, and Redirect). These skills emphasize setting boundaries while using a trauma-informed lens and approach. The group will have the opportunity to practice applying the skills directly to common patron situations.
• Content will also be provided about creating behavioral policies that are trauma-informed, yet enforce clear behavioral guidelines for patrons.

Presenter: Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) Wahler is the Director of the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and founder/owner of Beth Wahler Consulting. She is a researcher, educator, consultant, and social worker that has collaborated with both individual libraries and large library systems throughout the U.S. to conduct needs assessments of their patrons’ psychosocial needs and staff challenges with these types of patron needs. She has created and piloted various interventions to address patron needs through a trauma-informed lens.

Note: This workshop is targeted toward all library workers.

If you have questions about this event contact CALL (call@cla-net.org). DO NOT contact the hosting library for event information.

Address of Hosting Library:

Long Beach Public Library - Michelle Obama Branch
5870 Atlantic Ave.
Long Beach, CA 90805
Wednesday, April 26 | 9am - 12pm

Travel and Parking Information:

• The library will be closed to the public at the time of this workshop. A CALL or Library staff member will meet you at the door to let you in.
• Ample free lot and street parking is available.

Travel Reimbursement Information:

• We highly encourage carpooling when possible (If you carpool there can only be one mileage claim per carpool.)
• Reimbursements are for those traveling 50 miles or more.
• Reimbursements are not allowed when using government or city cars.
• Reimbursements are for mileage at $ .655 per mile. Or cost of car rental + gas.
• Food and refreshments costs will not be reimbursed.
• Reimbursement requests will be processed after your attendance at the event, a sign in sheet will be provided.
• Reimbursement forms will be emailed to attendees at the end of the event.
• Reimbursements are for library staff.