Toys don't belong in the library. That's probably what some people still think. But the author's library outside Philadelphia was having such a hard time attracting boys who had outgrown storytime that he and his colleagues decided to try something new. So his school started a Lego club. Since their June 2008 kickoff, they've been amazed by how…

This article presents and discusses a 3-D online environment known as Teen Second Life. TSL is a virtual environment geared just for youth, ages 13-17. Its social appeal is huge, especially for teens who are developmentally inclined to seek out the company of their peers. In TSL one can meet friends or make new ones, hang out, listen to music and…

When parents help kids with their homework or get involved in an assignment, they're doing more than showing an interest in their children's education--they're helping them succeed. And since everyone knows that well-equipped school libraries make a huge difference in student achievement, there's a real need to make parents aware of the media…

This article discusses the current status of teens in society. The article reports that half of all teens have been affected by the divorce of their parents; one in five lives in poverty; and approximately one in six suffers from depression. Thirty-five percent of teenage girls get pregnant at least once before age 20. This article discusses ways…

To introduce the resources of the public library to young adults, librarians in the Hollywood branches of the Los Angeles Public Library initiated an outreached program called STEP: Special Interest Group, Think Big, Esprit de Corps, and Publicity. Program components are described, and 17 steps are enumerated for implementation. (JPF)

The good news is that many public libraries are now overflowing with teens. The bad news is that most teens still don't visit libraries, and that's a shame. Teens would use libraries if they clearly understood their value. But for years, young adults have been mostly ignored by librarians. The solution is to initiate a major paradigm shift, one in…

Describes the development of a new television show on PBS called "Between the Lions" that is aimed at developing literacy of primary school children. Set in a library, the show's producers met with librarians for advice and will have libraries participating in local outreach programs to help promote the show. (LRW)

Describes the cooperation between Montgomery County, Maryland, librarians and public broadcasting station WETA to produce programs relating to books. (PF)

Describes the Book Buddies program, a program established by the San Francisco Public Library which recruits and trains volunteers who read to children in area hospitals. The planning, organization, and operation of the program are discussed, as well as the recruitment and training of volunteers. (MES)

Having sleepovers at the public library can be fun and exciting. This article describes the Brownie Sleepover program, a library sleepover program, which started 10 years ago when two local Brownie leaders approached the former head of children's services to ask if she could help second graders earn their "Be a Reader" patch. After…

Discusses the use of public libraries by homeschoolers and gives examples of ways to serve homeschoolers, including specialized tours and using homeschooled children as volunteers for library programs. Homeschooler-initiated outreach programs are described, and a list of resources including Web sites, books, and journal articles is provided. (LRW)

Describes how several libraries are encouraging children to participate in summer reading programs by bringing them to childcare and recreation centers. Discusses reaching out to teenagers; starting a program and gauging summer reading program participation in the community; and securing funding and partnerships. (AEF)

Describes a program conducted by the Multnomah (Oregon) County Library for child care providers. Approaches to preparing collections appropriate for providers and for children in child care, providing training for providers, and developing collaborative relationships with providers are discussed. A bibliography of a core collection of 19 titles…

Highlights examples of outreach and lending programs that bring the museum experience into school and public libraries and suggests that the school library media specialist can act as the link between museums and teachers. A list of contacts for the nine programs mentioned is provided. (EAM)

The Beginning with Books project distributed 1,000 free packets of children's books to disadvantaged families, and questionnaires showed favorable effects on literacy activities and family reading patterns. The program is now affiliated with the Pittsburgh public library, and a new literacy program is aimed at children in families of adults who…