Meet…
8 August 2008
SLIS Graduate Helps Make Library A Popular Spot for Teens
Since graduating from SLIS in 2006, Lydia Harlan has worked in the County of Los Angeles Public Library system developing programs that appeal to teen patrons. She was recently quoted in an article in an LA Times story titled, "Libraries Score with Video Games
." The story focused on a monthly gaming day hosted by the San Fernando branch of the library, a popular event for local kids.
Harlan recently began working at the La Cañada Library after working at the La Crescenta and San Fernando branches of the County system. Since she is relatively new, she is still trying new things to see what works. "Gaming always works," she points out. The branches offer other programs and events for teens, including movie nights, knitting clubs, workshops, tournaments, craft projects, teen advisory meetings and, of course, book clubs.
According to Harlan, the San Fernando branch is seeing more and more teens. It is a very family-oriented community, so teens are welcomed there by staff and other patrons alike. Many of them come in on a regular basis to hang out, make new friends and see if there are any programs being offered. "They were sort of restless," she says, "so once we had programs, it gave them something to do and their behavior improved." While at the library, teens utilize other services as well, browsing books and magazines and using the computers.
Harlan advertises the teen programs in a number of ways, such as posting flyers at the library and local schools, promoting the events on the library’s website and MySpace, to talking directly with teens. Word of mouth is key, she states. The teen patrons "aren’t into pieces of paper and keeping schedules." In addition to attending the programs, many teens are required by their schools to perform community service, and have expressed interest in volunteering at the library.
While she was a student at SLIS, Harlan was a program coordinator with the American Library Association Student Chapter (ALASC). She adds that this enabled her to work with great people, gain experience and gather evidence for her culminating e-portfolio. She also learned skills that have proven to be transferable to her work in public libraries. "I highly recommend that current students get involved with either ALASC or LISSTEN [Library and Information Science Students to Encourage Networking]. It’s such a rewarding experience."
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