Cole Corner:Serving youth a precious part of new library job
June 29, 2012 · Grace Chamberlain
There is something so deeply special that comes to mind when one thinks of a good community. It's not just people living together in the same place, but something more, something imbued with kindness, care and collaboration. Good communities are something I have had the pleasure of being a part of throughout my life - from my time growing up here in Mount Vernon, through my experience in college and my nine-month stint living in India, to my current return to the area.
One thing I have always noticed and valued about these types of communities is their commitment to the children and youth who live within them. They seem to embrace the idea that it's not just the "village" that raises the child, but that youth themselves are valuable, contributing members of the community. This bond between the community and its youth is something that I am so pleased to be able to take part in at my new job as the public library assistant at the Russell D. Cole Library, focusing on teens and young adults.
As part of my work this summer, I will facilitate a series of events following the theme of "Own the Night," which is a part of the 2012 Collaborative Teen Summer Library Program - a nationwide library initiative. These events feature a wide range of activities, from art projects to movie screenings.
Alongside that, I will also be designing the book displays in the Young Adult section, which will change each month. Later this fall, I will lead the library's middle and high school reading groups, and have already had a blast picking out a few potential selections. I also welcome the advice and input of any local teen, and would love to collaborate with youth on a project or program.
My biggest desire for my work at the Cole Library is that my programs are not only fun and inspiring, but also relevant to the lives of teens in the community. Along with supporting current middle and high school patrons, I want to reach out to teens who have never come into the library, or perhaps do not believe a library is a place they belong.
Serving and including every member, especially youth, is what truly make a community precious, and I am so happy to yet again be a part of this one. |
