LITT, the Library Initiative for Teens and Tweens, supports teen library programs and spaces in underresourced communities
We partner with Teen and Youth Service Librarians to help them create welcoming public library spaces and programs, and access food, materials, stipends, and additional services to engage teens in their communities and broaden their reach to underrepresented groups and those that may be marginalized in other settings.
Superheroes, a mural by artist Jamaal Eversley and teens
at Turner Free Library in Randolph, Massachusetts
Every community is different. Every library is unique. While teens in underresourced communities often share similar challenges, there is no one size fits all approach. Some Teen Rooms are all about book clubs, craft nights, maker spaces, gaming and connecting around fandoms; others focus on social justice and civic engagement, art, media literacy, emotional health, or academic and job skills.
LITT provides support for these programs—and more— in the form of funding and resources, as well as forging learning communities and connections among our partner libraries.
Why Libraries?
The library is among the most critical forms of infrastructure
that we have. It is also one of the most undervalued.
Eric Klinenburg, Author, Palaces for the People
Our niche is libraries because they are inclusive community spaces, free and accessible to most everyone. They promote literacy in the broadest sense of the word. According to the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA), 97% of U.S. public libraries have a dedicated section for teen books and materials. Yet teen service librarians often operate on a shoestring budget with limited resources.
Our Story
LITT started with a listening tour. In 2017, we met with librarians across our home state of Massachusetts. They described their teen programs and constituents, and shared their wish lists with us. Next we brought our idea for LITT to state library and professional groups, seeking their input. Our focus was on communities impacted by economic hardship, language barriers, or institutional racism, where public libraries provide vital services— like free wifi and computers, literacy tutoring, academic and job support, citizenship training, and children’s story times— but where resources are tight.
In our pilot year, we partnered with two dynamic teen service librarians in Waltham and Randolph, cities outside of Boston with large immigrant populations. Years later, LITT continues to support their innovative programs—and has expanded to include many more!
Who we are
Meryl Loonin
LITT Co-Founder
Meryl has worked in documentary film production and on Emmy-winning PBS TV series, as an afterschool educator, and nonfiction author, writing books for the school and library market. Her most recent titles for ReferencePoint Press are Banned Books: The Controversy Over What Students Read and Exploring Graffiti and Street Art. She has served as Board President of The Marble Collection, a statewide teen arts and literary magazine, and also reviews and awards grants for community-based youth arts, sports, and farming nonprofits. Meryl holds a M.A. in Education and a B.A. in Literature and History. She is passionate about accessible community spaces—like public libraries and parks—where democracy thrives best.
Neil Fisher
LITT Co-Founder
Neil has a business and economics background, works as an energy consultant— most recently helping businesses to make a real impact in accounting for and reducing their carbon emissions. He has served as Board President of The Children’s Room, a nonprofit that supports grieving children, teens, and families. Neil holds a M.B.A. and a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. He believes that libraries are vital civic spaces for teens and people of all ages.