The Library Show
Dodie Ownes -- School Library Journal, 3/4/2009
Haverford Township Free Library (HTFL), in Havertown, PA has an enviable location, just one block from a middle school and two blocks from Haverford High School. “It definitely has its advantages,” reports Anny Laepple, youth services manager, “but it certainly has it challenges, too!” While many students took advantage of after-school programs and homework help, there was another contingent that used the library to hang out, loitering by the entrances and disrupting other patrons, which created an unwelcome atmosphere.“We reached out to Haverford High School principal Dr. Jeff Nesbitt and asked to meet with him and other staff to talk about what we could do to engage these somewhat alternative teens,” says Laepple. Realizing that music is a common teen interest, Nesbitt offered the services of Michael Armine, a history teacher and advisor to the high school’s radio station, WHHS 99.9 FM. The student run radio station regularly features musical Coffee Houses that spotlight local talent. The decision was made to run a WHHS event, The Library Show, from HTFL’s basement community room. Thanks to the leadership of radio station general manager, student Chris Denny, and all of the radio station staff who ran the event from top to bottom—even setting up and breaking down the room—The Library Show was a huge success.
Not knowing what to expect, promotion for the January 23 event was limited to announcements at Haverford High, on WHHS, and on the HTFLteens blog. The library closed at 5 p.m., and the three bands headlining the event moved in. “The basement location and Friday night, after-hours scheduling addedsome cachet to the event,” notes Laepple, “and by 6:30 p.m., we had over 50 kids waiting to get in!” When the room hit 100, teens had to be turned away due to fire laws. A $5 cover charge helped pay the bands (a mere $50 per band) and the rest went into the teen services piggybank. Teens told the library staff that The Library Show had “a good vibe.” “This was a library event that actually made money, too” Laepple laughs, “so of course, we were going to do it again!”
Two other student groups got involved with The Library Show after being recruited by the radio station staff. The school’s Save Darfur group sold refreshments as a fundraiser, as did the Film Club. “Now the Film Club has asked the library if they can do movie screenings here, to which we said ‘of course’” reports Laepple.
When The Library Show ran again on February 20, Laepple made sure she could fit more kids in. Consulting with the local fire marshal, the room limit was upped, provided all the furniture was removed, and more than 125 attendees filled the room. Promotion for the event was expanded as well, and a concert poster (at left) created by student Colleen Pickup was distributed. The four featured bands, Screaming Females, Cities, Thomas Francis Takes His Chances, and Cougars, rocked a full house and over $600 was collected. Plans are already in place for two repeat performances of The Library Show in March.
