How (not) to start a YA programSarah Costa

Young Adult and Web Technology Librarian Aldrich Public Library

Barre, VT

Raise your hand if…

Your library has teen programs.

You’re an introvert.

You find teen programming to be an easy, uncomplicated, and immediately gratifying part of your job.

Why am I here?

• Grace Green !

• Nerdfighter on the side of information access and social justice !

• Barre needs librarians!

Setting the scene…

After School ProgrammingWhat went wrong?

What went right?

• History of hostility and lack of service • Unwelcoming and unproductive atmosphere • Dated collection and computers

• Updating collection and computers • Listening and being present • Acting on feedback • FOOD

Lesson learned:

Listen and be patient

Teen Advisory Council (TAC)What went wrong?

What finally worked?

• No application • No deadline • No date set for meetings

• An application • With a deadline • And a date set for the first meeting • Personal contact

Lesson learned:

Value your programs

General YA ProgrammingWhat didn’t work?

What did work?

• Advertising - in print, at school assemblies, online, in parades, on social media, etc.

• Guessing what they wanted • No precedence of participation

• Word of mouth advertising • Teen-run programs - let them drive! • Slow change in reputation

Final Tips

Research the teen brain

Find what motivates you

Refuel often

Thoughts?

Questions?

Experiences to share?

Photo credits: 3. www.barrecity.org 4. https://www.flickr.com/photos/zero101/3500699160/sizes/z/ 11. https://www.flickr.com/photos/missmoon/8865396/sizes/o/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/mrmorodo/5726885681/sizes/l/ https://www.flickr.com/photos/andreasivarsson/4893861972/sizes/m/

Thanks!