By Melissa Chapman, Cataloging Supervisor 

WARSAW — Out of most professions, librarians are near the top when it comes to credibility. People trust librarians because they don’t have ulterior motives for doing their job. This is especially true for teen librarians. It should come as no surprise that for many teens, a librarian is the adult they seek out when they need information or advice on what to read. 

Teens are in a constant process of self-discovery; they are open to new ideas. For many young people, the library plays an important part in development beyond providing reading material. Today, it is hard to find a public library that isn’t investing in young adults. When it comes to ages, there is no group more maligned than teens. 

“TeenTober” is a new, nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October that aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the inventive ways teen services helps teens learn new skills and fuel their passions in and outside the library. One of the fantastic things about “TeenTober” is that it encourages engagement both within and outside the library. 

How do library programs benefit teens? They provide organized activities and safe places for teens to go after school. Libraries develop strong partnerships with their community organizations to reach at-risk young adults. Through innovative programs such as learning labs and makerspaces, libraries offer teens the opportunity to develop 21st Century skills. They will engage them in the development of young adult programs and teen advisory boards. Libraries even help teens explore and pursue their educational goals by offering information about higher education institutions as well as access to online applications and student financial aid forms. 

Since most teens come to the library after a long day at school, library programs tend to be on the lighter side. That does not mean that they are not without educational tie-ins. A common example of that are Teen Advisory Boards. Typical TABs organize activities for themselves or younger kids, put on fundraisers, advise the librarian on books and material purchases, and provide feedback on how the library can better serve them. 

Once young people are enticed into the library, you just never know what amazing things can happen. If you have a teen at home or are a teen, come in during “Teentober” and see what the Warsaw Community Public Library has in store for you.