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CHICAGO — The Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), a division of the �������ϲʿ���app (), is seeking for its . The theme of the is “Biggest Little Safe Spaces: Serving Teens During Times of Adversity.” It will follow a hybrid virtual/in-person format and will be held from November 5-7, 2021 in Reno, NV. a program proposal by April 1.

The past year has presented teens and the libraries that serve them with numerous challenges that will continue to affect them in 2021 and beyond. What does the future hold for today’s teens? Where do we as librarians go from here? What’s next for our libraries? Join YALSA, librarians, and YA authors as we discuss strategies for serving teens during difficult times and continue to develop programs that ensure our biggest little safe spaces thrive for years to come.

YALSA is seeking that address the following questions:

• How do staff provide inclusive programming and diverse collections? How do we ensure representation and equity of access to materials and information? e.g. book and program challenges, the library as a “neutral” space. How can literature assist us?
• How does staff provide outreach to teens in their community? How do you meet teens where they are?
• How do we create more inclusive and “safe(r)” spaces? How do we empower teens to find their voice and speak out about issues important to them? e.g. gun violence, global warming, #metoo, institutional racism, LGBTQ rights.
• How are staff affected by adversity on the job? How do we address this and other experiences like compassion, fatigue, and burnout? e.g. self-care

YALSA’s is an annual event that has expanded its focus over the years and features programs that cover the entire spectrum of topics related to providing services for and with young adults. In addition to addressing the theme, should also highlight best or emerging practices for libraries of all sizes and capacities in one or more of the following categories:

• Collections and Content Curation
• Digital and Print Literacies
• Equity and Inclusion
• Outreach
• Partnerships/Collaborations
• Programs and Services (including planning, implementing and evaluation)
• Tools for Practice (cultural competency models and training, trauma-informed care, mental health first aid, 40 developmental assets, social emotional learning, etc.)
• Youth Participation

Interested parties are invited to propose 60-minute programs centering on the theme via the found on the site by April 1, 2021. Applicants will be notified of their proposals’ status the week of May 1, 2021.

Registration for the 2021 YA Services Symposium will open in June. Sign up for updates . To learn more about the symposium, visit .

Members of the 2021 YA Services Symposium Planning and Marketing Taskforce are: Chair, Scot Smith, Robertsville Middle School Library, Oak Ridge, TN; Asuncion Cora, New York Public Library; Sharon Deeds, Utah State Library; Katie Patterson, Aloha, OR; and Angela Steele, San Diego, CA.

The mission of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) is to support library staff in alleviating the challenges teens face, and in putting all teens ‒ especially those with the greatest needs ‒ on the path to successful and fulfilling lives. For more information about YALSA or to access national guidelines and other resources go to , or contact the YALSA office by phone, 800-545-2433, ext. 4390; or e-mail: yalsa@ala.org.