NCompass Live: The Thing About Teens ..…

NCompass Live - June 5, 2024
http://nlc.nebraska.gov/NCompassLive/

Trying to connect and understand teenagers can be difficult and overwhelming at times. So how do you attract teens to the library and keep them engaged? This presentation will offer tips on how to connect with teens, build relationships, along with programming ideas to keep them coming back. Maybe they’ll even bring their friends!

Presenter: Mari Vasquez, Youth Services Librarian, Crete (NE) Public Library.

1. sf (3

TRE THING
ABOUT TEENS...

2. QUESTION

What are the first thoughts that run into
your head when you see a group of teens

come into the library?

3. QUESTION Le)

How would you approach teens in the library

who you think may be interested in attending a

program?

5. .

Improv Night

Allows teens to show off their quick thinking skills and practice communicating.
Be aware there will be lots of laughs!

Game Ideas

Character Bus, Numbers Game, Questions Only

Budget
$0

6. Trivia Night

Let teens test their knowledge on different topics.

Supplies
Free Sites:

Jeopardy Labs, Kahoot, Google Slides
Snacks

Budget
$20

7. Movie Night

Watch the latest movie or pull out a classic.

Supplies

Movie (teen choice)
Snacks

Budget
$20

8. Manga/Anime Club

Highlights materials that may be in the collection, while being able to tie in
learning opportunities about Japanese culture or make fan art. |———

Possible Activities

Snack taste testing
Chopstick lessons and competition
Japanese tea ceremony
DIY Character felt plushies

Budget
20*

9. Self Care Night

Make self care items to help teens deal with stress.

Possible Activities —_—

Coasters: paint, paint brushes, sharpies, ceramic coasters
Journals: cardstock, scrapbook paper, copy paper, hole punch, string or yarn
Sugar scrub: granulated sugar, coconut oil, essential oils for scent

Budget
$20-$40*

10. Open Craft Night

Upcycle existing items or DIY a new craft.
(Clean out the closet.)

Possible Activities

Tote bags: tote bags, fabric paint, paint brushes, sharpies, ribbon

Painting: canvases, ceramic sculptures, acrylic paint, paint brushes
Found object art: found objects, hot glue, cardboard or wood base

DIY Birdhouses: bird house kits, hammers

Budget
$20-$60*

11. Board Game Night
Play some classic games or learn a new one.
Provide a variety of games at different skill levels. ———
Possible Games —

UNO
What do you meme?
Hedbanz
5 Minute Dungeon

Budget
$20-$60*

12. Needle Felting

Take a ball of wool and turn it into something new.
This is a great activity for beginners with no prior experience. |———

Supplies

Needle felting kits
Extra felting pads

Budget
$20-$60*

13. Chemistry Experiments

Provide a variety of different ingredients to make crazy concoctions.
Fun to do around Halloween or April Fools. |———

Possible Activities

Fake Blood: corn syrup, corn starch, and food coloring
Gel Worms: powdered calcium chloride, sodium alginate solution, syringes,
food coloring, disposable cups, and plastic bags
Fake snot: unflavored gelatin, corn syrup, food coloring, water, mixing bowls

Budget
$30-$60*

14. Beginners Crochet

Learn the basics of crochet and learn to make a scarf.

Supplies =

Crochet Hooks
Yarn: recommend brand - Bernat

Budget
$30*

15. Card Making

Make greeting cards for the special people in their lives.

Supplies

Cardstock
Scrapbook Paper
Adhesive Dot Roller
Precut images and stickers
Cricut machine*

Budget
$30*

16. Dungeons and Dragons

Allows teens to work on their communication, problem solving, and teamwork
skills. ———
Supplies

Player's Handbook
Dugeon Master's Guide
Monster Manual

Dice sets

Budget
45*

17. Library After Dark

Great way for teens to hang out and explore the library after hours.

Possible Activities —

Movie marathon
Board Games
Video Games
Group Games
Snack Station

Budget
$75"

18. Food Competition

Compete to see who can make the best recipe and win points with the judges

Possible Competitions =

Salsa
Cupcakes
Gourmet Grilled Cheese
Smoothies

Budget
$75"

19. © © O > O
THINGS I VE
LEARNED
« Give them ownership
« Set expectations and boundaries early
« Make it a safe space for everyone
« Ask questions. Get to know them?

© Also, know when to back off ==
« Listen

20. u

“©
CONTACT ©
INFO

MARI VASQUEZ

Youth services librarian

=X) [email protected]

Y