 | | | Librarian Andrea Freyler (center) with teen summer volunteers Anaisa Lowson and J.P. Bagalihog. Photo Sophie Braccini
| | | | | | It is not always easy to get tweens and teens to consider the library a cool place to be. By the time they are in middle school, many young people who once loved to go to the library with mom and discover new books and activities often decide the quiet, book-lined rooms are just not appealing.
While Lafayette and Orinda libraries have great central locations, Moraga's library is not near a frozen yogurt shop or a fun hangout spot. But adult and teen services librarian Andrea Freyler has not given up on older kids. Since she arrived in Moraga last winter she's been thinking about ways to attract tweens and teens to the library and this summer she launched, with the support of senior community librarian Diane McDonnell, the Teen Tuesday program for kids entering sixth through 12th grade.
The program that began in June has started to lure young crowds back to the historic building on St. Mary's Road near the Commons Park.
"One mom told me she was so happy we started this," said Freyler. "Her children started coming to the library for Baby Storytime; but since middle school they had no interest. Now they are coming back to the library and rediscovering that it is a place that welcomes them." The Tuesdays are designed for this age group and always include drinks and snacks.
The first Tuesday in July was "Lights, Cinema, Pixar," followed by "Fear Factor," which challenged teens to taste unusual food, and "Cupcake Decorating 101." July 23 will feature "Game On" - adolescents will be offered board games and electronic games to play with.
"Girl Scouts from Troop 30114 came to us looking for a Silver Award project," explains Freyler. "They collected board games they will fit in a large box that we will use on the 23rd and that will stay with the library."
Incoming Campolindo freshman Kim Baxter decided to invest her babysitting money in board games to donate to the library. "I bought seven games that are fun to play as a group," says Baxter. "It includes Apple to Apple, Twister, Janga, chess and card games. I'll come on the 23rd to play with the group of teens." The games will be permanently donated and groups will be able to borrow them to play at the library.
There is also a movie party planned for July 30, and Teen Tuesday will continue through Aug. 17 when a game truck will come to the library.
"The library is a fun and safe place for teens to be," says Freyler with enthusiasm, "and it gives them something constructive to do in the summer." Freyler employs 10 teen volunteers from local high schools to help with the program, and is planning other teen-oriented offerings for the fall.
"There are some public libraries that are popular with teens," she adds. "Sometimes it is the location ... and sometimes it is appealing programs that draw them in."
Libraries Seeking Feedback from Lamorinda Residents
The Contra Costa County Library wants you to share your insights - about what local libraries are doing right - and what needs improvement. CCCL staff are conducting an online survey through July 31 to assist them with their future strategic planning, and are asking everyone to participate. So, take three minutes to share your two cents by responding to the questions at: ccclib.org/mylibrary. Then, share the survey link with family, friends and neighbors.
L. Snyder
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA