Teen Advisory Board

August 23, at 4pm, Central Library

TAB members present:  Michelle, Julia, Chris, Jerry, Haneen, Sarah ; missing: Ben, Kara

 

AGENDA NOTES

Evaluating Teen Survey results

  • Most popular events (in order of popularity)—Reading challenge, Doctor Who, Swordfighting, Give back/volunteering, Knot it, Book clubs/discussions, Animals
  • Most requested events (in order of most mentioned) –Crafts/gifts, Art/Drawing/Photography, Fandoms/book parties, Book clubs/discussions, Contests, Reading challenges/free books, Games, Author events, Movies, Writing, Music, Cooking, Swordfighting
  • Note:  When evaluating survey results, think about how teens view the library.  You’ll notice that things that they already associate with the library rank high on the list (book events, reading).  Also notice something not usually associated with the library such as Swordfighting is mentioned, but probably only because we offered it this year; if we had not offered it, would teens have known to ask for it?
  • Time/availability— times that are the best for teen programs: Fri afternoon, Sat & Sun, holiday breaks

 

Evaluating Teen Summer Reading program statistics

  • Teen SRC:  Registration:  379 — Highest registration by branch:  Central (156), Hastings (84), La Pintoresca (46), Santa Catalina (23)
  • Most of the activities were logged in the month of June.  Why did some registered teens not participate?  Computer access?  Does not know how?

Comments from TAB:

  • Links look confusing on Evanced
  • Webpage is confusing; difficult to see the link to the online SRC
  • Younger teens may not know how to log activities
  • Should consider having an SRC app for mobile devices
  • Computer set up in the teen area
  • Should send more regular email updates

 

Programs/events attendance

  • Most popular at Central this summer (in order of most attended):  Doctor Who, Swordfighting, Monopoly
  • Most popular at La Pintoresca:  Game Maker –tweens+teens, Skateboard design, Manga Drawing
  • Programs/events during the school year—most popular at Central in order of most attended):  Teen Book Festival (Apr 2014), Roaring 20s Poetry Night (Apr 2014), Student Open Mic Night (Apr 2014), YA Book Swap (Oct 2013), Steampunk Gifts (Dec 2013)
  • Above all else—most teen engagement is through teen volunteers

 

Comments from TAB:

  • Sarah recommends Graphic design to tie in with Teen Zine
  • Michelle would like a Cooking class
  • Movie nights
  • Julia notes that many teens are unaware of what the library offers
  • flyers at the school is considered the best way to get information to teens
  • Chris attended many of the programs; thought the skateboard design and swordfighting was cool
  • Julia likes programs that make gifts; art & crafts
  • Jerry says craft programs, but maybe more unique offerings (not only jewelry or paper crafts)
  • Overall consensus: more fandom events
  • Programs should be during vacation/weekend; teens have so much to do

 

How are we responding to this?

  • Programs will be moved to better time slots like Friday afternoons, Saturdays/Sundays, holidays
  • Better promote book clubs—perhaps with better time slot, more teens will be interested
  • Better promote contests
  • Next year: fandom events:  Halloween/Sherlock (Oct), Harry Potter (Aug), Game of Thrones (Spring?); Author event: Book festival–“Pasadena Loves YA” (Jul); Maker programs monthly or bi-monthly starting in Dec (Geeky Gifts); adding some game days, movies during the holidays; more art shows/readings for teens; offer more opportunities to showcase contests, challenges, art—Teen Zine

 

Next meeting tentative agenda:

  • Planning Halloween event—Friday, October 31, starts at 5:30 pm
  • Planning/decide on Winter break events
  • Little Bits demonstration