Teen Spaces: The Step-by-Step Library Makeover

by Kimberly Bolan

When writing the first edition of Teen Spaces in 2002, YA expert Bolan was challenged to find excellent examples. Now, teen spaces abound and interest continues to grow. With a strategic use of web-based technologies―from the author's website to a Flickr account―this new edition showcases success stories as it reaches out to attract a global community of teen librarians committed to meeting the needs of young adults. Revising the first practical guide to creating inviting spaces for teens in the library, Bolan reveals what it takes for your makeover to go as smoothly as possible. You'll Library directors, teen librarians, and school library media specialists will welcome the inspiration from hundreds of teen spaces around the world, along with hands-on suggestions for revamping their own library.

Genres: Nonfiction

225 pages, Paperback

First published March 30, 2009

Reviews

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I didn't actually read this... I just skimmed it. It was far more in depth than I need at the moment, but it looks AWESOME if you're fully ready to redesign a teen space. The templates for surveys, worksheets, etc in the back look incredibly helpful as well as an extensive resource list, vendor list, and information on all of the libraries pictured/mentioned. Super thorough if that's what you're looking for. I'd agree with another review that I'd love to see a new edition of this reflecting the changes in technology, addition of makerspaces, etc since 2009. Even if it wasn't what I was looking for right now, I would highly recommend it to anyone looking to fully redesign a space not just move the collection around and maybe buy a new table.

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This resource is good for all public libraries, large or small, library boards, managers, teen specialists and general library staff.

Despite its publication back in 2009, it still shows off its relevancy.
It talks about how to create a teen space through communication, assessments, statistics,
and how to avoid pitfalls, step by steps (including time, budget, values, staff requirements).
It stresses the importance of teen ownership, input and appearance/design.

The book also gives a large collection of before and after shots of multiple libraries around the country who have created very nice Teen Spaces to meet their community's needs. Some are full conference size rooms, some are as simple as furniture rearrangement/replacement and decoration.

[Jelena Antic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inovativna knjiga kako uciniti prostor za adolescente primamljivim kako bi ih sto vise privukli da citaju

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great templates, very thorough, and love all of the practical advice.

I'd love to see another update with more information about teen collections and tech in the spaces. Although, is any book going to keep up with changing tech???