Teens in the U.S. today are the most diverse, civically engaged, and well educated cohort ever, yet many struggle to maintain positive social connections, mental health, and wellbeing.
Public libraries can be transformative influences in their lives, offering space, resources, and support for interest-driven learning and community connection not available in homes, schools, or other community based organizations. A growing body of research has demonstrated the unique and impactful role that library teen services can play in expanding access to “connected learning”– learning and literacy grounded in personal relevance, meaningful relationships, civic engagement, and a sense of purpose.
Despite this promise, most public libraries struggle to engage teens. Connecting with teens means re-imagining offerings to reflect the culture and needs of diverse teens and their communities beyond the more traditional canon libraries have historically represented.4 Teens’ interest in technology and social justice can also be at odds with the focus of some library staff.
Authentically engaging teens also requires new partnerships with community organizations focused on offerings in areas such as the arts, athletics, media, technology, and youth organizing. All of this requires a cultural shift that goes beyond the implementation of specific programs – including:
a focus on relationship-building
a tolerance for risk-taking
flexibility in responsibilities and schedules
re-envisioning use of community and library spaces
involving youth and staff in planning, decision-making, and implementation
an openness to experimentation
Libraries that have stepped up to meet these challenges have not only had a transformative impact on the lives of vulnerable teens, but have also benefited from greater community engagement.
They have also made progress towards equity goals that go beyond quantitative measures of representation to ensure that teens from historically marginalized groups feel a genuine sense of belonging and connection. These deeper equity goals can include involvement of teens from marginalized groups in design and implementation, or programs that reflect the full cultural diversity of the community. In addition to being the adult patrons of the future, more importantly teens are strong and idealistic leaders for organizational causes, including community advocacy for the role of libraries and library materials.