So every week, twice a week I have teen time after school. Teens can come and play games, do homework, create, and sometimes there is a planned craft / activity. Upon starting as a teen librarian, I was able to get the funding for a supply of games which have gone over well. I relish that I have formed relationships with so many teens and tweens. Some may not come for teen time, but just to stop in, tell me about their day and then leave, but I am happy to be that person.
I have learned that sometimes it is the simple things when working with teens, they love jenga and stacking cups and drawing and talking. The enjoy doing things with their hands.
Teens also enjoy anything to do with food, pictured is the caramel apple program. I have also done a chocolate Olympics, DIY ice cream, gingerbread house design and cake pop programs. I also facilitated providing snacks for teen times.
I am responsible for teen outreach and have cultivated relationships with the schools, YMCA and Boys &Girls Club of Marion County. I visit B&G Club monthly, the Y on school breaks and the school intermittently.
I am passionate about programming at our part-time branches. I have spearheaded a lot of youth programming at each of them (the slime is especially popular) and have opened it up to programming committee to ensure at least 1 program a month happens at each branch. Sometimes such as this month I did plan a Hot Cocoa story time, but delegated it to another of the youth staff.
Collaboration is something I have learned a lot about by being on the Youth Services Team. One of my colleagues is taking over my Thursdays in the spring for his teen DnD group and I don't look at it as losing something, I look at it as more opportunities for planning and outreach. We are reaching different teens with the group than my programs and I am thrilled!
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