Midland library unveils new space made for teens, by teens
The Midland Public Library has unveiled a new space for teens to reach out to an age group that often loses touch with the local library.
The process for the new teens-only space goes back to 2018. With the help of its teen advisory group, library staff conducted a year-long consultation process, reaching out to teens to see what type of atmosphere would make the library more appealing to them.
"This is a space that is truly designed for teens, by teens," said Jennifer Paquette, the library's adult & teens services coordinator. "I just was the one who helped them along the way."
The space includes a study bar with charging ports for various devices, a big television and a Nintendo Switch. There is also a snack space, plentiful comfortable seating and a bulletin board where news about community initiatives for teens can be posted.
"A space for teens and tweens is really important because it's a space for them to be themselves and to connect with us for other community resources for youth," said Paquette.
The space was entirely designed by teens, including the selection of carpeting, artwork and various décor.
Paquette says the space was a passion project for her, seeing as this age group often loses interest in the library, thereby losing out on various vital resources available.
"When you think back to visiting the library as a child, your parents bring you, and that's when you start to use the library the most," she said. " So we knew that to keep those folks interested in lifelong learning and literacy that, we needed to have a space that could accommodate them and to help them transition into adult users and lovers of literacy and lifelong learning."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
Documents reveal Ottawa's efforts to get Loblaw, Walmart on board with grocery code
It was evident to the federal government as early as last fall that Loblaw and Walmart might be holdouts to the grocery code of conduct, jeopardizing the project's success.
opinion The special relationship between King Charles and the Princess of Wales
Royal commentator Afua Hagan writes that when King Charles recently admitted Catherine to the Order of the Companions of Honour, it not only made history, but it reinforced the strong bond between the King and his beloved daughter-in-law.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Improve balance and build core strength with this exercise
When it comes to cardiovascular fitness, you may tend to focus on activities that move you forward, such as walking, running and cycling.
New Norad commander calls Canada's defence policy update 'very encouraging'
American troops will be spending more time training in the Far North, the new commander of Norad says, a strategy that fits 'hand-in-glove' with Canada's renewed focus on Arctic defence.
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
$70M Lotto Max winners kept prize a secret from family for 2 months
During a special winner celebration near their hometown, Doug and Enid shared the story of how they discovered they were holding a Lotto Max ticket worth $70 million and how they kept this huge secret for so long.