This week in my YA library services class we are discussing and reading literature and articles on teen spaces in libraries. I’m of the opinion that every library should have a separate space, ideally a separate room, for teens. If the need is there (which, honestly, it probably is, except maybe in the Florida Keys…). I don’t think this should just apply for teens–children should also have their own space (and most libraries do have a children’s room/area), as well as adults. However, many areas of a library are open for usage by anyone, and are primarily used by adults for their information, recreational, and educational needs. Adults aren’t loud, rambunctious, or at the library to socialize (for the most part). Teens use the library to hang with friends, play games on the computer, update their social networks, and maybe even some homework or learning! Teens like to talk, and don’t want to be “shh-ed” all the time. (Who would?)

Solution: get the teens their own space where they can be open, away from adults, and won’t distract other users. Of course, a teen space should have rules to guide it, just like any area of the library. As I was volunteering this week at a local library, I worked in the teen room shelving CDs. The librarian on duty there had to discuss with a few teens regarding their language–they were cursing, rather frequently. She gave them a warning and asked them to refrain from cursing. Rules are a necessary part of a library, especially in a teen space that allows a variety of ages (usually 12-18). While parents may not care if their 18-year-old teen is cursing (although I’m sure most do!), the parent of a 12-year-old will probably have concerns. However, rules should be appropriate, and fair, and ideally made in consultation with teens that frequent the library, or perhaps a teen advisory council, if the library has one.

I’ve also recently read a few posts in the blogosphere discussing adult access to a teen space and the teen collection. Some libraries have the teen collection (mainly, YA books) in the teen space–and they won’t allow adults in there at all, or only with a librarian escort. Is this appropriate? What about people like me, in library school, that are reading YA books, or YA writers that would like to research the market? Should the collection be available to all, or only to teens?

I feel that every collection in every library should be open to all. Of course, adults shouldn’t “hang out” in the teen area–that defeats the purpose! But I don’t see a problem with allowing adults to access the YA collection of books, games, etc. The YA market has tons of adult readers these days, and I hope most libraries realize this.

What do you think about teen library spaces? What is the teen space at your library like? Here are a few sites you can check out to discover some great teen spaces, or other resources.

“The Need for Teen Spaces in Public Libraries,” by Kimberly Bolan for YALSA

Kimberly Bolan’s Flickr site, which features photographs of teen spaces across the country

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