Nourishing Minds: A Free Toolkit for Teen Mental Health Programming in Libraries
Join us for this free webinar to learn how to use Nourishing Minds, a free digital toolkit created by the Seattle Public Library for supporting teen mental health programming.
The Nourishing Minds Framework, funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and with support from The Seattle Public Library Foundation, is a comprehensive approach for libraries to support teen mental health. Over the course of three years, Seattle Public Library staff tested the digital toolkit, supporting librarians and teens with meaningful teen-focused programming.
In this webinar, hear from the Nourishing Minds team about the framework, resources, and how libraries have used the toolkit to create teen programs.
Learning Objectives
- Learn about the Nourishing Minds Framework and accompanying resources
- Gain an understanding of how the framework and resources were tested and iterated over the last three years
- Learn how to get started and use all the available Nourishing Minds resources
- Obtain practical advice and best practices for starting a Nourishing Minds program in your library
Accommodations
This webinar will be presented online via Zoom. Closed captions will be enabled during the presentation, and we will share a copy of the presenter's slideshow at least 24 hours in advance. If you need other reasonable accommodations, please reach out to us by November 10, 2025 via email at publicprograms@ala.org or by calling 312-280-5045.
Luis Gonsalez
Luis Gonsalez serves as the Digital Media & Learning Program Manager at The Seattle Public Library (SPL). For the last eight years, he has helped ensure digital media and learning programs take a human-centered approach in their design and implementation at SPL. He has helped spearhead the adoption of new and innovative technologies in library spaces, including 3D printing, microcontroller programming (Arduino), structured esports coaching, and virtual reality experiences.
He strongly believes in the power of leveraging technology to improve people’s lives. Pairing this belief with co-design techniques and principles of acceptance and commitment therapy has led to programs with a lasting impact on communities. Luis has intentionally worked with youth, young adults and communities that have been historically underserved to advance equitable access to high-quality learning experiences.
Luis earned a Bachelor of Science in Human-Centered Design & Engineering with a focus on Human-Computer Interaction from the University of Washington.
Amy Tooley
Amy Tooley is a Teen Services Librarian at The Seattle Public Library with more than 15 years of experience supporting youth in public library settings. She is passionate about designing and facilitating service-learning programs that help teens gain work experience, build confidence, and strengthen their social-emotional skills.
Amy’s work centers on increasing equitable access to resources, programs and partnerships that promote the socio-economic and personal well-being of youth furthest from justice in her community. She is deeply committed to expanding opportunities for local teens to earn income, develop workforce readiness, and build essential life skills.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Western Washington University and a Master of Library and Information Science from the University of Pittsburgh.