Anime, arts, more: Mid-Continent Public Library’s programming aimed at drawing teens
Those in charge of programming at the Lee’s Summit branches of the Mid-Continent Public Library are always on the lookout for ways to draw in teens.
Each location has one or two unique programs that cater to the teens who visit each specific branch
For the Colbern Road Library Center, 1000 N.E. Colbern Road, and the East Lee’s Summit branch, 2240 S.E. Blue Parkway, that means a lot of anime-focused and role-playing game events. The Lee’s Summit branch, at 150 N.W. Oldham Parkway, tends to have more of an emphasis on arts and crafts.
They’re “kind of gearing it toward what we’re noticing what our community wants,” said Clea Ford, youth services associate at the Lee’s Summit branch.
Ford said most of the teens attending programs are in the sixth- to ninth-grade age range.
The craft programs can take on different forms, with a variety of stations showcasing different projects. Some offer general art supplies, not focused to specific projects.
Another popular program was a murder mystery event that took place after the library’s normal opening hours.
Many of the programs come from a system-wide Mid-Continent Public Library team. Each branch can then choose the ideas that fit best for their populations and use the provided plan to run the activities.
Sometimes library workers run the programs, but performers or others from outside the system are also brought in. A recent program on the history and use of henna featured two local henna artists who shared their knowledge and have each teen who wanted one a free henna drawing.
“The teen population — it is kind of tricky to figure out what they want,” Ford said. “We see teens at library a lot. They’re coming in and studying and hanging out with friends here, but we don’t see as many older teens going to the programs.”
Ford said she’s part of an Instagram committee at the library that tries to spread the word about their activities.
“I definitely think helping that (social media presence) grow has helped more teens remember that the library exists and know, ‘I can do programs there, and they’re going to give me free supplies,’” Ford said.
About once a month, the Lee’s Summit branch has a teen advisory group. It’s an unstructured evening program with craft supplies and board games available, but it also has another function.
“The kiddos that come get to dictate what they want to do. They can tell me things they’d like to see at library, help me shape what the programming is,” Ford said.
She takes their input into consideration as she plans future library programs. The next one there is Aug. 27. Other branches have similar groups.
The libraries also offer teen book groups that are currently revolving around the theme of the LitUp festival, happening at the Woodneath Library Center Sept. 21. Each month over the summer, teens have had the opportunity to get a free book from a different author who will be at the festival.
The idea is that they get to know the books and the authors, and then when the festival happens, the kids can attend and get their books signed. Authors attending include Holly Black, Haley Newsome and Jeff Zentner.
Ford’s next teen book group at the Lee’s Summit branch will be discussing Zentner’s book, “Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee” Aug. 13. Another book group will be at East Lee’s Summit Aug. 27. Other upcoming programs include “Cemeteries: Oh, What Tales They Inspire” at Lee’s Summit Sept. 10 and a teen writers guild meeting at Colbern Road Oct. 8.
To sign up for library programs, search for your local branch here.
