Educators for kids of all ages are invited to join Teen Services Librarian Kendall Chapman and Circulation Coordinator Olivia Zubrowski for a discussion of the library's community read, Growing up in Public: Coming of Age in the Digital World by Devorah Heitner on Thursday, May 9 at 6 PM. This will be the first of three discussions leading up to a special Slaven Lecture with the author on Wednesday, September 18 at 7 PM. The discussion will be gently guided with the intent to have an open dialogue between all participants while enjoying some tea and treats. The following discussions will be on Thursday, July 18 at 6 PM geared toward parents & caregivers, and on Thursday, September 12 at 6 PM for the general public, though anyone is welcome to attend any of the three discussions.

"The definitive book on helping kids navigate growing up in a world where nearly every moment of their lives can be shared and compared. With social media and constant connection, the boundaries of privacy are stretched thin. Growing Up in Public shows parents how to help tweens and teens navigate boundaries, identity, privacy, and reputation in their digital world. Drawing on her extensive work with parents and schools as well as hundreds of interviews with kids, parents, educators, clinicians, and scholars, Heitner offers strategies for parenting our kids in an always-connected world. With relatable stories and research-backed advice, Growing Up in Public empowers parents to cut through the overwhelm to connect with their kids, recognize how to support them, and help them figure out who they are when everyone is watching."

This program is sponsored by the library, though special thanks go to George Stevens Academy, the Bay School, and the Blue Hill Harbor School for helping cover travel costs for the author. Copies of the book are now available to check out at the library. If you have any questions, please contact Kendall at kendall.chapman@bhpl.net or Olivia at oliviaz@bhpl.net.