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In partnership with The Canton Repository, every Monday, Stark Community Foundation is highlighting positive happenings in our community. Here’s to Good News Mondays!
The Massillon Public Library is launching its new Teen Lounge to provide our community’s young adults with a modern space that fosters creativity and enhances their education.
The new teen lounge features an ultramodern design with the library’s collection of young adult literature, a makerspace, comfortable seating, computers and teen programming in partnership with various community organizations.
"Now more than ever, spaces like the Teen Lounge are incredibly important for teens," said Susan Baker, Massillon Public Library’s young adult specialist. "Experts in the field of young adult library services overwhelmingly recommend providing teenagers with their own, separate space within the public library.
"The purposes of these spaces are to make teens feel welcome in the library, give them a sense of privacy and independence and allow them to learn and socialize in a space designed explicitly for their needs. Furthermore, having a space of their own gives teens an incentive to take ownership of the library and make it theirs."
The library has wanted a designated teen space for years, but has never had the physical space or the means to make it a reality. With declining public computer usage, along with a young adult print collection that was rapidly outgrowing its designated shelving and a need for a new space to conduct teen programming — it finally had the opportunity to repurpose its former Computer Center as a designated teen space.
One of the special features of this area is its makerspace. Equipped with a 3D printer, Cricut machine and heat press, button maker, coffee mug printer and laminator, the makerspace is available for anyone to use by appointment.
The print collection is also available to all library patrons whenever the building is open, however the teen space and its computers, lounge area and programming is reserved for students grades 7-12.
This new space was made possible by an American Rescue Plan grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, and awarded by the State Library of Ohio.
"When we learned about the LSTA/American Rescue Plan Act Outreach Grant, we knew that this would be a perfect opportunity to furnish this new space with materials and equipment that would normally be out of our reach," said Baker. "We acknowledge the importance of services for younger children by providing them with an entire floor that is just for children — why shouldn’t teenagers receive similar treatment?
"A designated teen space can also help meet the social needs of teenagers, many of which have struggled with loneliness, mental health issues, and isolation during the pandemic. The Teen Lounge will provide them with a safe space to be creative, collaborate on schoolwork, spend time with friends, participate in STEM and makerspace activities, and enjoy library programming."
The grand opening will be held at noon Aug. 8, and the first 50 teens through the door will receive a free gift bag. For more information, contact Baker at 330-832-9831 ext. 321 or bakersu@massillonlibrary.org.