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About the Youth and Family Services Forum

Purpose

To promote quality library services and programs for all children from birth to young adult throughout Virginia.

Objectives

1. To provide members and other library staff with information about resources and programs for all families from birth to young adult.
2. Encourage the exchange of information and ideas about library resources, programs, and concerns among those who work directly with children, young adults, and/or new or veteran parents.
3. To advocate for quality library services and programs to all children from birth to young adult.
4. To promote reading as a lifelong and enjoyable aspect of life.
5. To promote diversity, equity, and inclusion services from birth to young adult.

Get Involved

Virtual or in-person: All meetings are held virtually via Zoom with the exception of one meeting at the Conference.  
Time commitment: General members can expect to spend 1 - 2 hours monthly engaging in Forum meetings or Forum Meetups, as well as preparations for meetups. 
Recruiting period: New members are welcome at all meetings. 
Active time: General members are most active from January to May and again in September to December. This is typically when most of our Meetings and Meetups tend to happen. 
Busiest time of the year: Summer is the busiest due to Summer Reading Programs around the state.  
Forum communication platforms: Basecamp, email, Zoom. 
Conference attendance: Not required. General members can volunteer to assist with tabling or meet ups at Conference  
Conference presentation: None.
Additional information: The Youth and Family Services' main goal is to connect people to resources, help and innovation when it comes to programming. 

About the 2026 Youth and Family Services Chair

Taylor E. Foreman is the Youth Services Manager at the Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library in Alexandria, Virginia. She leads dynamic programming that fosters literacy, creativity, and community engagement among children and families. With a strong focus on inclusivity and access, Taylor has developed initiatives such as The Tortured Poets Department Celebration at the Princess Anne Area Library with Virginia Beach Public Libraries to celebrate Taylor Swift's newest album release, sensory-friendly events, and teen-led programs that reflect the diverse needs of her community. Learn more about Taylor here.
 
One tip for children's programming:
 Always remain calm and remember to breath. Children are excited to be there and get to experience the program, it's okay if everything doesn't go right as long as the children have fun.