We can create more user-friendly spaces by asking teens to take the lead

“I’m pretty independent, and I like to take risks. Some may see me as rebellious and defiant, but all I want is more experience and adventure in my life. If this doesn’t scare you, maybe we should meet.”

No, this isn’t a personal ad. It’s a realistic exchange taking place in the minds of the teens we work with in our libraries. But despite talk about the need to value teens and respect them when they use our facilities, many of us refuse to create an atmosphere that invites, understands, and truly engages young people.

Instead, we continue to be bound by rules like “only six chairs in a study room” or “no food allowed in the library except for adult events.” Forget about exuberant teens enjoying a gaming tournament. Most people don’t even consider such events as meaningful library programming.

It’s true that we’re not always the masters of our own destiny. After all, we don’t have the luxury of having an extreme makeover in our libraries whenever it suits us. But that doesn’t mean we should just shrug our shoulders and accept the status quo.

It’s obvious teens need more space in the library—and we need to focus on important long-term battles like getting them more turf. But even if we do manage to carve out extra space, are libraries really prepared to give teens what they need?

It’s not fair. Libraries seem to accommodate nearly every other user group. Families visiting the library with young children, for example, are provided with small chairs and tables, unisex bathrooms, and cozy reading nooks that fit the parent and child.

Seniors are supplied with specially designed and positioned lighting, comfy furniture, and books with larger font sizes. And the business crowd is offered movable tables with ample access to electrical outlets, as well as private spaces for consultations. But when it comes to teens—nada. We ignore their needs and then blame them for reacting badly.

Maybe we’re jealous? Teens having fun in the library? The nerve! I suspect that it bothers us to see teens enjoying themselves. No doubt, in many libraries the official line is “they aren’t being productive.” If teens are having such a good time, the question of “productive” use of the library leads to people asking, “Are libraries being good stewards of the taxpayer’s money?” The way some people see it, if tax dollars are funding something, then it had better be bare bones, no frills, and no fun. But the truth is, these are the three key ingredients for failure when it comes to engaging teens.

The no-frills, no-fun approach really frees libraries from the burden of being respectful to teens and valuing their interests. But who says enjoyment and genuine interest aren’t viable reasons to engage in an activity? If we took this approach to the broader community, it would mean that the Department of Parks and Recreation programs would cease to exist.

Let’s work to create a teen-friendly environment by encouraging young people to take the lead in creating their own spaces, in showing us the many different ways in which they’re productive, and in suggesting how public money can be used to add value to their lives.

If we do that, I can assure you that our static spaces will suddenly become dynamic places that are visually captivating, physically absorbing, and mentally engaging to teens—spaces that will completely change teens’ library experience and help them grow.

How do I know this strategy works? Because I’ve seen the positive results in libraries big and small. But for a transformation like this to happen, you have to want it and believe in it—in your heart and your mind. Don’t be afraid. Take the plunge.