Pioneer Library System (NY)

Thanks to everyone who attended the Teen Third Place workshop in Canandaigua, NY on October 2. What a fantastic group! It was great to be back in Western New York. I was just in time for a few beautiful fall days. I even had a moment to eat some Concord grapes and buy a grape pie. Two of my favorites that I can't get in Indiana.

I will be giving Ellen the text-only handouts soon, so stay tuned. For now, here are your responses to our talking points.

How are you involving teens?
- Hung signs asking them to write right on the sign what CDs they want us to buy
- Teens active in library programming can do their government class community service in library
- Teens who frequent library can come to “Lock-In” programming
- Opportunities for community service (a requirement to graduate)
- Song writing workshop
- Teens doing Murder Mystery for our Halloween Party
- Volunteer opportunities for teens
- Teens helped create and design the teen room (paint, move books...)
- Teens choose books to order from YALSA every month

What excellent customer service practices have you implemented?
- Started a regular gaming night for teens (battle about games vs. “literacy” and won)
- Installed Wi-fi laptop in Teen Corner strictly for teen use (excellent response-would like to add another)
- Talked up “Teen Friendly” attitude at library staff meeting
- Talk to the kids like they are “regular people”
- Know their names and material interests and get stuff for them

How are you effectively marketing to teens?
- Get to know them-learn their names - makes them feel welcome
- Teen surveys are available in Teen Corner for kids to fill out
- Shifting programs more to what teens are interested in
- More volunteering and added an anime club and book groups
- Attend programs in community and get to know their parents and siblings

What creative space ideas have you implemented?
- Moved the Graphic Novel collection to Teen Corner
- Received a sizeable memorial donation. Kim Bolan did a complete plan to create an inviting area
- Separated teen area from children’s and circulation desk (some privacy as a result)
- Eagle Scout Project for re-design/re-painting of Children and Teen Areas