This event will be rescheduled for a future date.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Learn more about healthy relationships and ways to support your friends and loved ones who may be experiencing or witnessing dating violence from staff at RESPOND Inc.

This drop-in program takes place in the Teen Room and is for teens in grades 6-12. Staff-faciliated resources and conversations at this tabling event will help you identify red flags, including changes to look for in behaviors, and offer strategies for having conversations that invite people to open up about what they are experiencing or witnessing.

Jenn Wolter, Manager of Community-based Programs, brings over 15 years of experience as a teacher and administrator to her role overseeing prevention, intervention, and education programming at RESPOND. In her work, Jenn strives to empower others – especially young people – to follow their passions and live happy, healthy lives. Shannon Cooley, RESPOND’s Community Domestic Violence Counselor, has expertise facilitating support groups for pre-teens, teenagers, and college students, with a focus on healthy relationships. In a former (and perhaps future) life, she was also a women’s self defense instructor.

Find more resources at respondinc.org and loveisrespect.org. RESPOND’s Support Line can be reached from 8am to 6pm at (617) 623-5900.

This program is part of the Reclaiming Your Story grant, graciously funded by the Library Services & Technology Act (LSTA) Direct Grant Program.

“Effective Monday, September 20, 2021 face coverings are required for all individuals aged two years and above while indoors at the Reading Public Library except where an individual is unable to wear a face covering due to a medical condition or disability. Children 2 and under are exempt from face covering requirements. Please stay home if you’ve been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive or been diagnosed with COVID 19 in the past 14 days or are experiencing any of the following new symptoms as listed on the state’s website.”