Create, Relate, and Pop @ the Library: Services and Programs for Teens & Tweens

by Erin Helmrich, Elizabeth Schneider

Libraries are in a unique position to help young people explore new ideas. One easy way to do that is by using elements of pop culture to which they're already attracted. Here, two innovative YA librarians show you how to capitalize on the latest trends--from TV, movies, and music to indie and niche interests--by incorporating them into compelling, creative programs. Casual and fun to use, the book encompasses both traditional and Web 2.0 participatory programming, offering practical ideas, program templates, and step-by-step outlines of methods, supplies, and resources. Chapter coverage Providing answers to questions such as "What will I do with my summer program?" or “How can I incorporate something educational into our library’s gaming theme?,” this time-saving, soup-to-nuts resource is perfect for librarians working with newer technologies, as well as those looking to add some pop to traditional programming formats.

Genres: Nonfiction, Adult

220 pages, Paperback

First published November 2, 2011

Reviews

[Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a pretty good read if you're trying to get in touch with your teens.
The book focuses primarily on how to use the "appeal" factor of pop-culture, fandoms, social media and marketing, and other forms of reaching your teens. While some of the programs that were focused on trends of the time, when the book was published, like Twilight and D.D.R., which are outdated now, most of the book does a good job on creating, through a complete supply list, how to describe the program, how to teach it (or if it needs a specialist), reviews of how it had been received from the library that created it (they are only using successful ones)....

But the book does touch on everything from the teen space, outreach, collection development, marketing and programming....Even if the trends seem a bit outdated, its very hard to stay on top of the teen trends (but to be fair, the book even references staying on top of the teen trends multiple times).

[Halley Todd · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you feel that you are out of touch with your teen patrons, then this professional programming book could help you get back that loving feeling. The major premise of this book is to really consider current popular teen culture in your library decisions. Whether you are re-decorating a space, making purchases for the teen collection, or trying to create new programs for teens, it is important to understand what they actually want, not just what you think they want. While going by what is popular is important, the authors do point out that you will still miss out on sub-sets of your patrons. Make sure to know your own patrons by consulting, or maybe creating, a Teen Advisory Board, or even just putting a survey on your website. The book is organized by discussing library foundations and basics, such as the history of teen service and collection development. Then, there are several varieties of newer programs that are not just focused on books, such as cooking, crafting, gaming, and physical activity programs. Whether you decide to read this book from cover to cover, or are just searching for specific program ideas, this book is definitely deserves a look through. It is highly recommended for those professionals looking for ways to refresh their teen services.

[Joanna Price · Rating 3 out of 5]

Create, Relate & Pop @ the Library is a recent book for librarians providing methodologies for getting teen and tween communities active in public libraries. This book has a good grasp on many of the cultural roots and it doesn't stray from some of the cold, hard, facts: teens do not come to library programming where there is no food, tweens are more interested in vampires than in great literature, teens are more interested in manicures than any literature. While the programming this book recommends is creative, a few of the ideas have trouble bridging the gap between childhood and adolescence. For example, a program designed around making wreaths to attract or keep vampires away is more appropriate for smaller children. However, this book covers a range of concepts thoroughly, including cultural history, branding, ranges of genres and activities enjoyed by teens and tweens, and ideas founded in current trends. This book is good foundational reading for any public librarian interested in programming for young adults.

[Ariel Cummins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a pretty excellent book! Lots of encouragement on staying up to date and focusing on teen-centered (ie teen created or at least heavily teen-guided) programming. Lots of really interesting and fun programming ideas, although most of them require more of a financial commitment than my library can swing.

Totally recommend it!

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book is not well designed. All the program descriptions run together and it is sometimes difficult to understand what is being described. Some good starting points, but not a book I'm going to go back to.