Teen Programming: Best Practices

This post was created by Mark Zimmerman, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, WI is a member of our Wisconsin Teen Librarian Services Group. He shares some great advice about increasing your teen program attendance.

During my Research Methods course at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee this past spring, I chose the topic of “Boosting Teen Programming Attendance Numbers in Libraries” for my final project.

During the literature review portion of my paper, I compiled a list of best teen programming planning practices that might help boost attendance at your teen programs.

Here are a few tips and tricks from that research:

• Use a mix of social media platforms (Facebook Live and Stories, Instagram, Discord, Zoom, GoToMeeting, YouTube, etc.)
• Find ways to tap into the creativity, personality, and culture of your teen patrons
• Be cognizant of digital divide issues and incorporate equity of computer and internet access when planning
• Host tech programs and scaffold their tech skills by learning or improving new skills or concepts along the way; incorporate tablets, phones, websites, videos, podcasts, and other web-based resources
• Engage with your library community to create funding opportunities and partnerships
• Incorporate teens of all abilities, income levels, sexual orientations, gender identities, ethnic and religious groups, underrepresented groups, etc.
• Try asynchronous, self-directed, or passive programming (coloring books, simple crafts, STEM/STEAM activities, take and make kits, etc.)
• Advertise on social media, school announcements, newsletters, bulletin boards, posters, newspapers, radio stations, television, etc.
• Create food-related programming (food tasting/cooking competition) or offer snacks during programs; when budgets permit, offer more substantial food options
• Try programs that focus on relationships and social-emotional strengths and values
• Build programs around workforce skills
• Connect teens with peer-supported, interest-based, academically-orientated, production-centered opportunities
• Combine age levels for intergenerational programs
• Interview and/or survey teens; ask them what they want, expect, or need from the library
• Advocate for teens so they will advocate for you and your library
• Create Teen Advisory Groups (TAGs) or Teen Advisory Boards (TABs) to assist with programming ideas and planning; add structure/leadership to provide teens with opportunity and responsibility
• Start with what works (opportunities for self-expression, pop culture tie ins, escape rooms, maker programs, gaming, trivia) and go from there; avoid programs that resemble school or provide little to no personal choice
• Meet teens where they are without judgment
• Don’t be afraid to experiment (or fail); you will learn either way
• Face your unfounded fears by building alliances with teens; you’ll be glad you did

Having worked as a high school English teacher for nearly two decades, I’ve learned that teens are often misunderstood, yet can be staunch advocates once you build a rapport with them. By committing the time and effort to establish and cultivate connections and symbiosis with them, barriers between both groups (teens and teen librarians) can be lifted and teen programs with high attendance numbers can become a reality in your library. Try one (or several) of these suggestions for yourself. You might just be surprised by the results!

If you're interested in joining our WI Teen Librarian Services Group, please CLICK HERE for more information.