Libraries and well.. everything else

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When I think of libraries as classrooms, I look at programming at my library, and how different it is compared to a school setting. One big difference from traditional school settings is that participation in libraries is voluntary. Learning experiences in libraries are more relaxed, fun, and curiosity driven. There isn’t a test to study for at the end, and it’s really up to the learner how much or how in depth they want to learn. 

The most important criteria I’ve heard from the teens at my library when deciding to join a program is that it cannot be anything like school. A lot of them are tired of the rigid structure, lack of freedom, and expectations to academically perform well. They are actively seeking spaces that are not similar to school to recharge, where they are allowed to freely talk to their friends and explore ideas that are of interest to them at their own pace. We have video game days for the teens every week that have been very popular. Even if it may not seem like learning to them, I do see the value in these video game days as they are opportunities for them to develop their social skills, emotional intelligence, and teamwork skills

At the library I work at, we have a list of vetted external presenters we can choose to contact to create a library program with. This has been especially great with providing the spaces for our patrons to learn things they are interested in that we as library staff don’t have the expertise in. 

An example is a three day space and astronomy camp for children that involves having an external presenter who has experience in the field to come in and give a talk. I hope as a person that is working at a library and conducts programming myself, I can facilitate the same learning opportunities where people feel comfortable coming in with a new idea and be supported not only by staff, but by the rest of the community.