I talked with Regina Arndt, the long-time youth services librarian in Altoona recently and got inspired by some of her programs.  Teen programs can be tricky, and some of these ideas seem like they might work well for other libraries!

Ping Pong and Pizza Nights

Every second Friday of the month, teens are welcome at the library from 4-5 pm for, you guessed it, Ping Pong and Pizza!  Regina turns the conference tables into ping pong tables, heats up some pizzas, sets out some board games, and gives teens time to enjoy each other.  She keeps kids on task by providing a variety of activities and making expectations clear.   She had 29 teens at the last event!

I asked Regina what her secret to publicity for this group is, and she said:  “Having a partnership with the local school district and their middle school staff (for me, it’s the ELA teachers) is key in helping to promote teen library events.  I email the teachers 1 week prior to an event and they’ll make a classroom announcement about it and any behavioral expectations.  I also am present at the middle school’s Back-to-School Welcome Day (attended by 546 people) helping to get the word out about the library and the various programs offered for all ages.”

Summer Walking Field Trips

Tuesdays in the summer, teens (with permission slips) gather at the library to take a walk to a local business to take a tour, learn about what the job opportunities are like at that business, and spend time together.  They have visited the very fancy coffee shop and bakery across the street, the auto body shop, the police and fire departments, and a local bank.  She’s planning additional visits for the upcoming summer program.   If your library is located within walking distance of businesses, this is a fun way to showcase local businesses and open doors and eyes to potential careers for teens.