June 2008

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State Librarian’s Report

Services to Young Adults

I know from personal experience with my own children, even children who have been constant and heavy users of public libraries throughout their childhood often drop-off in their use when they hit their teen years.  Of course they need libraries as much, if not more, during these years when they are starting to do more in-depth and serious research.  Two factors influencing this include: 1) it's just not as cool to visit the library-which they did so enthusiastically as a “little kid,” and 2) interests change and new interests may not include the library or its programs.

This is why I am so pleased when I visit a library and see a very active program for teens and tweens.  I am even more pleased when I see areas designated for their use – some which have been created with their input.  How can the community of tweens and teens not want to come to the library to use the area they helped create? 

It is especially important that the library continue to be a community center for our children as they go through their pre-teen and teen years. While this group of library users may be challenging, it is worthwhile to remember that they are the very same members of the community who will be voting soon (perhaps on that mil levy to support the library…).  In Ohio we are very fortunate: libraries are a valued community institution.  But I believe that it is essential that we continue to engage our residents throughout their lives so that the value people place on this institution is accompanied by financial support.