Youth Week

So onto Youth Week (beginning of May):
We're trying to put together programmes/events in the library that would celebrate this event. I'm going to be working on this initiative with my colleague at Milliken Mills. She asked her TAG about this and here's what they said...
They supported the idea of a passions cafe, which would be a series of booths/displays that the TAG members would each put together celebrating the things that are most important to them (so for example, if one member's passion was dance, they would create a display with things related to dancing, etc.) The TAG wanted the booth to be displayed thoughout the week and have an event where teens could come together to discuss each of the booths. If you guys like this idea, we could do something like that too.
Here's what we said...
- you seemed to like the idea of some kind of interactive display like the postcard wall (I'd like to use the corkboards in the teen room for that). I'd like us to work together on a banner that we can use in the library during the week - I thought we could make a sort of paper quilt where we could each design/decorate a square that could later be pieced together into a banner or poster or something.
- we also talked about having some kind of event - I suggested a book swap where everyone could bring in any books they don't want any more and exchange them for those that other teens have brought in. We could have snacks. It seemed like you thought the idea was okay in principle but that we'd have to work out a way to make sure people got fair exchange for their books.
- I know you all loved the idea of a movie event, but until we get a licence for the libraries to screen films, we might be out of luck. Most school boards buy these licences so that's probably why you've seen films at the school. I'll bring it up with the programming co-ordinator to see if there is anything we can do to look into this, but let's plan around it for now.
- I originally suggested the possibility of having some kind of performance, but I get the sense you weren't sold on the idea, and it would probably be really painful to organize so maybe we'll skip it. I forgot to mention it yesterday, but my manager suggested that the TAG write a screenplay and film a little movie that might be used to promote the library (she may be thinking of stuff on You Tube or whatever it's called - I've never seen You Tube, but all the managers here think it's got endless possibility to attract "the kids" - can you guys tell me if you like You Tube or if you think it would help us promote the library? I always felt that when libraries try to use those kinds of social software programmes to attract teens it would be seen by teens as a pretty lame attempt to intrude on "youth culture" - what do you think?) And what do you think about the idea of shooting a movie, dare I ask?
If you can think of any other sorts of events we could run during this week, please let me know. Think about anything like guest speakers/lectures, workshops to teach skills or crafts - is there a craft you want to learn?, open mic poetry readings (could tie in with the poetry contest), debates, forums, etc.

Summer Programmes

You had greate suggestions for summer programmes. For those of you not at the meeting, what we discussed were ideas for two types of programmes: library run and paid (external presenters). From what you told me, I need to look into programmes that are highly interactive with lots of participation and an emphasis on social interaction .
We also discussed the idea that I would put together a committee of teen volunteers that could run programmes for kids - this could be anything from telling stories or getting the kids to put on plays, doing puppet shows, etc to teaching crafts like origami or beading. Sonika and Jessica have graciously offered to help get me in touch with some people that might be interested in volunteering for this opportunity. Here's what I'm thinking: I'll start recruiting people in January/February and maybe bring the goup together for planning sessions beginning in March or April. The time committment would be similar to TAGs, with more frequent/longer meetings in the summer prior to running the programmes. What we might like to do (this will depend on the Children's staff) is set up a drop in programme where kids and their caregivers can come in, play, and then participate in crafts etc - the volunteers could also run the drop in programme. It would be a lot of work, but a great opportunity for people who wanted experience working with kids/or who might like to become teachers. If you guys know anyone like this, let them know that this opportunity is coming up. They would have to be really enthusiastic, willing to take a lot of initiative and work independently and be quite creative/have a skill they could teach the kids.

As for paid programmes, you seemed to like the idea of the art camp instructor's programme so hopefully we can get her. Some of the programmes we've successfully run in past summers were leadership and creative writing. Let me know if you think of anything else that might appeal to teens (actually, think in terms of what your parents might want to get you to do, since a lot of the time the poor teens get signed up for these things against their will.)

November Meeting Review

We went through a lot of stuff at the meeting, so I'll summarize briefly:
- thank you for filling out the information literacy surveys. For those of you that took some to distribute, if you could, please return the completed forms to me by December 31. You are awesome!
- thanks for your opinions on the database/library promotional slogans. If I remember, I'll post a photo of the completed display. FYI - the slogan that got the most "votes" was "No Books? No Car? Due Tomorrow? Not to worry, we've got you covered".

