The process of maturing into a teenager is of monumental importance, and tweens are desperately in need of what the library has to offer. Unfortunately, most public libraries turn their back on tweens when they need help the most. Within most public libraries “space” is at a premium. Shelving space generally prioritizes children’s or young adult literature. If proper conditions are in place, tweens will continue to make use of their libraries. However, what often happens at this time is that “tweens become less interested in the library” (Anderson, p. xxiii). Even tweens who grew up loving the library often decide when they become tweens that the library is no longer a cool space, and refuse to avail themselves of library services. “Without a positive adult influence promoting the library as a resource these tweens and young teens might turn them away from the library. Losing their patronage at this early stage can mean losing them for life” (xxiii).
How are librarians to serve tweens with this knowledge? The transition from tweenhood to adolescence is one of the most difficult developmental stages. Tweens need all the support available to them. Public and school librarians can join together in planning programming, and extend decision making to middle-school teachers. Librarians could visit individual classrooms weekly, bi-weekly or monthly to booktalk and share upcoming library events. Teachers and school librarians could follow through with parents, reminding them of important events and programs available at the school and public library.
Anderson, S. (2007). Serving young teens and ‘tweens. Westport, CT: Libraries
Unlimited.
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