Parish libraries no longer just about books

Games, project aid, robotics among several new items drawing teens’ interest

On any given day at a St. Charles Parish library branch, one might find local teenagers enjoying robotics, crafts and video games in their own set apart area. On another, they may be swapping stories with a real-life  ghost hunter, or finding everything they need to put together a science project, or taking on one another in “combat” during a role-playing game.

All of these activities are part of a concerted effort by library planners to think outside the box to engage teens, and the strong attendance of many of these events indicates it just might be working.

“People often think of the library as great for younger children and their parents, and then also adults, but they forget that it can be a great place for teens looking for a place to read and have fun,” said Lauren Pitz, St. Charles Parish library spokeswoman.

The East Regional library recently had very strong attendance for its first-ever STEM fair, and it’s hoped that momentum will carry over to one of the library’s next big events: The Science and Social Studies Fair Projectpalooza for Teens, a workshop that helps students prepare their school projects by making craft supplies available, free of charge, and offering an open area to work and collaborate.

“Projectpalooza’s a fun name for something we came up with last year,” said Amy Duke, teen services librarian. “More than we even realized, parents are so busy these days and so are the kids … so with us providing a set time for people to drop in, gather supplies and work on these projects easily, it ended up being really successful last year and people were quickly asking us when we’re doing it again.”

The event will be held at three St. Charles libraries. The first will be held at the St. Rose branch on Nov. 27 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The second will be at the East Regional library Nov. 29 from 4 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., while the third will be at the West Regional Nov. 4 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A major development at the East Regional library is the recent remodeling of its Teen Room area, which has been converted into an area to hold events and activities. During the day, patrons of all ages will be able to visit the room to read, play board games, and do simple self-guided crafts.

But  from 3 pm until close, the room will be available to teens only — and they’ll see special benefits. During teen only time the Teen Room will feature a mix of activities including robotics, 3D printing, video games, crochet, tabletop role-playing games, washi tape crafts and do it yourself accessories. On Monday, Nov. 26, teens will get to design projects using 3D design software and see the 3D printer in action.

[pullquote]“People often think of the library as great for younger children and their parents, and then also adults, but they forget that it can be a great place for teens looking for a place to read and have fun.” – Lauren Pitz[/pullquote]

Duke said the space opened up after many of the books that were redundant with online resources were moved out.

“It’s kind of a place for kids to have a place that’s totally theirs, where they can hang out if they want to in a welcoming environment after school,” she said. “The feedback’s been pretty amazing. Even the younger kids are excited about getting to middle school and being able to use the room then. It’s something to look forward to.”

Another item of popularity has been the weekly events put on, including the affectionately-named “Nerd Night,” which brings teens together to participate in role playing games, cosplay, comics and craft-based activities, among others.

“They get really invested in the role-playing games and spend a lot of time developing their character, and they’re developing literacy skills on the fly with it,” Duke said, noting each branch has geared their particular night to the interests of their respective attendees.

The most influential sources for the development of these ideas? Teens themselves.  Each library branch brings together a teen advisory group to meet once a month and discuss new ideas to implement or how existing ideas can be improved upon.

“I think there’s been a nationwide movement with libraries to create a third space that’s not your house or school that’s free for anyone to come to and spend time, and that’s what we want to be for teens,” Duke said.