Kids' Spot and Teen Zone Task Forces

Yes, the Task Forces are officially launched so I thought I'd report on the progress of the first two meetings. The Kids' Spot Task force was the first to convene. Discussion revolved around how to create a literacy rich environment for children and their accompanying adults in the Palmer Youth Library. We plan to accomplish this by items that we will purchase (like the matching game above) and those that we will make ourselves (such as the baking tray about different sizes). In a webinar that I attended, some libraries numbered their stairs so that children and adults could sing the alphabet song as they entered the library and added mirrors to their service desks with signs asking the children what mood they were in today. Members will be scouring the Internet for ideas in the next few weeks.

This afternoon the Teen Zone Task Force met. It is comprised of library staff members as well as teens from our Teen Advisory Board. About ten of the latter attended today! Our Interior Designer had sent a layout and suggestions for furnishings so we had a basis for our discussions. I'll be sending a report back to Jennifer so that she can revise her furnishings accordingly. In a nutshell, they want to be able to lounge on chairs and on the floor and "get comfortable". They'd also like chairs with places to put laptops and other devices.

It is so beneficial and exciting to have staff from different departments meeting to discuss such a wide variety of topics. Thank you for sharing your time, your knowledge and your creativity.