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A Place for Teens to Be Themselves

Libraries are generally viewed as quiet sanctuaries where books can be read earnestly and without distraction, an idea not normally synonymous with the image of today's teenagers who would rather browse the Internet than peruse a novel. At Scranton Memorial Library, however, Katie Fargo, the teen services librarian, has altered this stereotypical view by giving teenagers the opportunity to participate in programs, volunteer in the community, and be a part of the library rather than its antithesis.

With a new crop of winter events at Scranton, Fargo not only hopes to grow youth involvement in the library, but also to provide a place for teenagers to find a niche of their own.

"I do think that the library is an important place for everybody of all ages, but for teenagers specifically it's a safe place, it's a warm place. You can be yourself here. There's really not much expectation from us on them, so you can just come be," said Fargo.

Fargo, who recently celebrated her one-year anniversary at the library, came into a teen program she describes as "robust," with staples such as Reading Buddies, a reading program matching teen volunteers with students in kindergarten through grade 3, and a monthly book club already in place.

In addition to preexisting programs, Fargo has created new events such as the creative writing group that has become one of her personal favorites. The group meets every other Wednesday starting Jan. 16 and allows aspiring writers to work on their story-telling.

"That's an exciting program for me because, while it's just a few kids that come-it's not a huge program-the kids that come are really excited about what they do. They really love telling stories and they love doing little writing prompts and things like that. So, because it's fun for them, I look forward to that one," said Fargo.

Although most of the programs are slated to begin in January, the second annual Peep Show will accept submissions from participants who create a diorama from a scene in a book or movie using marshmallow Peeps starting on March 22. Fargo says the event allows her to combine the aims of the teen department as the students are able to create their own art and the community is also able to appreciate their work.

"Easter's in March this year, so that's when the Peeps are going to be available. Then the week before Easter people can come drop them off. They're going to be displayed in the teen section...People come in just to look at them," said Fargo.

Fargo also stresses that along with the programs, volunteer opportunities are an integral part of the teen presence at the library. Those interested can participate in efforts such as Teens and Tech, a Madison Senior Center-based program in which teen volunteers help senior citizens with technology related issues, and the Teen Advisory Group, which Fargo said helps her make both programming and purchasing decisions while giving teenagers a voice in the library.

"They have a pretty important role to help me, because they come once a month during the school year. They give me suggestions for purchasing. They're one of the best people to ask, because I'm obviously not a teenager, so I think I know what I want, but really you've got to ask the people...If people look at the library programs and say, 'There's nothing for me,' then they should come to the Teen Advisory Group, because then they can suggest anything that they want. I try to do it, within reason," said Fargo.

Meghan Wood, a Daniel Hand sophomore and member of the Teen Advisory Group, explained the significance of the group's initiatives.

"The teen programs at the library are really important, because we're able to provide events that cater to the teenagers in Madison, but also able to give back to the community. Personally, I love going to events at the library because I know that I'll be having a good time and also be supporting the library," Wood said.

Not only does volunteering help the community, but in the case of Teens and Tech, it also allows participants to possibly learn about their own future interests.

"I do know that some of the kids who volunteered with the technology program at the senior citizens center, some of their parents have said to me now [their kids] are interested in working with teaching senior citizens or maybe working with the elderly...Now they're thinking, 'Oh, I could do this as a career'-maybe work at a senior center or be a nurse or teach computer classes to the elderly,'" said Fargo.

For Fargo the most important aspect of the programs and events is helping teenagers foster a connection to the library.

"There's just a lot of different opportunities-ways to use the library-and obviously everybody gets older, so if we make a positive connection with young people now, as they're adults, if they stay in Madison or move on to other communities, the library will be an important piece of their life then, as well," said Fargo.

Fargo doesn't see teenagers as a disturbance to the typical library setting. Rather, she views them as a part of the whole experience, saying, "They make the job fun. During the summer kids are in here all day long and the day goes by so fast. Then everybody goes back to school and then they come in around 3 o'clock and I'm like, 'Ah, life in the library again.'"

For more information on events and programs, visit www.scrantonlibrary.org/teens or the Scranton Library.