Safe and Compassionate Libraries

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In-Person | 10:00 am - 1:00 pm | One-on-one consultations

In this special in-person seminar, security specialist Rick Jenkins presents a holistic approach to library safety. Rick will share concrete examples of how he has turned some of the most challenging incidents into success stories for patrons and staff alike. A library does not become safer because of an increase in security officers or more punitive rules. It comes from shaping the culture across all divisions, departments, and branches; uniting in a common goal of support particularly in difficult times.

This session will feature:

• De-escalation training from a perspective of compassion and empathy
• Key points of scenario-based instruction
• What goes into a building safety audit
• Elements necessary to create and maintain a positive and inclusive library environment.

There will be 30-minute consultations available after the seminar between 2-5 pm on a first-come first-served basis during which you may share pictures or video of your library and/or ask specific questions/get Rick's advice. Please indicate in your application if you would like to be assigned a 30-minute slot.

Presenter: Rick Jenkins runs Safer Libraries Consulting, a company created out of 15 years of work as a Lead Security Officer at the Seattle Public Library. Rick is dedicated to the training of compassionate de-escalation practices, upholding the foundational ideals of public libraries while adapting to emerging needs in one's community. Rick has presented his trainings to many state library conferences, public libraries, and universities. He can be reached at rick@saferlibraries.com.

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

Santa Monica Public Library - Main
601 Santa Monica Blvd.
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Monday, July 29 | 10am - 1pm

*The Main Library is located at the corner of Santa Monica Blvd and 6th Street.

Transportation Information

By Freeway. Take the I-10 freeway to the Lincoln Blvd exit.  Turn right onto Lincoln Blvd. and proceed .4 miles to Santa Monica Blvd where you will turn left.  The Library will be one block ahead on the right.

By Bus. The Main Library is directly served by the Big Blue Bus lines 1, R10, and 18. Big Blue Bus lines 2, 3, R3, and 9 also stop within a short walking distance.

By Rail. The Metro Expo line stops within a ten minute walk to the Main Library.

Parking: There is an unground parking structure which can be entered off of 7th Street and Santa Monica Blvd. The fee is $5.50 for 3.5 hours.

Reimbursement: Travel reimbursement is available for anyone traveling more than 50 miles one way.  If you are requesting reimbursement please indicate your predicted travel costs and mode (i.e. driving, public transport) on your application.

This seminar will be offered at the Hayward Public Library on Wednesday, August 21st.