Wondering how to spruce up your Teen Spaces at your public library? There are lots of resources available for you.

1. Teen SpacesTeen Spaces
Suzanne Walker – Indiana State Library
Children’s Consultant
@suzieecw
Deb Sparks – Odle Mcguire Shook
Interior Designer

2. Hi! Who are we?Hi! Who are we?
And who are you?

3. I know you want to see pictures…I know you want to see pictures…
But first, some research. 

4. Why Have One?Why Have One?
Do you have teens?
YES…therefore, you have a need.
Fulfill a need in your community…if you
have teens, you need a safe place for
them to do what they want to do…those
activities include socializing, leisure
activities, and studying.

5. Why Have One?Why Have One?
Libraries need to support teenagers and
encourage teen belonging, community
involvement, and library appreciation.
Giving them a space is part of that.

6. Why Have One?Why Have One?
Can’t they just use the kid space? Or the
adult space?
Nope. Cause they’ve got needs…

7. Why Have One?Why Have One?
7 Developmental Needs of Adolescents:
◦ Physical Activity
◦ Competence and Achievement
◦ Self-Definition
◦ Creative Expression
◦ Positive Social interactions with peers and
adults
◦ Structure and Clear Limits
◦ Meaningful Participation
Teen Spaces by Kimberly Bolan

8. Why Have One?Why Have One?
Um…we want to stay relevant…right?
Expand your customer base by appealing
to users and nonusers.

9. Why Have One?Why Have One?
Effectively market your library and draw
teens into your space, leading them to
other services.

10. Your Teen Space
Space

11. Why Have One?Why Have One?

12. Why Have One?Why Have One?
Increase current and future library
supporters.

13. YALSA’s Teen Space GuidelinesYALSA’s Teen Space Guidelines
Not sure where to start? Check this out…
Great step by step guide to creating and
maintaining an engaging space for teen
library users.
Relatively new…May of 2012

14. YALSA Says a Teen Space…YALSA Says a Teen Space…
Is created with teen feedback.
Encourages positive teen development.
Reflects their community.
Provides materials to support educational
and leisure needs.
Has appropriate policies.
Has furniture and technology that is
practical yet adaptive.

15. Policies and Procedures…Policies and Procedures…
We could have a whole session on policies
and procedures…
Don’t have separate policies for teens.
Is there an age requirement for your
space?
Have teens help you with the guidelines.
Think about noise.
Limit adult use.
How will your space dictate their
behavior?

16. Kenton Public Library - KYKenton Public Library - KY
The Kenton County Public Library serves over 1.1
million people per year. It has three branches and
a dedicated teen librarian and space at each
branch…

20. The room is enclosed in glass so that programs
can be held in the space for teens.
Features of the new YA space:
40 seats (an increase from 8 seats in the old
space)
Lounge space with a gaming area
6 computers
Increased shelf space
A seperate graphic novel/manga room adjacent
to the YA space
Stop by the Covington Branch and check out the
new YA Space!

21. It’s the Little Things…It’s the Little Things…
Paint a wall
Bring in a lamp
Change your seating
Add a rug
Art by Teens
Gels on your lighting
Activity Wall
WEED YOUR COLLECTION
Sight lines
What expectations are your space
communicating?

26. PreviousPrevious
Members of the Florissant Valley Teen
Advisory Group helped to choose the
furniture and color palette for the teens-
only space at the Florissant library in St.
Louis County. Teen Alley also offers
gaming equipment, three computers and
a wealth of comfy seating, including bean
bag chairs and sectional furniture that can
be rearranged. Photo: Dave Moore

28. Whitman County LibraryWhitman County Library
Looks like a pretty tight space for teens at
the Whitman County Library in Colfax,
Wash., but check out the way it’s
decorated. It just looks cool. I recognize
the coffee table from IKEA. Photo courtesy
of Travelin’ Librarian.

30. Call me!Call me!
Suzanne Walker – suwalker@library.in.gov
@suzieecw
317-234-5649