Cynthia Czesak – Director, Paterson Public Library Maureen Moffit – Youth Services Librarian, Atlantic City Public Library Darby DeCicco – Children’s Librarian, New Brunswick Free Public Library

 What makes a library “urban?” Diversity of patrons? Location in a densely populated area? Economic factors?  The truth is, there’s no single set of parameters that defines an “urban library”

 Community Centers  Rich in diversity  Often heavily used  Truly of value to patrons

 Economic Struggles  Language & Cultural Barriers  Can feel isolated from other libraries  May face safety concerns

The concepts we apply to our Teen Services Philosophy Autonomy Belonging Control

Don’t make assumptions: Let teens takeover  Rather than assume something will be popular, give teens ownership of their space, collection, and programs.  This lets teens know that their opinions are important, and makes them more invested in the library.  It also diversifies the collection and ensures you are reaching many segments of the population.

Teen Spaces  Teen Space and Lounge was created in 2009 with input from local teens.

Teen Collection  The AC library had low fiction circulation. Kids mostly seemed interested in urban fiction and DVDs.  Teen surveys revealed that urban fiction was popular but teens were also looking for a more diverse collection – vampire romances, graphic novels, etc.

Teen fiction circs after teen input

Teen Programming  Teens in Atlantic City are interested in very diverse programs that reflect their diverse cultural backgrounds.  Requests include music programs, cool crafts, educational workshops, video gaming, and anything involving food.  We also try to build programs for those teens who need programs but don’t ask for them, like teen parents who need baby lap sit programs.

Teens rock out in the Teen Lounge on Rock Band Saturday. Teen volunteers brain storm and come up with ideas for programs. A small investment can bring in those hard to reach teens and encourages autonomy and control.

Atlantic City Teens volunteer at city events and library programs

Atlantic City Council honoring members of the Atlantic City Free Public Library Teen Advisory Group who received Presidential Service Awards for their volunteer service to the Atlantic City community in 2011.

Information about Presidential Service Awards  The President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation was established in 2003 to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making in our communities and to encourage more people to serve.  Recognizing and honoring volunteers sets a standard for service, encourages a sustained commitment to civic participation, and inspires others to make service a central part of their lives. The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes individuals, families, and groups that have achieved a certain standard—measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period or cumulative hours earned over the course of a lifetime.  To date more than 1.5 million awards have been bestowed upon the Nation’s deserving volunteers.

 Your disadvantages can become advantages New perspectives Unexpected results Partnerships and chances for growth  Everything is a tool – you just have to decide how to use it! The bare minimum can produce maximum results Creativity is key

Your disadvantages can become advantages. LEGO League at NBFPL

Your disadvantages can become advantages.  Don’t panic!  Find opportunities in your community  Be a force for change  Look – (really look) – for the silver lining

Do what you want with what you’ve got. “I’m bored.”

Do what you want with what you’ve got.  Stop making comparisons!  Say “yes”  Use that imagination ( a paper plate is not just a paper plate…it’s a UFO, a snowman, a mask, a clock, a Frisbee…)  Ask for help  Try

 10 Things Learned from Working in Urban Libraries

 Questions?  Contact us: Cynthia - Maureen - Darby –