Children and Teen Services Conference (CATS) 2026

Professional Development for Library Staff Serving Children and Teens

The Okanagan Regional Library (ORL) and Thompson-Nicola Regional Library (TNRL) are pleased to co-host the 2026 Children and Teen Services Conference (CATS), a free one-day professional development event for library staff from across British Columbia and beyond.
This year’s conference brings together library professionals to share ideas, practical strategies, and innovative approaches to serving children, teens, and families in public library settings.

The conference will feature presentations, discussions, and networking opportunities focused on programming, community engagement, STEAM learning, youth services, and creating welcoming spaces for all young people.

Conference Details

Date
Wednesday, October 7, 2026

Time
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Location
Downtown Kelowna Library
1380 Ellis Street
Kelowna, BC

Cost

Free

Registration
Registration closes September 10, 2026, or when capacity is reached.

Space is limited and advance registration is required.

Conference Schedule

Time Session
10:00–10:15 a.m. Arrival and Light Refreshments
10:15–10:30 a.m. Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
10:30–11:45 a.m. Idea Frenzy: Rapid Program Design Lab
11:45 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Break
12:00–1:00 p.m. Safe Adults in Public Spaces: Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse
1:00–2:00 p.m. Lunch. Space for lunch will be provided for those who wish to socialize. Please bring your own lunch or enjoy one of the many nearby restaurants.
2:00–3:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions: Flexible STEAM Programs or Queer Library Programming for Youths
3:00–3:15 p.m. Break
3:15–4:00 p.m. Concurrent Sessions: Lock-In at Your Library or Do You Know This One? Story Time Songs, Rhymes and Fingerplays
4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

Session Descriptions

Idea Frenzy: Rapid Program Design Lab


Presented by the Okanagan Regional Library
This interactive session uses a series of timed collaborative activities to generate and share program ideas. Attendees will contribute to and benefit from collective brainstorming while building a practical collection of ready-to-use program concepts for their libraries.

Safe Adults in Public Spaces: Recognizing and Reporting Child Abuse


Presented by the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre of Kelowna
Designed for library staff who work with children and families, this session explores how to recognize signs of abuse and neglect, understand British Columbia’s legal duty to report, and confidently respond when concerns arise. Practical guidance and real-world examples will help attendees understand both their responsibilities and available resources.

Flexible STEAM Programs


Presented by the Okanagan Regional Library
Library audiences bring a wide range of experience and confidence levels to STEAM programming. This session explores strategies for designing flexible programs that can adapt to varying levels of scientific, technological, and digital literacy while remaining engaging and accessible.

Queer Library Programming for Youths


Presented by the Okanagan Regional Library
Join three speakers from the ORL to learn about three unique approaches to running queer youth programs. From crafts to social events, we will share our experiences running successful queer-focused programs, and how you too can make your library a more inclusive and welcoming space.

Lock-In at Your Library


Presented by Vancouver Island Regional Library
Learn how to plan and deliver successful after-hours teen lock-in events. This session covers logistics, safety considerations, youth engagement strategies, and lessons learned from real-world experience. Attendees will leave with practical ideas they can adapt for their own communities.

Do You Know This One? Story Time Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays Roundtable


Presented by the Okanagan Regional Library
A collaborative roundtable focused on sharing lesser-known Story Time songs, rhymes, and fingerplays. Participants are encouraged to contribute their own favourites or simply attend to discover new material to refresh existing Story Time offerings.

Acknowledgements

The 2026 Children and Teen Services Conference is funded by the Okanagan Regional Library and the Kootenay Library Federation.