MLA Youth Services Spring Training

Presented by the Youth Services Community of Interest, our Spring Training is a flexible, personable way to engage in topics that matter to you and your library. The morning will include one large group session and the afternoon will consist of three breakout, small group sessions that will be led by you, the attendees. Share your unique knowledge and learn from your amazing peers across the state! 

Friday, April 24th

Check-in: 9:00 am - 9:30 am

Spring Training Sessions: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Daniel Boone Regional Library

100 W Broadway

Columbia, MO 65203

Registration Cost

• MLA Member - $15
• Non-Member - $25

Lunch will be provided.

The registration deadline is Monday, April 13th, 2026. 

Payment must be received in advance of the event. Payment can be made online via credit card or via check to the below address:

Missouri Library Association

PO Box 684

Jefferson City, MO 65102

Cancellations and refunds can be requested up to Monday, April 13th, 2026. Following this date, there will be no refunds provided as we will have already ordered the food. For refund inquiries, please contact MLAC2C@molib.org. 

Presentation Information:

Restorative Practices in Public Libraries

Presented by Stephen Jackson,  Founder of Global CommUnity Associates 

https://www.globalcommunityassociates.com/aboutus/

This engaging, hands-on workshop invites you to explore how restorative justice and restorative practices can transform library culture—for staff who serve youth, patrons, and the wider community. You’ll gain a clear, accessible understanding of what restorative justice is and why its core values of inclusion, accountability, and healing are especially powerful in library settings, brought to life through real-world examples.

Together, we’ll dive into restorative practices  that help prevent conflict before it starts by strengthening relationships and building a supportive, connected library community—both internally and externally. You’ll leave with practical, library-ready strategies for implementation that can be adapted to your unique environment.

The workshop also addresses what to do when challenges arise: immediate steps to ensure safety, how to facilitate restorative conversations that promote accountability and healing, and ways to meaningfully repair harm. To wrap up, participants will take part in an interactive, collaborative problem-solving session, applying restorative approaches to real issues from their own libraries.

Whether you’re new to restorative practices or looking to deepen your approach, this workshop offers actionable tools, shared learning, and renewed confidence to create a healthier, more resilient library environment.

We would love your feedback on up to three (3) topics to discuss during the small group breakout sessions. Please feel free to complete the following Google Form anytime between now and April 14 if you have additional topics you want to cover after your registration is submitted:

Sponsored by the Youth Services Community of Interest (YSCI), Missouri Library Association.