Long after the dizzying joy of storytimes for preschoolers and before the teen room, library users include lot of busy school age youth. But as children begin to age out of some public library programs, it’s vital (and fun) to plan transitional activities oriented toward tweens. Considering the needs, interests, and skills of our tween patrons creates a critical non-school space where youth can socialize, learn, and begin to see and use the library as their own space. From progrm tips to books, here are some of my favorite approaches to the whys and hows of tween time.
Why Tweens?
Transitional programs build seamless youth services. I think about how to address these ingredients: independence, imperfections, and interdependence. Projects that allow individual exploration, encourage process over product, and bring youth together deliver a balance that works well for tweens.
Context Counts: Youth face a lot of pressures from academic, social, and achievement-related goals to activist aims to make their communities better. Programs resonate when they create pathways for tweens to explore their identities and connect to volunteer opportunities and community resources. Get to know your tween patrons with casual drop in programs, snacks, and low stress activities.
What Makes Tween Programs Click?
Program Partners: Look for connections within and without of the library! Combine and collaborate with library staff to build tween and teen jams like mini cons, gaming competitions, and talent shows. Encourage tween-led initiatives when feasible.
There’s no Heart without Art: Try creative projects like zine making, vision boards, group art murals, and shared writing boards. Display that work!
Chill: Relaxing programs create space for busy tweens to hang out and be themselves while fostering self care strategies. Feel good movies, games, coloring with music, and other drop in programs encourage relaxation. Don’t foget the snacks!
Movement & More: School days are long with a lot of sitting still. Tweens may need to move around before they can relax. Scavenger hunts expand library exploration and build self-sufficiency. Outdoor activities get youth moving, and simple things like oversized games or sidewalk chalk may offer a helpful recess vibe.
Hot Topics, Cool Books: There are so many fantastic tween reads! Build a list of your top picks for book club choices, tween browsing, and hang out time. Encourage tweens to write and share book reviews in your “patron pick” displays. Here are some past ASLC blogger suggestions for fans of gaming, Raina Telgemeier, and Dog Man. Some of my favorites for tweens include Marshmallow & Jordan by Alina Chau, Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley, Snapdragon by Kat Leyh, and Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte.
Pop Up: With after school crowds and fall plans on the horizon, it might be helpful to remember that plans don’t always account for needs. Responsive, impromptu activities build rapport and strengthen tween engagement. Invite suggestions, offer lots of options for self-directed activities, and have fun!
Cover photo credits courtesy of publishers: First Second, Feiwel & Friends, and HarperAlley
ALSC Core Competencies I. Commitment to Client Group III. Programming Skills