Two Teen programs

One good, one not very good -

The first (not very good) program was called “Reinventing your Teen Department” and the biggest tip was to have gaming be a daily service. The presenter actually went through like 4 slides with pictures of gaming systems, saying “this is a Playstation 3, this is an Xbox 360, this is a Wii.” Once they started pushing for an all-night gaming program, I closed my eyes and took a nap. :)

The next workshop, “Top Trends: taking teen services to the next level” was entertaining and informative. Two really funny librarians from Queens and Schaumberg, IL talked about several aspects of teen services: readers advisory, arketing magic, teen spaces, clubs & programs (including TAGs).

Under readers advisory they suggested sending out regular book lists for staff to keep them informed and ready to help teens. Current trends – steampunk (traveling through time?); werewolves, angels, mystery/suspense. Create displays that will attract teens in the adult areas since teens are often there as well. They mentioned there is a new YALSA award for best YA nonfiction.

Marketing Magic included lots of ideas for marketing to teens. I didn’t see much different here than we already do, but they suggested trying social media and see what works for your community. Not everyone will be successful with Facebook or Twitter. Also, consider how you market to tweens since they are often overlooked group. Best marketing is word of mouth.

Teen spaces covered just that. They showed lots of pictures of nice teen spaces. Get teens involved in creating spaces and partner with schools (art depts.) to help make those spaces interesting.

Club & programs covered how to get teens interested in programs especially by asking them, giving surveys, outreach, and going to nontraditional teen places like juvenile detention centers. They said TAGs typically go through cycles (as ours has!) and if something’s not working, try something else, don’t just get rid of it. A big trend for clubs and programs is service. For example, one library launched a program called “The year of 1,000 volunteer hours.” Many of their programs involved doing things for others – knitting blankets for the animal shelter, making cards for soldiers. These programs were really successful and show that teens want to help but often don’t have the means or know-how to do so. Other ideas for clubs – cooking club, cultural club, tween club, story & acting group, book buddies (teens read to little kids), breakdancing club.

Overall the presenters offered lots of great ideas and a lots of positive ways to serve teens in the library.

(A third teen program I had hoped to attend, “Cool teen program for under $100,” conflicted with another program that I did attend. There is a book of the same name that I will look into purchasing if anyone is interested.)