Safeguarding Libraries Webinar Series

About the Event

How do libraries balance intellectual freedom, age-appropriate content, and child safety in an increasingly complex digital world?

Join us for a practical four-part webinar series designed for librarians, educators, media specialists, and safeguarding professionals. Explore emerging content trends, digital culture, reader wellbeing, and safeguarding practice through expert-led sessions that equip you with practical tools, policies, and confidence.

Whether you are looking to update your library policies, navigate sensitive content themes, or confidently handle complex conversations with young people, this series provides the practical, ethical roadmap you need.

Ticket Options & Pricing:

• Individual Session: R70 per person
• Student ticket: R40 per person (Institution will need to be provided at checkout)
• Full Adult Series Pass (All four Sessions): R200 per person
• Full Student Series Pass (All four sessions): R120 per person
• Team Package (4 x Full Adult Series Passes): R640 per four people

The webinar series will be hosted on Google Meet and is limited to 140 participants. Joining instructions and the meeting link will be emailed to registered participants 24 hours before each session. If you have any questions regarding registration or access to the webinar, please contact Rosa Elk at hello@dearbooks.co.za.

Webinar Programme

Session 1: Introduction & Overview: Why This Work Matters

• Date: 24 June 2026
• Facilitators: Erin Faure & Rosa Elk
• What you ll learn:
• This opening session sets the scene for the series, exploring the changing landscape facing libraries, schools, and young people in an increasingly digital world. Together, we will examine emerging challenges, share the vision behind the series, and discuss the important role libraries play in promoting both intellectual freedom and child wellbeing.
• This interactive session will also provide an opportunity for participants to share their experiences, identify key challenges, and help shape the conversations that will be explored in greater depth throughout the remaining webinars.

Session 2: Safeguarding in Libraries

• Date: 29 July 2026
• Facilitator: Erin Faure
• What you ll learn:
• Libraries are often places where young people seek information, connection, and sometimes support. But what happens when a learner discloses abuse, raises a safeguarding concern, or accesses content that may place them at risk?
• This practical session explores the safeguarding responsibilities of librarians and media staff, including duty of care, content curation, creating safe and inclusive library environments, responding to disclosures, managing difficult conversations, and understanding reporting obligations. Participants will leave with greater confidence to navigate safeguarding concerns while maintaining trust, professionalism, and a child-centred approach.

Session 3: The Rise of Erotica in Mainstream Literature, Reader Safety & Age-Appropriate Content (while avoiding censorship!)

• Date: 9 September 2026
• Facilitator: Rosa Elk
• What you ll learn: In the past few years, themes and imagery we would previously have considered erotica or even smut are finding their ways into mainstream literature - with their innocuous titles and covers, and heavy promotion on #BookTok, books intended to arouse are ending up in the hands of minors. In this talk, we unpack the rise of these titles, how to discuss them with students, and consider methods to ensure vulnerable readers are protected without resorting to blanket censorship.

Session 4: How to have Conversations with Young People

• Date: 14 October 2026
• Facilitator: Christy Herselman
• What you ll learn: With sexual content so readily available to our children, not just in books but on many digital platforms, it has never been more important to have open, age-appropriate conversations with young people about sexual and digital health. This session explores how we can empower young people with good information, critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Why You Should Attend

• Expert-Led Sessions: Learn directly from seasoned safeguarding, parenting and literacy consultants.
• Practical Checklists: Move from abstract policy to real-world, daily practice.

Secure your spot today!