YA Space at the Central Library Branch

Today I went and looked at the Teen Annex space at the LPL Central Branch. Personally I really like the TEEN Annex space in the London Public Library Central Branch. The teens section at my Ottawa Public Library branch was a corner in the adult section of the library. This was not only intimidating but there was very little teen material. The Central Library teen section is amazing in comparison as there is a lot more teen material and is displayed in a much better way. These are the things that I really liked seeing at the Central Branch Teen space:


1- There are 6 computer spaces for teens to use (I was actually asked to leave a computer because I was not a teen).

2- A lot of sitting are with tables and chairs to work individual or as a group

3- Comfy chairs in front of a gas fireplace.
(Teens are in their gangly stage; they like to move around a lot and need comfy furniture).

4- Numerous Fiction and Non Fiction Shelves
 with different books put on display on the top shelves. This is great to draw teens into browsing books.

5- Two shelves dedicated to Graphic Novels

6- The location for the teen annex space is well designed. It is separate from the children's section but is still in close proximety. Also the teen space is close to Little Red Roster Coffee Shop (teens like to eat & drink).

7- Teen reference librarian present! :)

In the end, I really like the teen location (within the library), layout and material presented at the teen annex section at the Central Branch. You can also tell teens enjoy this space because it is often used by teens. Many teens use this space for personal and educational reasons. This clearly demonstrates that teens enjoy the space.

Week 2 Reading: Teenagers Talking About Reading & Libraries

TEENAGERS TALKING ABOUT READING AND LIBRARIES. By: Clare Snowball
Australian Academic & Research Libraries, Jun2008, Vol. 39 Issue 2, p106-118, 13p

Subjects: LIBRARIES & teenagers; BOOKS & reading; PEER pressure in adolescence; LITERACY; INFORMATION needs; FOCUS groups

I quite enjoyed this article. This article explored teens reading and library use and concluded that teens may be reluctant to read and use the library, but they often acquire desired information and take part in literacy activities (pg.106). The Internet continues to be used by numerous teens for school projects and assignments. However, popular type of reading material for teens include magazines, comics, and graphic novels (pg.106). This got me thinking "what did I enjoy reading when I was a teen?" and I remembered it was magazines. When I did go to the library as a teen (which was not often at all), I would take out magazines from the library. For example: Girls Life, BOP, & Tiger Beat. Then this got me thinking, "why did I like magazines rather then books?" Maybe myself and teens today like magazines because they promote new and up coming fads. Magazines are always filled with "new" information and trends, which may be why there is a high interest in teen use. Teens are going through that stage of finding out who they are and they want numerous ideas and styles so they can create their own; possibly making magazines be so popular with today's youth. I was one of those teens that thought reading was boring. Despite adult influence (my mom always read) as a determining factor for teens to like to read (pg.107), I was still uninterested. It is our job as librarians to remember teens are a diverse group and they don't all like graphic novels or magazines. As librarians (especially public librarians), we must find, provide and promote materials that are interesting to the teen population, as well as encourage teens to use the library and borrow materials. We must also create a non-threatening environment for teens to embrace reading. This may be challenging. However, don't we want that challenge as a librarian? It is time to realize that teens are a large percent of our population (approximately 30%) and they as well need to be provided with library materials.

 

 

 

I love getting movies from the Library...The Associate

I love getting movies from the library. For one, it's free and two...you never know how good it's gonna get!
Movie: The Associate
London Public Library Call #  F Ass

I never saw the movie "The Associate" with Whoopi Goldberg until today.
Well I have to say it was amazing! I actually cried, well wept while watching it (the part where Cutty/Whoopi is appointed as a member to the Gentlemens Club). When I first saw the title I saw money and thought, "Yes! A woman in charge and... Money!" So of course I thought I have to borrow it. This movie is not only great for adults (as I thoroughly enjoyed it) but it would be great for any female young adult who is in doubt of her own strengths, power, achievements, and goals. This movie helped reassure me that yes, as a woman it may be hard to get respect, but it is possible and you can do it! (Hopefully the viewer can see that you can do it as well without committing fraud or dressing up as a white, gray haired middle aged man lol). This movie is a comedy and it is great to watch when you need a good pick me up. I definitely would recommend this movie to female teens who are trying to find their way in this hectic, cut throat world. I would also recommend this movie for male teens to watch as it would hopefully help encourage them respect the opposite sex in the workforce. Hopefully after watching the movie, both males and female teens will come out knowing that success is accomplish-able for all individuals and hard work does really pay off in the end.
I rate this movie 5 our of 5 Stars! Way to go Whoopi!

A little about Me...

 Hello Everyone!

My name is Megan Ladelpha. I am in my last semester of my MLIS program at UWO. I am the CLA UWO Student Chapter Chair this term. I have done Archery since I was 7 years old and in 2009 I came in 3rd for the Ontario Library Archers Association Tournament. I love movies and going to the library to check out the new selection of movies. Hope you enjoy my blog.