Serving Teens in Libraries

While it's true that many librarians find teens to be one of hardest age groups to serve, Serving Teens in Libraries reminds viewers that it's squarely within the public library's mission to go the extra mile to stay in tune with this important sector. While the three featured institutions here—the Public Library of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County in North Carolina, Queens Public Library in New York, and Baltimore County Public Library in Maryland—all boast exemplary teen-oriented programs (Charlotte has an amazing computer center and multimedia production room), the librarians interviewed say that their success derives mostly from staff attitude, while teens add that they want a place where they can meet new people and generally just be themselves while also making good use of library services. At Queens, librarians say that attitude and respect equal better relations—just letting young people talk makes them feel welcome. Other librarians echo that sentiment, pointing out that the concept of “radical trust” often results in youthful patrons exceeding adults' expectations in terms of behavior and maturity. In addition to offering a big-picture view, the program offers practical advice as well, noting—for example—that while not all libraries can afford to have special spaces dedicated to teens, even booking a meeting room for teen-only use once a week can go a long way toward making them feel welcome. Highly recommended. Aud: P. (C. Block)