We’re excited to share that CALL is partnering with the Brazelton Touchpoints Center to offer Touchpoints in Libraries training to California library staff who work with young children and families. The California State Library has been supporting Touchpoints training, both directly and through its partners, since 2014.
These courses help library workers build meaningful, strengths-based relationships with caregivers and young children in library spaces. They also reflect the needs and requests we have heard from library staff across California.
We encourage you to share these opportunities with colleagues, talk with your supervisor about attending, and plan ahead for the multi-week commitments. Many library workers who have attended Touchpoints describe it as transformative for both their professional growth and their daily interactions with families.
“There is one training I’ve taken that changed my life and that is the Touchpoints in Libraries Training. It’s the only training I’ve ever been to that has had such a positive impact on my life and work. It supports self-growth and professional development to better address some of the largest issues that public libraries face. My staff and I have now transformed how we interact with families and the families in turn have responded, turning troublesome behaviors around. I’m passionate about this training and I know that others who were lucky enough to attend it feel the same way. It enables public library staff to be truly responsive to and inclusive of families.”
Anna Tracy, former Director of Shasta Public Libraries
Touchpoints in Libraries: Understanding Child Development and Engaging Families
Registration opening soon
This in-depth, 8-week virtual training explores child development from birth to age six and supports library staff in developing strengths-based, culturally responsive relationships with families, especially during moments that may feel challenging.
Participants will build shared language, deepen their understanding of child development, and gain practical strategies they can use in everyday interactions and programs.
Two 20-person cohorts will be offered, and a brief application will be required. To support success and help the learning stick over time, CALL encourages libraries to send participants in pairs, unless your library already has staff trained in Touchpoints.
Cohort 1: Wednesdays, 1:00 to 2:30 PM PT
February 18, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 8, 15
Cohort 2: Thursdays, 1:00 to 2:30 PM PT
February 19, 26
March 5, 12, 19, 26
April 9, 16
More information and application details will be shared soon.
Strengths-Based Family Engagement in Libraries
Now open for registration
This interactive 5-part workshop series focuses on practical ways to welcome and engage families, whether during a quick conversation at the desk or through relationships built over time. Participants will learn strategies for using a strengths-based approach when working with caregivers and navigating situations that may feel complex or challenging.
Tuesdays, 10:00 to 11:30 AM PT
March 31
April 7, 14, 21, 28