Kids Want More Interesting Materials, Longer Hours at Libraries

Joan Oleck -- School Library Journal, 7/31/2007 10:03:00 AM

A significant number of kids ages eight to 18 use their school and public libraries, but many say they would visit more often if there were more interesting materials on offer, according to a poll conducted for the American Library Association (ALA) by Harris Interactive.

Some 31 percent of youths polled say they visit the public library more than 10 times annually, and nearly 70 percent use their school library more than once a month, the survey found. Of those who regularly use their libraries, a sizeable 78 percent indicated they borrowed books and other materials for personal use from public libraries, while 60 percent sought out materials for personal use from the school library.

But the Harris poll—which included 1,262 respondents—found that nearly one-third of youth surveyed would use both public and school libraries more if those facilities offered what the kids considered more interesting materials to borrow (32 percent public, 33 percent school). One-quarter of the respondents said they would visit their school library more if its computers didn't block relevant information (one-fifth cited this for public libraries).

Some library attractions could include offering more activities and events (32 percent public, 22 percent schools); extending hours of operation (31 percent public, 21 percent schools); and creating a comfortable, welcoming atmosphere (22 percent public, 21 percent schools).

Meanwhile, a second survey says that nearly 90 percent of public libraries offer young adult programs, with more than half—51.9 percent—employing at least one full-time librarian dedicated to fostering young adult programs and services. These data come from  the Public Library Association’s 2007 Public Library Data Service Statistical Report. The figure is up dramatically, from 11 percent in 1995.

Paula Brehm-Heeger, president of the Young Adult Library Services Association, was one of the first to react to the surveys."We are seeing one of the largest generations in U.S. history begin their teen years, so it is not surprising to see more and more teens visiting libraries," she says. "Clearly, libraries that have embraced teens have seen benefits to their teens and communities and to ensuring that their libraries remain a relevant part of future generations' lives.

"For libraries considering expanding or enhancing teen services, these statistics can help them to be confident that in doing so, they will find a receptive, responsive audience."