Create, Relate, & Pop @ the Library

This volume opens with a decade-by-decade overview of teen/tween pop culture from the 1950s to present. The authors then explain their approach: to create access to information and opportunities for teens to create something, to relate to this audience by making connections and being relevant, and to realize that "pop" is what tweens and teens are interested in. This guide will assist librarians in marketing programs through branding, information-gathering, and a variety of methods of promotion, including print, social networks, and even a "street team" word-of-mouth approach. The 13 chapters outline 47 programs from start to finish. Details include supplies, implementation, "food/technology, and other mandatory extras," and advertising ideas. Categories include art, celebrity and reality TV, crafts, cooking, contests, Japanese popular culture, style and beauty, and gaming. The chapter on music programming is a weak point as it only includes one program based on an outdated children's fad. Overall, though, this is a handy guide.—Jessica Breslin, Cuyahoga County Public Library, Parma, OH