The document proposes several creative programs for teens at the Fayetteville Free Library's Creation Lab digital media space. The programs are designed to increase literacy and digital skills by having teens create book trailers, podcasts, book cover redesigns, 3D printed symbols representing books they've read, and fan fiction using the lab's equipment. The goal is to empower teens and promote reading through hands-on creative projects.

1. Creation Club
The Creation Lab, physically housed in the teen space at the Fayetteville Free Library (FFL), has inspired us to develop creative
programming for teens that increases literacy (and digital literacy) skills and ignites a passion for reading. The Creation Lab is a
digital media lab that gives patrons the opportunity to create and edit videos, podcasts, images, websites and more using the
software and hardware available at the FFL. The lab includes access to Mac computers, MakerBot 3D printer stations, Adobe
Suite, a green screen wall, camcorders and digital cameras. This maker space promotes a read-write culture that empowers
patrons to become content creators.
Book Trailer/Podcast Creation Station
Inspired by Scholastic’s “Winning Ideas for Sharing Books”i
and the New York Public Library’s 90-Second Newbery Film
Festivalii
, this workshop encourages teens to discuss the books they are reading through the creation of book trailers and
podcasts. This workshop is designed to teach teens how to use the video editing and podcasting equipment in the Creation
Lab by creating booktalks. First teens choose a book they want to read. After completing the book the teens (in groups or
alone) will create a booktalk script and try to convince their peers to read the book by discussing the subject of the book and
their favorite parts (without giving away the ending!). After the script is complete, librarians will help the teens create a video
or podcast, using the camcorders, video editing software and podcast software in the Creation Lab.
This workshop can occur once or twice a month to encourage collaboration and reinforce the tech skills needed to complete
video and podcast projects. During the workshop one can also screen completed projects and allow participating teens to
answer questions about the book they are promoting and/or how they created the trailer/podcast.
Materials:
Camcorder, video-editing software and/or podcasting equipment
Book Cover Redesign Workshop
Inspired by the teen projects completed at YouMedia, the digital media lab iniii
, this workshop provides a creative outlet for
teens to share what they are reading through graphic design. This workshop, held once a month, will teach teens how to use
the design software in the Creation Lab by redesigning a book cover for their favorite reads. First, the teens will have the
opportunity to choose a book they want to read. After completing the book the teens will attend a workshop to learn how to
use the design software and create a new cover for the book. After they complete the book cover it will be printed and put on
display at the library (either attached to circulating materials or in a showcase). These displays will create a sense of
ownership for the materials and teen space at the FFL. This program will also encourage teens to discuss the books they are
reading with their peers and improve their digital literacy skills.
Materials:
Design software (such as Photoshop), color printer

2. FFL Director of Innovative Family Services
Margaret Portier
mportier@fflib.org
@tophile
Fayetteville Free Library
300 Orchard Street
Fayetteville, NY 13066
www.fflib.org
@fayettevillelib
Bringing Symbols to Life - 3D Printer Workshop
This workshop is loosely inspired by Sharon Kane’s “Symbolism Circle” program (Kane, 2008, pg. 106), but has been adapted
to incorporate the use of the 3D printer stations in the Creation Lab. This workshop, held once a month, encourages teens to
design a symbol inspired by the book they are reading and print this symbol using the 3D printer stations in the Creation Lab.
First, the teen must read a book and create a list of symbols that represent the book they have read. For example, a teen
reading the Harry Potter series may list a wand, lighting bolt, or quidditch snitch as symbols. Then using the software available
in the Creation Lab, students will design the symbol and print it on the 3D printer. Librarians and teens familiar with the
software will be available to teach new students how to use the design program for the printers. Once the symbol has been
printed the teens will write a summary explaining what the symbol means.
The printed symbol and summary will go on display in the teen space for other patrons to observe. These displays will create a
sense of ownership of teen space at the FFL. This program will also encourage teens to discuss the books they are reading with
their peers, promote reading for pleasure and improve literacy skills.
Materials:
3D printer and plastic, notecards for display
Fan fiction Club
This workshop was inspired by Sharon Kane’s “Fan fiction” programiv
, but has been adapted to incorporate the use of the
equipment and software in the Creation Lab. This teen club can meet twice a month and encourages collaboration and
creative writing. At this club, teens will have the opportunity to work in groups or alone to create fan fiction, creative writing
works that are developed using characters from different books, and use the software and tools available in the Creation Lab
to develop these stories.
The club meetings can follow a semi-formal structure to promote a safe and support environment. The beginning of every
meeting will start with a brainstorming session, as teens share story ideas and current fan fiction projects. After the
brainstorming session the teens will break into groups and begin drafting their stories and developing their projects using
laptops and the equipment in the Creation Lab. Projects may be developed over multiple meetings, but it is important to
encourage teens to be inclusive of new members. Once the fan fiction projects are complete they can be shared on the
library’s website or social media sites. These projects will improve reading, writing and communication skills and promote
reading for pleasure.
Materials:
Paper, pencils, markers, laptops, Microsoft Office
i
Scholastic. (2012). Winning ideas for sharing books. Retrieved from http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/winning-ideas-sharing-books.
ii
Kennedy, J. (2008). The 90-second newbery film festival. Retrieved from http://jameskennedy.com/90-second-newbery/
iii
Chicago Public Library. (2012, October 19). iRemix: a mercy, posts tagged graphic design. Retrieved from http://oboc-amercy.tumblr.com/tagged/graphic-design.
iv
Kane, S. (2008). Integrating literature in the content areas: Enhancing adolescent learning & literacy. Scottsdale, AZ: Holcomb Hathaway, Publishers, Inc.