Making Space for Teens Starts with Showing Up
“When you schedule a teen program, it says you want them there.” This statement by Jade Parks, Teen Services Coordinator at Downers Grove Public Library in Illinois, was one of many I jotted down during PLA 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. As a new library professional, I was inspired by the thousands of people around me and am grateful for the scholarship that enabled me to attend this incredible gathering.
In the session Making Space for Teens in the Library, presented by Jade Parks and Athens Moreno of Carol Stream Public Library, I was introduced to practical ways to involve teens in my small library. Both presenters shared their experience building teen programs, addressing stereotypes held by other staff, and fostering meaningful connections with teens in their communities.
Teens are one of those groups that can be unintentionally excluded from libraries. They may not be using resources in the children’s area, and they may not feel comfortable in adult spaces. So how can we help them feel like they belong? Jade’s suggestion to simply schedule a program for them struck me as both simple and powerful. Carving out space and time shows that you see them and want them there. I will schedule time for teens.
My library does not have a separate room for teens, or for any age group. But I can still create a small, welcoming space, even if it is just a nook near the YA shelves with a dry-erase board and a Question of the Day. Another idea from the presenters was to reserve the library’s meeting room as a study zone during finals or in the weeks leading up to ACT and SAT testing. I can also partner with the Friends of the Library to purchase study kit supplies such as snacks, writing tools, and stress-relief items to create a reason for teens to come in and stay awhile.
Athens shared how they organized a Teen Volunteer program using passive kits available for teens to complete on their own schedule. I appreciate this approach because it meets teens where they are and provides a meaningful way to connect with the community. Many teens in my area are also looking for volunteer hours for scholarship applications. The presenters partnered with established organizations such as Meals on Wheels, Cards for Kidz, and Lemons of Love to create kits that included making cards, decorating lunch bags, or creating toys for shelter animals. I plan to prepare an initial kit and then ask teens which organizations they would like to support next.
A Discord server was also presented as a way to communicate with teens. While I do not have experience using Discord, I am interested in trying it and will rely on the step-by-step guidance included in the session handout. I especially appreciated the suggestion to post “open hours” for the server so it functions more like a drop-in program rather than an unattended social media space.
My library has not hosted in-house programs for the past two years due to flooding. We waited fourteen months for funding while working out of a damaged building, and for the past eight months we have operated out of a temporary location while construction continues. Now, we are close to returning. PLA 2026 inspired me in many ways, and I feel ready to make space for teens when we reopen our library.
Tags: pla2026scholarship
