In April 2008, the
Ontario Trillium Foundation awarded $75, 000 to the
County of Lennox and Addington Public Library, Napanee, Ontario, for enhancements of teen services. Rebecca Hinch was hired in June of 2008 as the teen services facilitator to recruit a Teen Advisory Group (T.A.G.) to help guide these changes and foster teen programming in all of its facilities. And while it has been hard work, the results are rewarding. The T.A.G. Team now meets monthly to discuss a variety of topics such as programming suggestions, reading and resource materials, and furnishings for the designated Teen Spaces in each branch. A Nintendo Wii and flat screen TVs have been purchased and are available to each branch once a month for a gaming event. Each month's programming has a theme which everything from the games and events to the book displays are based around. Drinks and munchies are always provided at the events and feedback from the teens has been very positive. One very popular event was a pizza taste-testing party. Local pizzas were graded in a variety of categories and certificates signed by the teens were presented to the restaurants with the best pizza in each one. A passive program is also offered so teens can participate each time they visit their branch. "Back to School Add-a-line (or two)" was set out in a binder with only the first sentence written for the September Passive Program. The teens needed to keep the story going while only adding one line (or two). September's overall theme was "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants." A journal-decorating night took place as well as a "decorate your own Travelling Pants" activity where jeans were provided with many craft supplies so that kids could create their own works of art! Everything from Homework Help and after hours hide-and-seek to duct-tape crafts and magnetic poetry are planned to generate more interest from our local teens, encouraging them to see the library as a space to hang out, make friends, and enjoy what their community has to offer them. This is a great project–the best part being that it is created by teens, for teens. The County of Lennox and Addington Public Library gratefully acknowledges the financial support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, an agency of the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation. With $100 million in annual finding from the province's charitable gaming initiative, the Foundation provides grants to eligible charitable and not-for-profit organizations in the arts, culture, sports, recreation, environment and social service sectors.
Becky Hinch was born and raised in Napanee, Ontario, and is now raising a family of her own there. As a life-time resident and frequent library patron, she was thrilled to be chosen as the Ontario Trillium Foundation funded teen services facilitator.
Get Print. Get Digital. Get Both!
Libraries are always evolving. Stay ahead.
Log In.
Add Comment :-
Be the first reader to comment.
Comment Policy:
Comment should not be empty !!!