Our community (Prospect to Clever) needs music. And we need somewhere to express ourselves among other teens and staff.– local library teen

During Teen Read Week, I administered a survey to find out the interests and needs of library youth. I was not surprised by the large request for programming and materials based on film, music, and creative expression. Teens not only want the latest music releases, but they want to make music themselves and to attend teen programs where they can share their talent with one another. One teen wrote, “I need a music studio,” when asked what the library should offer. Another teen wrote, “Youth Talent Shows”, as a possible library event.

Next week, I meet with many of these teens to share the survey results, and discuss the types of programs we can offer them. This conversation will take place in our first Teen Advisory Board meeting, in which I hope to recruit some core teens to help me prepare for my children’s programs, and to work on teen projects.

Next week, KCPL associates are meeting with Jeremy of the local Hip Hop Academy, and I think we’ll put some plans into place that will give the teens from clever to prospect, a forum of music expression. Here’s to hoping this all works out! (raises her Apple cider mug). I’ll send little updates of teen librarian madness, every now and then.