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<\/p>\nPublic libraries now, especially in the 2020s are becoming spaces to provide enrichment for a community. At my public library, we struggle to have designated spaces for teens to use for a variety of reasons such as, staffing, space, and budget requirements. If more cities are willing to invest resources into their local libraries, then I hope that many more libraries can provide the same resources that the Memphis library provides for their patrons, especially their creative teen patrons who frequent the library. I resonated deeply with a quote from the article, \u201cHow Memphis Created the Nation\u2019s Most Innovative Public Library\u201d, stated by former Public Library Association President, Ramiro Salazar, as they assert that \u201c[public libraries] exist for the betterment of communities. We support literacy and learning. We want all our resources to be free and everyone to feel welcome.\u201d (Grant, 2021)<\/p>\n
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Motivation:\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n There are many high schools situated around community libraries, where students will go after school to wait and be picked up by their guardians. However, there are not many dedicated places, or activities for teens to utilize while they wait or visit the library. The library has tried to utilize the program room to encourage teens to stay and explore emerging technologies, but many teens either do not engage or express interest in activities not capable of being met within a 1-2 hour library program, Additionally, staff rotating in and out of the floating program room provides inconsistencies and strain on staffing needs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n