The document discusses the importance of creating dedicated teen spaces in libraries to foster lifelong engagement and provide safe environments for social interaction. It outlines the Young Adult Library Services Association's (YALSA) guidelines for designing these spaces, emphasizing the involvement of teens in feedback, the reflection of community, and the provision of suitable materials and technology. Additionally, it offers practical suggestions for enhancing teen engagement through artistic displays, games, and effective social networking strategies.

1. Teen Spaces
@
Your Library
Presented by:
Craig Graziano
Central Rappahannock Regional Library
Michelle Chrzanowski
Newport News Public Library

2. Teen Spaces: Why Have Them?
 Helps
to maintain a lifelong relationship
between a user and their library.
 Provide teens a safe place where they can
interact in a positive manner with one
another.

3. YALSA’s National Teen Space
Guidelines
A wonderful point-by-point resource of how to
go about creating and maintaining an engaging
space for teen library users.
 Published in May 2012
 Available
online at ALA.org and as a
downloadable PDF.
http://www.ala.org/yalsa/sites/ala.org.yalsa/files/content/guidelines/guidelines/teenspaces.pdf

4. YALSA’s National Teen Space
Guidelines
1. Solicit teen feedback and input in the
design and creation of the teen space.
2. Provide a library environment that
encourages emotional, social and
intellectual development of teens.
3. Provide a library space for teens that
reflects the community in which they live.

5. YALSA’s National Teen Space
Guidelines
4. Provide and promote materials that
support the educational and leisure needs
of teens
5. Ensure the teen space has appropriate
acceptable use and age policies to make
teens feel welcome and safe.
6. Provide furniture and technology that is
practical yet adaptive.

6. Virtual Space Guidelines
7. Ensure content, access and use is flexible
and adaptive.
8. Ensure the virtual space reflects 21st
century learning standards.
9. Provide digital resources for teens that
meet their unique and specific needs.

7. Central Rappahannock Regional Library
England Run Branch
Part of ALA’s Library Design
Showcase 2012: Youth Spaces
Photo by Sean Bonney

8. Small Changes:
 Teen-made Art on display (could be part
of an ongoing program)
 A different color of paint on the walls, or a
couple of posters.
 Book Spine Poetry: Use the library’s
collection to create unique art.
 Bulletin Board: Teen created content and
postings by your TAG/TAC

9. Dry Erase Board
•Allows for self expression
•Easy clean-up
•Promotional
Cost: Varies depending
on board size.
Small: $10-$50
From Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh after one of their
Large: >$100 Bad Movie Friday events

10. Magnetic Poetry
 1990’s fad
 Abundant, if little used, resource
 Allows teens to think creatively
 Better outlet than graffiti
 Works in conjunction with a Dry Erase Board
Cost: Kits 75-400 words $5-$20
Ask around for donations.
Magnet Board $10-$20

11. There are several ways that flow
charts can be implemented.
•Readers Advisory
•Event Promotion
•Technology Instruction
The format is appealing for a few
reasons:
•Has a choose your own
adventure feel.
•Eye-catching
•One can bring a sense of
humor to the format
•Easy to become viral online
www.gliffy.com
http://www.gliffy.com/publish/3577745

12. http://www.gliffy.com/publish/3720967

13. Gaming
 Video Games:
 Nintendo systems and games are great
because they market to families and offer
a wider age range.
 Kinnect is becoming a popular choice
especially with Dance Central games
 Many 4 player games, gives more people
a chance to compete
 Cost: Various, see if anyone is willing to
donate old systems.

14. Gaming
 Board and Card Games:
 Low cost investment.
 Can keep them at the desk. If someone
asks to use it, treat it like a reference
question.
 Many teens are just looking for something
to do on their down time.
Cost: Various, look for donations.

15. Chalk Wall

16. Chalk Wall
 Localand teen artists can display their work.
 Makes a huge impression on library users.
 Clean-up requires some effort.
Cost: Chalkboard Paint - 29 oz. spray can = $18
on DickBlick.com
Sidewalk Chalk - Crayola 52 Color >$10

18. Social Networking: Online Teen
Spaces
•Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter
•Frequent Postings: Teens are very much
in the moment with their online interactions.
Once or twice a week is way too infrequent.
•Don’t come off as desperate. Confidence
will lead to more interested users.

19. Teen Behavior Tips
 Learning the names of your teens and
using those names frequently.
 Engage teens in their interests. Find
common ground.
 Clear sightlines throughout space. No
furniture or shelving that obstructs vision.
 Be friendly, but offer few chances or
warnings.
 Speak to them as you would speak to any
adult.

20. Questions?