Interview+with+Skokie

I sent the Skokie teen librarian some questions over email, and she had some interesting things to say. Unfortunately, she retired yesterday, and I think she had too much on her plate to follow-up. Below is the email she sent me back: Hi Marisa, Thank you for your compliments on the TeenSceen page of our website. Actually, it is scheduled to be redesigned soon and will probably be more streamlined with more Library information rather than as many links to outside sources. The changing stream of books on the opening page will definitely be gone.I know the Home work Help section and Job and Career sections and booklists are heavily used. We just started a Facebook page for teens (Skokie Public Library Teen Corner) but it has not yet been advertised. As far as programming goes, you can see from the website that we have many events and programs for teens. The Teen Job Fair which was first held 10 years ago has drawn as many as 250 teens, The Study Hall during finals week has also been very successful. We provide refreshments and keep the Library open an hour longer, just for the students. The Manga/Anime Appreciation Club's attendance has fallen recently but we still get about 10 participants. Besides the Japanese snacks that we provide, I also make ramen noodles. It's always important to have food at teen events. If you haven't already, take a look at the programs and events page on the website, http://www.skokielibrary.info/ s_teens/tn_programs/index.asp We have recently had gaming programs in the Library, which have been popular, but I have not been involved with them. Some of the programs we have at the Library, including the Finals Week Study Hall were suggested by our Teen Advisory Group, made up of high school students. The Library also has a Jr High Advisory Group. The Digital Media Lab is, of course popular with teens. Only high school students and adults can use the Digital Media Lab. http://www.skokielibrary.info/ s_about/How/Tech_Resources/ DML.asp We have a section in the Library called The Teen Corner. It has fiction and nonfiction books, magazines, audiobooks,and graphic novels. The audiobooks do not circulate well. The Library also has a Junior High section with it's own collection of books and audiobooks. The Jr High section is in the Youth Department and the Teen Corner is in the Adult Department. The Youth Department goes to the schools through 8th grade and I am the high school liaison. It is important to have good connections to the schools and other organizations that deal with teens. I probably didn't answer all of your questions as fully as you may have liked, but I hope this information will be of some help to you.After working at Skokie Public Library for 25 years, I will be retiring on March 1. Soon there will be a new Young Adult Librarian. Good luck to you, maryann

Maryann Mondrus Reference/Young Adult Librarian Skokie Public Library (847-324-3114)     mmondrus@skokielibrary.info