If you still think libraries are just quiet rooms full of books and shushing, it’s time to look again. Today they offer far more: technology access, museum and park passes, digital media, tools, and a wide range of community programs. Today libraries are vibrant hubs that support many interests and foster real connection. They’re dynamic centers for learning, creativity, information, and essential services.

And libraries are increasingly building “third spaces” for teens, giving them a place that’s not home and not school, but a space to be together and follow their own interests. At our public library in Greenfield, Mass., teens designed the room themselves. It’s now one of the busiest spots in the building.

"The Mix has its own entrance on the second floor of the library. Inside there’s everything you can imagine to foster creativity. There’s a room with 3-d printers, sewing machines, mannequins and cabinets full of art supplies. There are two soundproof rooms with instruments where teens can make studio quality music recordings, podcasts or make green screen videos. There are tables for playing games like dungeons and dragons, a 'carpet garden' lounge area for chilling or scrolling on phones; nooks with seating for large and small groups; a row of computers for playing video games; and of course bookshelves full of manga."

"The Library has a big role to play in helping teens in particular adapt to stress, stressors in life, be they political or, you know, biological COVID or just developmental. They’re just going through a unique time that is very short in their life, six or seven-ish years. And there’s a lot libraries can do to help ease some of the pain."

ARTICLE: Why Teens Love to Hang Out at the Library

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