Striving to make library as cool as mall, movies
The shopping malls teem with them after school, and the movie theater is their usual Friday night hangout.
But Vicki Solomon wanted to create an environment where teenagers could feel they were doing something a little more constructive, or just relax and enjoy reading.
So she started a teen advisory board to help the Cambridge Public Library become that haven.
Three years ago, the library served only adults and children. There was a small collection of young adult novels, but the majority of the library catered to children younger than 12.
Solomon, the young-adult librarian at the library, wanted to change that.
So she put together a 16-member board of junior and high school students, as well as one very ''well-read" sixth-grader.
Their mandate was to recommend books, CDs, and DVDs that the library should acquire, invite guest authors, and start other activities that could make the library a teen hub.
''The library is a great place to socialize," said Sonia Booth, 17, a member of the board. Booth has been involved in library groups since she was young. ''It is a great way to spend my time because it is such a great atmosphere."
Cambridge is not the first library in the area to seek teens' advice; Haverhill Public Library also has an advisory board.
Of the 53 public libraries in the regional system, 15 have a young-adult librarian, like Solomon, or someone in a similar position.
''Junior high and high school kids always came to the library," said Solomon. ''We wanted to make a home for kids who love to read."
Since many of the public schools in Cambridge are near the library, swarms of students have always darted over to the library when school is dismissed.
Solomon's vision for the board was not merely a book club.
''I did not want this to be like school," she said.
With plans for renovation of the current library at 449 Broadway in Cambridge, the teens have met with the architects twice to voice their ideas for the young-adult section, which will be separate from the children's area.
''The group has given the architects their own ideas for the room," said Solomon. ''They have talked about what type of space they want and what kind of furniture would work."
During monthly meetings, the teens organize possible author visits to the library. The group has already brought in local authors like Kim Ablon Whitney, who wrote ''See You Down the Road," and Katherine Lasky, author of more than 100 books.
In recommending books, Solomon has found the group likes graphic novels (which are in a comic book format), science fiction, and fantasy books.
After speaking with other local librarians, Solomon learned it is difficult for young-adult librarians elsewhere to bring in graphic novels because of resistance from the library directors.
''We didn't have that problem here. Everyone has been very supportive," said Solomon.
When attempting to form her group, Solomon encountered one slight barrier. She found it was difficult to reach teenagers who were not frequent visitors to the library. So with the help of librarians from the Cambridge Rindge and Latin School, Solomon encouraged teens to get involved through fliers posted at the local junior and senior high schools, in the Cambridge newspaper, and in the library newsletter.
Cambridge Rindge and Latin School also helped share the expenses of hiring authors and hosting teen poetry slams.
Hoping to receive some money to fund future young-adult projects, Solomon applied for the
With a building relocation looming, Solomon wants to keep the group's momentum going. Members built gingerbread houses this past December for homeless shelters and wrapped books that were provided to these shelters.
The main problem with service-oriented projects, Solomon said, seems to be the time commitment for the teenagers.
Her one piece of advice: ''Make sure you have food."
