Ages 13–18
TEEN

While the space is important for teens, equally so is the staff. Teens want a librarian just for their space, and one who is welcoming, has a positive attitude, is patient and approachable with a sense of humor. Teens want a place for self-guided, interest-driven learning – a place for exploration that is intertwined with sharing and learning from others.

A Space to Make Their Own

Furnishing and décor set the tone for your Teen space. Many libraries are creating Teen Advisory Boards to give teens a choice in what their space looks like!

10 Tips for a Successful Teen Space

Understand teens and their developmental needs. Review the Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets as well as YALSA resources.
Allow teens to take ownership of the space. This is often done by creating a Teen Advisory Board that gives input on the space design, furnishings and programming.
Keep the space flexible to support a variety of experiences from live performance to hanging out, to movie nights, gaming and more.
Encourage kids to develop and express their identities through art and creation.
Provide access to technology including computers and support the use of their own devices.
Digital media labs and maker spaces are increasingly popular and scalable. Start small and grow as resources permit.
Give space to engage with others to problem-solve, complete group projects, share content, etc.
Comfortable furnishings are essential. Consider a mix of less expensive pieces that will be replaced to keep the space "current" with one or two "wow" pieces.
Engage with community experts and resources to provide rich and timely programming.
Support individual learning and reading by creating visible popular collections and the use of good merchandising techniques.