Getting Started with Tween Programming

A study by The Institute of Museum and Library Services shows that “the most effective programming involves youth in program design and decision making, and promotes supportive relationships between adults and youth” (Crowley, DeJong-Boots, & Paladines).  Additionally, deliberate programming that is age appropriate will bring tweens into the library and keep them coming.  Programming cannot be too childish - nor too mature; it must be just right for tweens to feel comfortable and engaged.  For example,  in previous Kansas City Missouri's public library programming, “Tweens enjoyed silly but not too sarcastic themes. They enjoyed the appearance of romance but not necessarily the appearance of sex” (Faris).  To build and then maintain the tween program, libraries should keep it “just for tweens” so that they will actually attend (Crowley, DeJong-Boots, & Paladines).

In order to create this "just right" programming, we should become familiar with tweens’ interests:

• Observe teens in your library

• Review circulation statistics for materials for this age group

• Read books and magazines written for this age group

• Determine which T.V. shows and movies are popular with this age group

• Talk with other librarians

• Talk with actual TWEENS! See what they are interested in! (Struckmeyer)

Tween Advisory Boards

Forming a tween advisory board will greatly benefit the library and tweens.  The advisory board will not only give the library an automatic following for programming, but it will also serve as one way to disseminate program information.  Additionally, involving tweens in program planning will result in more tween-friendly and desirable programs.

Libraries should strive for inclusivity in the advisory group in order to represent the community as a whole.  Tween advisory groups will need a lot of guidance from the librarian, as children aged 10-14 do not have leadership experience needed to make events happen on their own (Fasick 44 & 51).

Image from: http://southholidaylib.blogspot.com/2011_05_01_archive.html

Overcome Obstacles to Tween Programming

One aversion to programming for this age group is that it seems impossible to find activities that would interest both 8-year-olds and 13-year-olds at the same time.  However, libraries can offer variety in the programming by providing multiple activities for children to choose from at different interest and ability levels.  For example, Amanda Moss Struckmeyer at the Middleton, Wisconsin Public Library has great ideas about how to handle this potential programming fail: “At one program I might offer two very simple crafts, an advanced craft, a poetry station, and a movement activity, such as a relay or Hula Hoop tournament. Participants move freely between the stations, choosing the ones that appeal to them. This allows them to have ownership of their experience, which they love” (Struckmeyer).

Tips:

• Display printed instructions for the craft to encourage independence and allow this otherwise overwhelming program to run more smoothly
• Display examples of the craft to garner interest in the program (Struckmeyer)

Additional Readings on the Topic:

http://courseweb.lis.illinois.edu/~crowley8/506tweens/Tween_Programming/Home.html

- This site explains the term "tween," provides research about the needs of tweens, programming ideas, funding ideas, and practical advice for libraries.

http://tscpl.org/tween/

- Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas Public Library’s Tween page has ideas for programming and other pertinent tween information.

Kendrick-Samuel, Syntychia. "Junior Friends Groups Taking Teen Services To The Next Level." Young Adult Library Services 10.2 (2012): 15-18. Library Literature & Information Science Full Text (H.W. Wilson). Web. 16 June 2013.
- Information on developing teen & tween library advisory groups

Check out Struckmeyer’s article for the specifics about her engaging programming ideas: Greece-ology, Banned Books Club, American Girl Party: Kanani, and Out of This World: Alien Art.

Struckmeyer, Amanda Moss. "Reaching Tweens." Children & Libraries: The Journal Of The Association For Library Service To Children 10.2 (2012): 36-38. Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 June 2013.

Resources:

Crowley, Amanda, Dana DeJong-Boots, and Michele Paladines.  “Intro to Tween Services.” Nov. 2009. Word Document.  10 June 2013. www.laconi.net/wp-content/.../04/Introduction-to-TweenServices.docx

Fasick, Adele M.  From Boardbook to Facebook.  Libraries Unlimited. Santa Barbara, CA, 2011. Print.

Faris, Crystal. "Betwixt And Between: Tweens In The Library." Children & Libraries: The Journal Of The Association For Library Service To Children7.1 (2009): 43-45. Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 June 2013.

Struckmeyer, Amanda Moss. "Reaching Tweens." Children & Libraries: The Journal Of The Association For Library Service To Children 10.2 (2012): 36-38. Academic Search Premier. Web. 10 June 2013.