The Iowa City Young Adult Area
Library Building Project
A Proud Past -- A Progressive Future:
Young Adult Area
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By Bob Hill
Can you think of any places in the community that teens can call their own?
Based on the 2000 US Census Data, close to 12% or almost 700 residents of Independence are teenagers.
Young adults in this community need their own space, and that is the plan
when it comes to the new public library. A
library with a Young Adult space would provide an option in a great setting.
It would be a safe, yet structured environment.
According to Karl Kendall, teen librarian in Phoenix, AZ,
“…such a space is not only critical for teens themselves, but is also
craved and valued by the community as a whole.
Teens need spaces where they feel both safe and cherished.
Such needs are not going to go away.
Libraries must make a choice: Do we take the path of least resistance and
continue to ignore or marginalize these needs, or do we accept the challenge and
work toward providing teens with the best and safest space the libraries can
offer?” (VOYA,
Dec. 2003, 380-381)
What is the current plan for the Young Adult section of the
library? Young adults will have a
place to read, work on a project, find needed information, use a computer, or
just hang out and talk. The Young
Adult section will have comfortable seating and a collection of teen materials.
What will it look like? The
building committee plans to meet with teens to get input on what the space will
be like, what furnishings it might have, and what they would like to see in the
teen area. Close by will be study
rooms made for one or two people needing a quiet area to study or do a project.
Computers and A-V Materials will also be within close proximity.
The current library contains two bookcases of YA materials in the middle of the picture book section. Our teens deserve better. They should have a place they can call their own where they will not be graded, judged, or criticized. We hope that you agree and will support a space for those who will soon become active citizens, members of our work force, role models, and parents. If you are a teenager interested in helping with the design of the Young Adult section, please contact the library (indylib@indytel.com or 334-2470).
Other Building Project Articles:
Donation Form
Fundraising Event - SPELLBOUND!
Library Campaign Passes $2.5 Million
A Proud Past...A Progressive Future
Library Campaign Awarded CAT
Grant!
How Can I Help the Library Reach Goal?
Answers to Capital Campaign Questions
Frequently Asked Questions and Thoughts about the
New Library
Building Plans Detailed
Elevations and Floor Plan
Campaign Chair Selected
Site and
Architect
Children's
Area
Top 10 Reasons
a New Public Library is Needed
Young Adult
Area
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