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…

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 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…

Describes an outreach program developed by a public library system for introducing library services to parents of preschool children enrolled in a Head Start center. Topics discussed include the importance of reading to children; sensitivity to bilingual needs; adult literacy needs; sample picture books; and nonprint materials available at the…

Describes how family literacy programs help increase adult literacy levels, broaden reading skills for children, and foster good reading habits for all family members. The recipients of Bell Atlantic/American Library Association Family Literacy Project grants are listed, their programs are summarized, and 11 clues that can help determine a…

Describes outreach services that children's librarians can develop to help solve the problems of illiteracy and aliteracy. Highlights include story hours; cooperation with school library media specialists; outreach programs for day care or early childhood centers, family day care homes, low-income housing projects, and community centers; and…