The Youth Library Group aims to promote and highlight library services to children and young people. Each year our Recommending with Confidence seminar is our key programme event that delivers on these aims. For 2019, we are delighted to host several notable speakers in two areas - Autism and Teenagers & Reading.

Our library spaces have changed considerably over the years. Library spaces can be described as a community hub, bustling with activities for all ages. Our spaces are more than ever seen as welcoming, inspirational, neutral and safe but for some children and young people with autism; it can be a challenging and a stressful experience to enter this space. Our speakers will give insight into Autism, being a parent to a child on the spectrum and how we can create autism friendly library space.

There are many good examples of library programming for young adults across the country. However, we do recognise that keeping young adults engaged with library services and particularly reading for pleasure, can be a challenge. We must also recognise that in the modern fast paced world we inhabit, young people simply have more to contend with. The speakers we have engaged will give us some insight into this subject, tips on how to engage, how to set up a teen book club and how to choose relevant reading materials.

If you are looking for some ideas on how to make your library autism friendly or on how to engage with young adults – then this is the seminar for you! Our unmissable seminar will give you an opportunity to hear practical tips from several inspirational speakers, to network with fellow colleagues, and take back some exciting ideas to share at your place of work.