Talking With Teens

Jami had a great post over at the YALSA blog about how powerful and important it is just to listen and talk to teens (and other patrons too).

So many teens need more adults in their lives that are low pressure. Our Teen Coordinator often points out that we are one of the few adults in a teen's life that isn't a relative, a teacher, or here in the city:a security guard.

One of the great things about craft programs is how much the teens will open up when their hands are busy. This is a great way to get to know your teens and once they are comfortable they tend to stop by often when there is something on their mind. I have one young man whose mood I can tell easily from the way he flops into the chair by my desk for a chat.

I love conversations about books, but I've also had an opportunity to talk informally about much bigger issues including tolerance, violence, sex, and self respect. Building these relationships is easily one of the best parts of my job.