Florida and the Future
From Pensacola to Key West, teens are finding the doors are wide open in Public Libraries. Teen groups are creating opportunities, not only to learn, but also to enjoy the company of old and new friends. So let’s take a tour, shall we?
Miami-Dade Public Library System, after facing a major financial challenge, still finds opportunities for teens with gaming, photography classes, and creative programs such as Sound Art and specialty Open Mic events. Read More →
Making a Difference in the Garden State
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) of the Montclair Public Library has come a long way since its inception. This group of teens has sought to create a welcoming environment, not merely for themselves but for children and adults as well. 
They have implemented successful programs such as a Wii & Board Games day and Minecraft; during which they invite people of all ages to interact and play together. TAB is also a strong advocate of literacy, especially at an early age; so much so, that they host various events such as a Fairy Tale pajama story time, Star Wars Reads Day, as well as a book buddies program in celebration of Read Across America. In addition, TAB has created and maintained their very own bi-monthly newsletter called, The TAB Chronicle. This has proven to be a great outlet for the group to share their thoughts and talents through their poetry, artwork, and opinion pieces. Read More →
The Foundation – a Teen Space
Indiana has some pretty terrific teen spaces and spaces that have broken the typical library mold and branched out, so to speak, on their own.’ One library, located in the small community of South Whitley, has purchased a whole house for their teen department to use as a program space.’ 
Shannon Langmaid, the Youth Services Librarian at South Whitley, tells the story:’ Read More →
Coincidentally and fortunately, both of Rhode Island’s contributors decided to share how they are staying in touch with teens to develop popular programs, create welcoming teen spaces, and build relationships. In that same spirit, “hi†from all of us in the Ocean State!
Where everyone knows your name: Back to Basics in Teen Services
When I see a young adult in the library whom I don’t know, I go up and introduce myself. It’s such a simple step that it can be easy to overlook! Read More →
Teen programming at the County and branch level
In the New Castle County Delaware Library System, successful teen programming tends to focus on the practical preparation for challenges teens will soon face. We host two annual series of workshops at multiple branches, one on applying for scholarships for college, and one on volunteering. The teen volunteering presentations culminate in a large Volunteer Fair at one of the branches, to which we invite local and national non-profits who accept teen help. Many NCC branch libraries use teens to staff the popular Summer Reading Club, as well as to help out throughout the year. For most of the teens, volunteering is their first exposure to a professional workplace.
On the individual branch level we have more recreational programs. The Teen Doctor Who Club at the Brandywine Hundred Library, which was began as a summer program last year, has been so popular that we just keep having it! Teens from different schools have met and formed friendships based on a common love of the mad man in the blue box. Read More →
Last spring, the Pennsylvania Humanities Council (PHC) sponsored a literacy program at the Community Library of Allegheny Valley (CLAV) in Natrona Heights, PA, called Teen Reading Lounge (TRL).’ PHC developed TRL to be a resource for public libraries interested in engaging teens in the humanities through the reading and discussion of popular YA fiction and creative experiences. Like many of the libraries participating in the program, CLAV was hoping to kick-start something long-lasting with TRL.
To launch the program at CLAV, Young Adult Librarian, Susan Wilson connected with a local educator, Dr. Sandra Reidmiller. Sandy and Susan capitalized on their respective experiences and individual strengths to create a program that would resonate with teens.’ Sandy said, “Teens were able to “unplug†and meet face-to-face to discuss contemporary young adult literature and the current issues.’ We selected books like The Hunger Games that had wide appeal in order to launch the program.†Read More →
You know that saying “Everything is bigger in Texasâ€? It’s true and when we talk about literary events for young readers and book lovers the saying couldn’t be more fitting. Devoted fans travel across the country, and teachers and kids pack in school buses at too-dern-early o’clock to spend the day with their favorite and soon-to-be favorite authors in Texas. There are more than just a few opportunities to discover new authors and series. Texas hosts a multitude of events throughout the year. Some are YA focused while others bring a mix of YA, middle grade, and picture books that are loved at every age. Read More →
YALSA put out an extensive report on the future of library services (both public and school) for library teens as well as a summary report.’ After reading it, I knew this would make a perfect infographic to print and share or even send as a link to others who’d like this information.’ 
It’s important to know where library services should be going in the 21st century as teens and their culture, lifestyle and habits continue to change.
The link to the infographic is: https://magic.piktochart.com/output/1326505-yalsa-teen-and-library-report.
Submitted by Naomi Bates, Northwest High School Library, Justin, TX
In the Buckeye State, teen services librarians are enjoying grassroots professional get-togethers as a way to get out, meet our peers, share great ideas, and recharge. At least four recently-formed networks of teen librarians have led to buzz-worthy events–and all four were so popular that they are now recurring. In Ohio, we’re “round on both ends and high in the middleâ€, and we have a lot going on from east (Teen Library Services League) to west (Teen Think Tank), from the heart of Ohio (COAL) to all around the state (Take Five)!
Read More →
Going “Beyond†in Wyoming
Teen librarians in Wyoming had the opportunity last spring to attend the Wyoming Library Association’s Youth Services interest group meeting and hear speaker Linda Braun inspire us to think “Beyond the Magic Eight Ball†about youth services in public and school libraries.
Even before that, teen librarians were working with local resources to provide unique opportunities for teens. They have continued to think “beyond†traditional library services to provide educational and recreational opportunities for young adults across the state: Read More →