What Everyone Can Learn from Urban Libraries Cynthia Czesak – Director, Paterson Public Library Maureen Moffit – Youth Services Librarian, Atlantic City Public Library Darby DeCicco – Children’s Librarian, New Brunswick Free Public Library
Cynthia Czesak – Director, Paterson Public Library Maureen Moffit – Youth Services Librarian, Atlantic City Public Library Darby DeCicco – Children’s Librarian,
Cynthia Czesak Director, Paterson Public Library Maureen Moffit
Youth Services Librarian, Atlantic City Public Library Darby
DeCicco Childrens Librarian, New Brunswick Free Public Library
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What makes a library urban? Diversity of patrons? Location in a
densely populated area? Economic factors? The truth is, theres no
single set of parameters that defines an urban library
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Community Centers Rich in diversity Often heavily used Truly of
value to patrons
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Economic Struggles Language & Cultural Barriers Can feel
isolated from other libraries May face safety concerns
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The concepts we apply to our Teen Services Philosophy Autonomy
Belonging Control
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Dont make assumptions: Let teens takeover Rather than assume
something will be popular, give teens ownership of their space,
collection, and programs. This lets teens know that their opinions
are important, and makes them more invested in the library. It also
diversifies the collection and ensures you are reaching many
segments of the population.
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Teen Spaces Teen Space and Lounge was created in 2009 with
input from local teens.
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Teen Collection The AC library had low fiction circulation.
Kids mostly seemed interested in urban fiction and DVDs. Teen
surveys revealed that urban fiction was popular but teens were also
looking for a more diverse collection vampire romances, graphic
novels, etc.
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Teen fiction circs after teen input
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Teen Programming Teens in Atlantic City are interested in very
diverse programs that reflect their diverse cultural backgrounds.
Requests include music programs, cool crafts, educational
workshops, video gaming, and anything involving food. We also try
to build programs for those teens who need programs but dont ask
for them, like teen parents who need baby lap sit programs.
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Teens rock out in the Teen Lounge on Rock Band Saturday. Teen
volunteers brain storm and come up with ideas for programs. A small
investment can bring in those hard to reach teens and encourages
autonomy and control.
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Atlantic City Teens volunteer at city events and library
programs
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Atlantic City Council honoring members of the Atlantic City
Free Public Library Teen Advisory Group who received Presidential
Service Awards for their volunteer service to the Atlantic City
community in 2011.
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Information about Presidential Service Awards
http://www.presidentialserviceawards.gov/ The Presidents Council on
Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to
recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our
communities and to encourage more people to serve. Recognizing and
honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a
sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to
make service a central part of their lives. The Presidents
Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and
groups that have achieved a certain standardmeasured by the number
of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours
earned over the course of a lifetime. To date more than 1.5 million
awards have been bestowed upon the Nations deserving
volunteers.
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Your disadvantages can become advantages New perspectives
Unexpected results Partnerships and chances for growth Everything
is a tool you just have to decide how to use it! The bare minimum
can produce maximum results Creativity is key
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Your disadvantages can become advantages. LEGO League at
NBFPL
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Your disadvantages can become advantages. Dont panic! Find
opportunities in your community Be a force for change Look (really
look) for the silver lining
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Do what you want with what youve got. Im bored.
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Do what you want with what youve got. Stop making comparisons!
Say yes Use that imagination ( a paper plate is not just a paper
plateits a UFO, a snowman, a mask, a clock, a Frisbee) Ask for help
Try