Often when I am at the library providing reader’s advisory services, I get asked by young folks, “Can you recommend a book to me?” My immediate follow-up is, “Well, what do you like?” I tell them that it doesn’t have to be a book; it could be a favorite character, movie, or activity. This sparks so many conversations about what youth feel very passionately about. Often, I pocket these conversations not only to help in the moment, but also for later programming ideas.
Tag: teens
Working with Teens at the Library
Many library systems around the country rely on the help of volunteers to make our workflows successful. In my system, this includes teen volunteers, and in the summer paid teen employees. If you are new to working with teens, you may feel apprehensive about how to manage their workflow. Whether you work with teens as summer volunteers or school year employees, these tips can help you set them up for success!
Working with Teen Volunteers in the Children’s Department
Working with teen volunteers is a valuable part of what we do in youth services librarianship. It can be rewarding to have teens, who were children in your programs, become a part of the magic in their own way. However, it can be challenging to provide the right work or even find the right teens that meet your needs, as well as meet their needs. In this post, I will provide some tips I’ve learned along the way while working with teen volunteers in the children’s department.
Social-Emotion Growth and Resilience Through Manga
Over the past year or so, I have noticed an increased interest in anime and manga at my library. After starting an Anime Club, I knew that #alaac26 would be a great opportunity to expand my own knowledge and come back to my home branch with new ideas for programing nd collections development. I started my hunt today with GNCRT’s President’s Program: Social-Emotional Growth and Resilience Through Manga.
Programming on the Fly
This year, I have been trying to boost library programming opportunities. Planning a program can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be such a challenge. If the goal is to get readers into the library and engaged with library resources, a program can be short, simple, and still fun! In addition, planning time can be quick and dirty but still deliver a result that gets readers into the library. I’ve chosen to focus on lunch & learn opportunities. I work in a middle school and want to catch kids while they are at school, and not outside school hours. The best time to do this is during lunch, which is 30 minutes for each grade level. Quick engagement sessions can be modified to work for a public library outside of school hours or for a school library at a different level with a different schedule as well. For each…
The Vital Role of Literature for Juvenile Offenders
Juvenile detention centers play a crucial role in the rehabilitation and development of young offenders. However, one aspect that is often overlooked is the importance of providing access to books and other reading materials for these young people. Research conducted by criminal justice scholars emphasizes the need for a correctional system that focuses on rehabilitation rather than just punishment.
Engaging Teens in Early Learning at #alaac23
What do teens and toddlers have in common? Quite a bit! I attended a session from the Brooklyn Public Library outlining their StoryTeen program. This paid internship program gives teens the opportunity to explore early learning concepts and careers.
Thinking about Positive Youth Development at #PLA2022
How can we bring positive youth development into our work?