Each weekday when school let out, Queens Library at Far Rockaway—a branch of Queens Library in New York City—would be filled with nearly 100 teens, drawn by the public-use computers. Many others, who had dropped out of school, also would crowd in. To invoke a cliché, the situation was both an opportunity and a challenge. While Queens Library was always a popular community destination for children
and adults, being “cool” enough for recalcitrant teens had a certain “pinch-us-we-must-be-dreaming” feel to it. But it also presented difficulties for staff and other library users. There wasn’t enough room for all the young people, and as anyone who has worked with teens knows, they’ve got a lot of energy. Yes, their activities were positive ones, but they still disrupted the tranquil environment expected by other users. Far Rockaway has the highest concentration of teens in Queens, and they’re especially vulnerable. The neighborhood is a densely populated, polyglot community on a remote barrier beach. While a broad range of socioeconomic groups call Far Rockaway home, unemployment is high partly due to the neighborhood’s isolation. Far Rockaway also has many large, low-income housing projects with many of the social problems that pervade low-income neighborhoods. In an ideal world, we would expand the teens’ real estate in the existing 6,300-square–foot library, but this was impossible. We serve immigrant adults who are learning English and scores of children after school. Both the Small Business Resource Center and the larger-than-average banks of computers are popular draws. For everyone, the library is a safe, tranquil haven from the tension in the street and, too often, at home. Nor could we expand the facility cost-effectively. Even if we could, it would have taken years to obtain financing, then build. Hundreds upon hundreds of teens who came to the library in the meantime, and who did not find a home there, would have left. It meant too many lost opportunities with a vulnerable teen population. Our solution—perhaps radical, but definitely innovative—was Queens Library for Teens. A room of their own
Queens Library for Teens opened one city block from Queens Library at Far Rockaway in December 2007. A 3,000-square-foot former retail store, it is open Monday through Friday, 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. for young people ages 12 to 19. The library houses computers designed for several users to huddle around; plenty of relaxed, comfortable seating; and library materials of high interest to young adults, including lots of magazines, graphic novels, and test-prep materials. Rules about noise and snacking are more relaxed than in the “regular library.” We’re now able to schedule more programs of interest to young adults, such as chess tournaments and how to make your own MySpace page. Pre-GED and basic education classes are ongoing and are held in the mornings. The Library for Teens is staffed by youth counselors, a model that’s been integral to the library’s success. Queens Library trains its entire public service staff to recognize that “everybody serves youth.” Nevertheless, youth counselors have been a major asset. The idea of staffing with counselors grew from our decision, made years ago, to fund professionals to create positive outcomes rather than security personnel to quell negative behavior. Youth counselors—who aren’t librarians or guidance counselors—must have at least a bachelor’s degree in education or a related field and experience with youth development. These counselors nurture community partnerships and create programming. But they also work with the kids one-on-one, going out in front of the library to ask them how their day was, whether they had homework to do, and if they’d like to come inside for the chess tournament that’s about to start. The teens really respond to an adult who is willing to give them a little positive attention. At the same time, youth counselors are able to direct teens to the full-service library just a few yards away, with a full collection of books, DVDs, and homework help materials. Little can mean big
One thing we’ve learned is that a little teen library can go a long way toward having a positive impact on teens. A “little teen library” may be physically small with less-than-posh furnishings and few extras. It’s OK if it’s not the ideal library setting as long as it is a well-staffed, separate space. We’ve found that teens respect the effort the library has made and take ownership of the space. Since funders and community partners know we’re here for the long haul, it’s been easier for us to attract funds than it is for ad hoc community groups. These funds allow us to contract social workers who work from the library premises. Since the library isn’t a mandated reporter, nor is our staff trained in social work, we needed a way to refer known cases of abuse, pregnancy, and other issues of which the counselors become aware as they talk to the teens. In an unusually crime-ridden weekend in May, the community experienced two teen homicides. One of the victims was an active member of Queens Library for Teens. The youth counselors are currently working with the young people at the Library for Teens on a memorial for her. Through our social workers, we’re also able to offer counseling for those affected by these deaths. Queens Library for Teens is a huge success. It’s crowded every day. The number of programs continues to increase, disruptive incidents are almost nil, and the full-service library down the block is functioning much more efficiently. The opportunity to affect young lives in such a dynamic way is a rare and satisfying gift for us. We don’t intend to waste it. —Maureen O'Connor
