Recently I did a presentation at a public library and it
inspired this blog. Being there made me realize how fun and useful libraries
continue be for any community. At this particular library, there was section
specifically for teens. There were resources for almost any topic or issue a
teenager might need help with. Just to name a few: there was a book called “How
Not To Choke on Tests” another called “Freshmen Survival Guide” and another
called “Quiet Power: The Secret Strength of Introverts”. There were also other
resources to prep for the ACT and SAT, these books cost no less than $30 at a
book store, but they’re available for free from your library and many times
libraries have several copies available for check out.
When I got home I looked into my own local library and
discovered that they also have amazing programming for people of all ages. Just
the other day they announced a work-shop series for high school students called
“Adulting 101”. This consists of several work-shops with topics such as “Financial
Know-How”, “Mug Meals” and “Fake News”. This got me super excited about the
library so I decided to follow them on Facebook and I was pleasantly surprised
to find that in my local library, you can get your driver’s license renewed (no
more waiting at the DMV), you can rent baking sheets, be part of book clubs and
on a weekly basis they have guest speakers on certain topics. For example,
during Halloween, they had a historian talk about the Salem Witch Trials and
how things really happened.
Point of my story, use your local library. They have so many
interesting and useful things to offer.
Lupe - ICAN Coralville and Davenport Centers
