LITT Feature
We hope these featured stories will inspire and spark ideas for your library community.
Outreach to Teens Beyond Library Walls
With LITT support, Cary Library’s Teen Services Manager, Michelle Techler, built a model outreach program to connect with teens in her community who were not traditionally served by the library. Every month, she hosted middle and high school book clubs on site at a therapeutic, residential boarding school for teens who had experienced trauma—many of them victims of sexual abuse or sex trafficking. The ten to twelve teens who took part in each club were between the ages of 12 and 22––most identified as female. During the sessions they engaged in lively conversations about diverse YA books and the broader life issues raised by reading them. The teens often arrived at the boarding school with few possessions. Michelle gifted each club member with a copy of the book one month prior to the next meeting. They could choose to keep the books or share them with friends at the school. She also brought a relaxation activity that helped to keep the teens busy with their hands and ease any social anxiety, along with plenty of their favorite snacks. Six times throughout the year, she delivered a supply of craft kits for all 36 students living at the school.
The teen book clubs were a resounding success. Staff told Michelle that the teens continued to talk enthusiastically about their favorite books outside of club time. Michelle also forged deep connections with the teens. Many of them asked to visit the Cary Library teen room for regular programming—and some even become library volunteers.
Michelle describes the book clubs as one of the most rewarding aspects of her teen service librarianship. “I had a totally amazing experience working with these teens,” she says, “They are thoughtful, genuine, funny, and resilient. Our book clubs are filled with interesting discussions, and they remain entry points for deeper connections with the library. I strive to show the teens by example that there are adults who care about them, respect their opinion and follow up with commitments.”
Staff at the school also expressed their appreciation. “In addition to enthusiastically supporting the in-house book clubs,” Michelle says, “they worked hard to create opportunities to bring students to the library to participate in our teen events. It is clear they understand that this program opens the door for these students to a long-term relationship with public libraries.”
LITT Feature Archives
Programs to Support Teen Mental Health and Self-Care (posted 2023)
The lingering effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, remote schooling, the lack of in person socializing, and missed rites of passage have taken a heavy toll on young people. Teen services librarians are responding with innovative programs, drop-in sessions, and resources to help patrons connect, build coping skills, and get the mental health supports they need.
Below, are a few ideas from librarians across the country to promote teen mental health and wellbeing that can be adapted to fit the needs of your teens. A LITT grant can help with that.
Partner with staff from a local mental health nonprofit to host an event for teens.
In Berkeley, California, teen librarians joined forces with mental health advocacy group, SafeSpace, to host Treat Yourself! Make Your Own Self-Care Kit. The participants crafted tools for taking care of themselves physically and emotionally, while also connecting with SafeSpace staff to learn how to get involved in mental health activism in their community.Bring an art therapist to the library: host a mandalas and mindfulness workshop
Many teens love to draw and mandala-making can be a powerful, healing practice. The word, “Mandala” comes from Sanskrit and loosely translated means “sacred circle”. In Richland, South Carolina, certified art therapist, Mary How, led a public library workshop called Mandalas, Mindfulness, and Mental Health for patrons aged 15 to adult. Each participant created a mandala journal, so they could continue their mindfulness practice at home.Host a baking workshop while also hearing a story about healing and resilience
During one of their regular “Let’s Talk” sessions, In Beverly, Massachusetts teens learned to make Oreo truffles with mental health advocate, Dayna Altman, author of the cookbook, Bake it Till you Make it, while also hearing and discussing her story of struggle and healing.Make it more comfortable for teens to drop In, hang out, and unplug from social media
Some librarians prefer building connection and interpersonal skills with weekly, no pressure teen cafes, lounges, hang outs, and discussion groups. LITT can help by boosting your budget for food, snacks, craft supplies, comfy rugs and furniture, and other materials for de-stressing.Take part in continuing education and workshops
In 2021, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC) used funds from the federal CARES Act to offer Youth Mental Health First Aid training to library staff. In addition to programs offered by MBLC, ALA, YALSA, and other library organizations, a LITT grant can provide fees to attend in person or online workshops and trainings with vetted organizations so you can bring healing practices such as yoga, tai chi, anxiety-friendly improv (it’s a thing), or art therapy to your teen space.
Pay-as-you-go Library Cafes and Culinary Training (posted 2021)
In many of our LITT partner libraries, food insecurity is widespread among teen library patrons and their families. LITT grants often include funds for food and snacks. That’s why we’re highlighting an article in the American Library Association’s November/December 2021 issue, “Cafes with a Conscience” by Emily Udell. Read how libraries in several cities are partnering with social justice groups to offer “pay-what-you-can cafes” or “grab-and-go food” plus culinary job training for people who have faced barriers to employment, including teens with disabilities. It’s food for thought.