Teen Library Events: A Month-by-Month Guide

by Kirsten Edwards

If you are a new young adult librarian or an experienced librarian with little time to plan and execute programs for teens, this book is for you! For each month in the calendar year, two or three programs popular with teens are presented with instructions, sample flyers, letters, and checklists. From simple programs such as a candy raffle to more complex programs such as a mystery night, librarians can keep their teen calendar full of activities with a minimum of effort. Programs that tie into both school events and national events for teens are included as well as those that can be presented at an individual library.

Suggestions for programs range from a poetry contest to a summer job program. Instructions for ongoing procedures for soliciting teens' opinions are a monthly question board, candy raffle, starting and running a Teen Advisory Board and so on. Basic skills for all YA librarians are emphasized in each of the programs; these skills include booktalking, working with the schools, and marketing your programs within the library and to the community. By creating variations in each of the programs, young adult librarians will have a wealth of ideas in this book to keep their YA program calendar filled for years to come.

184 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2001

Reviews

[Samma Lynne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this book is dated - and, really, that was to be expected, given that it's about ten years old and what teens like to do changes drastically over the years. I wasn't terribly fond of the examples, but I think that's just another sign of the times (it's so much easier to make good signage with programs these days). All in all, though, I only kind of liked it, and sometimes had to force myself through. Some good ideas that I can heavily adapt, though, so that's a bonus. Got some more teen library books to read!

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very outdated. I also expected more ideas from a book this size. Instead we get 1-2 a month, but in great detail. Now the murder mystery one was a bit handy because it really let you know how far you can go with it. And I liked the book talk examples as well. But otherwise, it felt almost too controlled. I guess if you need step by step instructions, right down to how to fold paper to in a menu or pamphlet style, then you might get more out of this. Also, not very helpful for school settings. A lot of these take place on weekends/event type events at a public library and don't feel very adaptable, or doable on a school budget with more limited resources, funds and free time.

[Lablover · Rating 1 out of 5]

The book is outdated. Most of the examples are too juvenile and boring for today's teens. The book is very much like a textbook and doesn't really seem to know how to breathe life into ideas and creativity.

[Julie N · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was ok. I read it looking for ideas to use in my library, although I work in a college library, so the age range was a little off. I did get a few good suggestions that I think I'll be able to put into place in my library.

[Jules G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick resource and helpful guide.

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm on the search for a practical practitioner's guide, and this wasn't one. I don't see any of these programs really turning teens into "raving fans" of the library. Onward and onward.

[Marissa Elera · Rating 1 out of 5]

There was very little that would be relevent today in this book. Almost every idea suggested seems painfully awkward, cheesy, or outdated.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A useful guide for librarians looking to start a teen program from scratch. There are fewer event ideas than I was hoping for, but it shows you how to balance those events well.