Now, the big issues. I'd like more input on these, so I'll post them separately so you can add comments - these include summer programming, youth week and the art show (which we didn't really get to the other day)
Please continue adding any comments you may think of.
For the next meeting, here are some possible dates:
Monday, November 18 6-7
Tuesday, November 19 6-7
Saturday, December 23 10-11 a.m.
Monday, January 8 6-7
or if all else fails, we could extend the next TAG meeting on January 29 for an extra hour. Let me know what you think.

Monday's Meeting

November's will be a busy meeting! Just a quick update on what we'll be working on so you can come prepared:
- finishing the initial planning for the art show
- discuss some ideas for Youth Week programming
- discuss what you'd like to see on your TAG webpage
- discuss ideas for summer programmes
- discuss online database promotion
- the information literacy survey

Considering we only have one hour, I may ask you to work on some of these topics on the blog here - just remember how much I appreciate your help and for anyone logging volunteer hours, to track any time you put into TAG issues from home. I just want to take the opporuntity to stress this now (I've run into this problem in the past): I keep only informal attendance records for the TAG meetings, so please be sure to keep track of your own hours. If you don't, all we'll have to go on is my records that may or may not be accurate. Okay, lecture over.

Now, if we get through all this, December should be a bit more relaxed. Though it's early still and things always come up, I'd like to have you start working on some of the "marketing" materials for the art show (hopefully we can use the lab to start designing some posters and flyers) and we may get to preview the teen webpage if it's ready.

Online Databases Promotion

Here's another project you can help me with - we're trying to think up little slogans to promote our online databases to high school students (in case you aren't aware of the databases they are a service that the library subscribes to that allows us to provide access to to jounral articles, reference books, multimedia, etc - they are really cool and have tonnes of info on every subject you can think of. We're really interested in promoting them because we have a limited selection of books and we don't always have info on topics that teens are researching, so the databases are good alternatives.)Anyway, we're trying to think of little catch-phases to advertise the service. Some of the features we're trying to emphasise would include:
- 24/7 access
- info on current events/issues that we may not have in the library
- reliable information, controlled content
- more reliable than the internet- fully searching capabilities so they're just as easy to use a googleIf anyone has some suggestions, I'd love to hear them. And by the way - if you'd like to know more about the databases or receive some help using them, let me know and we can set up a training appointment.Thanks.

December's Meeting (Planning Ahead)

Hi everyone,
The meeting in December falls on the 25, and of course, the library is closed. I'd still like to hold a meeting in December since I think we'll probably have much to do to get ready for the art show. Would you be able to meet on the 18th of December instead?

Important Discussion

The important discussion with no volunteer hours

I think you are the most important people in Markham. You are the future.

Mayor Scarpitti was elected last night as Markham's new mayor.

I want to know what you think is the most important issue for Markham's new government?

The other thing I want to know is what do you think is the most important issue to teens who live in Markham?

We are asking for the same information, in the branch.
In one month's time, all the results will be tabulated and forwarded to your new Mayor.

Get your friend's opinions and ideas.

Catherine

Information Literacy Survey

Hi again folks - I'm hoping to recruit some of you as volunteers to help me with a survey for a project I'm working on. I may have mentioned to you that I'm working on developing an information literacy programme at the library - basically I'm trying to develop a series of programmes and resources that will help to teach effective research strategies using the internet and the library's onlne databases. I'm trying to gather some information from teens about their research needs and current skills and I'm currently working on preparing a brief survey to try to address some these issues. Would any of you be willing to help distribute the surveys to other teens - doesn't have to be anything formal, nor do I need a huge sample, but if you have any friends or siblings in high school that wouldn't mind answering a few questions, I would really appreciate your help in getting their input. I'll bring copies of the survey to the next TAG meeting if any one would be willing to distribute some. I can give you volunteer credit for your effort, plus my great appreciation. Thanks, Andrea.

November Meeting

Hi everyone,
Thanks for all your great work on the art show ideas - at our november meeting we'll be picking up where we left off. I won't summarize the ideas here.
By the end of next meeting, we'll have enough to put together the proposal for my manager.
I'd also like to get you thinking about the next big planning initiative - Markham youth week. The library would like to put together some programmes to celebrate the week (it's in May) and I'd like to get the TAG involved - hopefully, you'll be working with the Milliken Mills TAG to host some programmes together.
Anyway, hope to see you all on the 27th.

Tuesday, online discussion

Coming Next Tuesday - A very important discussion

On Tuesday, we need your input on a very important issue.
There will be no volunteer hours for this discussion, just your opinion.
If you think your friends would also like to participate, anyone is welcome.
Can't wait until Tuesday! More details to follow.