Teen Spaces

Teen SpacesTeen Spaces
Suzanne Walker – Indiana State Library
Children’s Consultant
@suzieecw
Deb Sparks – Odle Mcguire Shook
Interior Designer

Hi! Who are we?Hi! Who are we?
And who are you?

I know you want to see pictures…I know you want to see pictures…
But first, some research. 

Why Have One?Why Have One?
Do you have teens?
YES…therefore, you have a need.
Fulfill a need in your community…if you
have teens, you need a safe place for
them to do what they want to do…those
activities include socializing, leisure
activities, and studying.

Libraries need to support teenagers and
encourage teen belonging, community
involvement, and library appreciation.
Giving them a space is part of that.

Can’t they just use the kid space? Or the
adult space?
Nope. Cause they’ve got needs…

7 Developmental Needs of Adolescents:
◦ Physical Activity
◦ Competence and Achievement
◦ Self-Definition
◦ Creative Expression
◦ Positive Social interactions with peers and
adults
◦ Structure and Clear Limits
◦ Meaningful Participation
Teen Spaces by Kimberly Bolan

Um…we want to stay relevant…right?
Expand your customer base by appealing
to users and nonusers.

Effectively market your library and draw
teens into your space, leading them to
other services.

Increase current and future library
supporters.

YALSA’s Teen Space GuidelinesYALSA’s Teen Space Guidelines
Not sure where to start? Check this out…
Great step by step guide to creating and
maintaining an engaging space for teen
library users.
Relatively new…May of 2012

YALSA Says a Teen Space…YALSA Says a Teen Space…
Is created with teen feedback.
Encourages positive teen development.
Reflects their community.
Provides materials to support educational
and leisure needs.
Has appropriate policies.
Has furniture and technology that is
practical yet adaptive.

Policies and Procedures…Policies and Procedures…
We could have a whole session on policies
and procedures…
Don’t have separate policies for teens.
Is there an age requirement for your
space?
Have teens help you with the guidelines.
Think about noise.
Limit adult use.
How will your space dictate their
behavior?

Kenton Public Library - KYKenton Public Library - KY
The Kenton County Public Library serves over 1.1
million people per year. It has three branches and
a dedicated teen librarian and space at each
branch…

The room is enclosed in glass so that programs
can be held in the space for teens.
Features of the new YA space:
40 seats (an increase from 8 seats in the old
space)
Lounge space with a gaming area
6 computers
Increased shelf space
A seperate graphic novel/manga room adjacent
to the YA space
Stop by the Covington Branch and check out the
new YA Space!

It’s the Little Things…It’s the Little Things…
Paint a wall
Bring in a lamp
Change your seating
Add a rug
Art by Teens
Gels on your lighting
Activity Wall
WEED YOUR COLLECTION
Sight lines
What expectations are your space
communicating?

PreviousPrevious
Members of the Florissant Valley Teen
Advisory Group helped to choose the
furniture and color palette for the teens-
only space at the Florissant library in St.
Louis County. Teen Alley also offers
gaming equipment, three computers and
a wealth of comfy seating, including bean
bag chairs and sectional furniture that can
be rearranged. Photo: Dave Moore

Whitman County LibraryWhitman County Library
Looks like a pretty tight space for teens at
the Whitman County Library in Colfax,
Wash., but check out the way it’s
decorated. It just looks cool. I recognize
the coffee table from IKEA. Photo courtesy
of Travelin’ Librarian.

Call me!Call me!
Suzanne Walker – suwalker@library.in.gov
@suzieecw
317-234-5649

Teen Spaces

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