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February 1, 2013 by Karen Jensen, MLS

Teens Talk: Lucy B talks libraries, books, programs and more

February 1, 2013 by Karen Jensen, MLS   4 comments

For the next few weeks at TLT, if it’s Friday, that means it is time for Teens Talk.  We will be interviewing teens about what they like about their library, what they want from their library, and more to help us all learn more about our target audience.  Today we talk with Lucy, a teenager from the Midwest.

Do you use your local library?  Why or why not?  How often?

Okay, so I have a library in my neighborhood (Lucky me!) but I don’t visit it as much as a probably should. BUT when I do go to it you can find me in the teen section hunting for realistic fiction books. I’ve decided not to hunt for books at the school library. It is too complicated!!

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What would you like a teen space in a library to look like? What should it include? What should it avoid?

That’s a good question, because look is almost everything when it comes to me and attraction to a place. I think it should have booths or couches in that area. And area when we can hang and like read. Another thing is color, and cool decorations! Always makes it look cool! Avoid the plain. The boring wall colors and no displays turns me away!

Do you read for pleasure? Why or why not? What types of books do you like to read? How do you find the books you want to read?

Yes actually, I mainly read for pleasure. (Except school books) I feel if I don’t read for pleasure then what is the fun in reading! You can always typically see my head in a realistic fiction book but sometimes something else. For how I find the books I want to read typically my Nook and suggested reading, or what everyone else is raving about!  

What is your process for selecting a book to read?

Well I try not to judge a book by it’s cover so normally the synopsis. Then I will see what other people thing about the book. However, typically I will read a book no matter what.

Have you ever attended a library program for teens? Why or why not? What types of programs would you be interested in going to a library for?

Unless a book club counts I have not. I have not seen my library offer any programs like this! I would be interested in it, and would love to discuss a certain book with others!

How do you find things of interest to you?  How can libraries let you know about their services and programs?  What is the best way for you to find about things happening in your local community?

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The Internet and school is the best way for me to find out about things! for all things, services, programs, and whats happening the Internet, or a blast email would be amazing! 

Do you think libraries are relevant in today’s world? Why or why not? If not, how can they become more relevant to teens like you?

Wow that’s a tough one! Now a days we do read a lot on our e-readers, which I guess is the same thing sort off. (My library has an e-book system now) I think just getting us drawn in. A lot of associate libraries as boring, when they really aren’t! I also think that the male community is hard to draw in!

 
Tell us a little bit about yourself, generically: What part of the US do you live in? How do you spend your time outside of school? What types of social media do you use to learn about new trends, etc? 

I live in the Mid-West but was not born in the USA! (I was born in England) Outside of school I do homework! Okay, well besides from that I play golf, and basketball. I love my Nook and that is about as for as technology goes for me! 

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About Karen Jensen, MLS

Karen Jensen has been a Teen Services Librarian for almost 30 years. She created TLT in 2011 and is the co-editor of The Whole Library Handbook: Teen Services with Heather Booth (ALA Editions, 2014).

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. YA Librarian says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    Will you be able to do any interviews with kids that do not use the library? We have a killer time getting teens in and coming to our programs – which we offer ALL THE TIME. Any suggestions? We've questioned the ones that do come in, sent out questionnaires to the local Boys & Girls Club, Salvation Army, high schools, middle schools, we've gone to the schools, etc etc etc … we must be missing something! No one seems interested … they just come in for the computers and go on their way … (ho hum sad face here)

  2. YA Librarian says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:55 pm

    Will you be able to do any interviews with kids that do not use the library? We have a killer time getting teens in and coming to our programs – which we offer ALL THE TIME. Any suggestions? We've questioned the ones that do come in, sent out questionnaires to the local Boys & Girls Club, Salvation Army, high schools, middle schools, we've gone to the schools, etc etc etc … we must be missing something! No one seems interested … they just come in for the computers and go on their way … (ho hum sad face here)

  3. Anonymous says

    February 3, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    I have several replies in already, and they cover users and non users. I basically Tweeted and put out a call to all my FB friends with Teens asking them to answer the questions. I will be sharing their answers each Friday as part of our investigation. I hope to get as much input as possible. I think we all could use the information. – Karen

  4. Lucy says

    February 5, 2013 at 2:12 am

    Thanks for having me Karen! Sorry I only recognized this now!!
    L

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