The Much Maligned Librarian

I read an interesting article in VOYA (Voice of Youth Advocates, October 2009) magazine recently detailing the results of a study of teen reading habits. The article outlined some of the key barriers to reading with the first being Difficulties selecting good reading material. I was saddened by several quotes from teens describing why they would never ask library staff for help selecting a book.

"Actually, that's (asking a librarian for reading advice) never occurred to me! I know there are grown-ups there (in the library) and they put the books out but I've never thought that they've probably read quite a few of them or that they would know what people my age are interested in."

"I wouldn't ask a public librarian for help. I'd rather find it myself or just wander up and down the aisles."

Here at the DPL there are several library staff members that are enthusiastic teen literature readers. None of us can claim to be teenagers (though some of us keep trying), but a few have teenage children of their own, and so they do have an understanding of what is being read. I understand the reluctance to ask, but truly we are friendly and approachable people. If you simply cannot bring yourself to ask, or convince your kids to, there are over 20 suggested reading bookmarks in the Teen Loft, and bright yellow bookmarks in some books marking them as award winners. Lastly, in response to the following quote, that was also in the article, we have rearranged the Teen Loft, and the new look can be seen in the picture above. "Most of the books that I've read I've found on the floor. Someone dropped it there and I picked it up and like the look of it."

FYI, the other two barriers to reading are Insufficient leisure time and Negative school reading experiences.