Adventures in MLIS 7423

Teens have wide variety of interests and personalities, and it is important for those interests be represented in your programming! Whether they are expressing their creativity through peep dioramas or coloring, honing their STEAM skills, working strategically at a Build Your Own Adventure run or D&D meeting, or working on their green thumb, every teen deserves a place they feel welcome!

Manga and comics are often stereotyped as being only enjoyed or aimed at boys, and there was definitely less shojo, or girls manga, during and after the economic crisis of 2008. Long running action manga such as Naruto/Boruto and Bleach tend to dominate the shelves, and I often have teen girls ask if we have any new or different series. I wanted to showcase some manga that either appeal to shojo readers or have a more broad appeal.

When creating innovative teen spaces, it is important to work effectively within our restrictions. While most teen librarians and programmers don’t have a whole room or even a whole corner for things like makerspaces, a shelve or cubby with marked boxes can ensure that teens have access to resources while saving space. Book shelves that can be moved also allow for maximum space when putting on programming. On the other hand, larger libraries need more space in order to house and use the appropriate resources for their populations. Colorful and interactive signage is welcoming to teens, and it’s important that the furniture and layout welcome teens to simply “hang out.”

If you loved The Diviners, you should definitely give these other reads a chance!