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February 8, 2013 by Karen Jensen, MLS

Teens Talk: Mark says you have to get teens buzzing

February 8, 2013 by Karen Jensen, MLS   Leave a Comment

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

 

I use my library occasionally. I’d use it more often, but the selection of YA books isn’t very broad. I go there maybe once every two months.

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

Honestly? More books. There’s such a focus on DVDs and Blu-Rays and computers that I think my library has forgotten to stock up on actual novels. I go there mostly for books, but it seems like they want to focus on everything else that might attract teens.

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?


I’m constantly reading for pleasure! My favorite books are typically YA contemporaries, but I also love thrillers, magical realism, historicals, romance, sci-fi, and (lighter) fantasy. I usually find them via recommendations or word-of-mouth.

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What is your process for selecting a book to read?

I usually choose my books based on recommendations, but if I’m browsing, I’ll look for a title or cover that grabs my eye, then read the back cover. If I like the premise, I’ll read the first pages. If I want to know more, I’ll usually read until the end of the first chapter and then buy it.

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?

No, I can’t say that I have. My library doesn’t really focus on teens as much as they do younger children or adults. But if they had a YA author visit or a Skype chat or something of the sort, I’d definitely be interested in attending.

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?

Recommendations, usually. I think the best way to let me know about services and programs is through the schools— we have school news every morning, for example, and if the town or school library got a slot on there with information about what they’re doing this month, more people would probably think to stop by. Also, word-of-mouth helps a lot. If other people are talking about it, I’ll think to check it out. If there’s no buzz, there’s no way for me to find out what’s going on.

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?

I think libraries are definitely relevant. They’re an important resource and a place of learning. They engage us in activities rather than passivities, and I think that’s crucial in today’s society.

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 Northeast. I’m a writer, and that takes up most of my time not otherwise carved out for family and friends. I’m kind of obsessed with Twitter, and I check my email more times a day than I’d like to admit.
Thanks so much for having me!
 
Last week we talked to Lucy, check out her answers to these same questions.  If you are a teen, email me your answers to these questions at kjensenmls@yahoo.com.

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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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