NY Library Gives Teens a Second Chance

The DA's office refers 15 teens to the enrichment project every three months as part of its Second Chance Program. The Teen Enrichment Project, which is held at the Jamaica branch, provides troubled teens with four weeks of career counseling and computer training, as well as self-esteem workshops and college scholarship information. Hundreds have "graduated" since the program's inception in 1999 and are even offered library employment. Teens who satisfactorily complete the program and are not rearrested over the next six months have their police records expunged.

To the best of her knowledge, QBPL spokeswoman Joanne King, says no participating teens have been rearrested, adding that the project is financed through grants, including federal juvenile justice funds administered by QBPL's young adult services program.

Nicholai Khan, 20, credits the Teen Enrichment Project with helping to turn his life around. After his arrest for graffiti vandalism in 2002, he entered the library program and discovered his artistic talent. Khan currently attends the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan and teaches art at the National Institute for People with Disabilities. Another program graduate, 20-year-old Blanca Cassinelli, went from a 1999 arrest for shoplifting to being chosen as the valedictorian of her graduating class.