Discusses misconceptions about teen volunteers in public libraries: teens who hang out make good volunteers; teens who apply want to work; parents aren't important; incorporating volunteers is easy; enthusiasm means commitment; volunteers will tell you if they don't enjoy the job; non-performers are easy to fire; teens volunteer because they need…

To bring more young adults into the Thurmont Branch of the Frederick County (Maryland) Public Library, a children's librarian and the Young Adult Advisory Committee created Teen Poetry Night, at which teens were invited to read their own poetry or the work of a favorite poet. Program planning and implementation are described. (PEN)

A young adult librarian describes how he brought the touring cast of the musical, "RENT," to the Kalamazoo (Michigan) Public Library to introduce teenagers to musical theatre. Discussion includes the initial contact process; planning the event; publicity; catering; the tremendous turn-out; and tips for arranging such a cast visit. (AEF)

A collection of three articles presents three programs public librarians have created and implemented to engage the vitality and enthusiasm of young people together with library resources: (1) a summer reading club and "archeological dig"; (2) a young adult mystery festival; and (3) young adults socializing with seniors. (Author/JMV)

Contains 18 questions for librarians to ask that relate to the young adult sections in public libraries. Addresses issues such as signs, types of materials, local information, seating, paperbacks, types of shelving, displays, free handouts, and weeding the collection. (LRW)

Describes "Mission Possible," a summer reading game with an espionage theme developed by young adult readers and the Boulder (Colorado) Public Library. Highlights include instructions for playing the game, sample activity sheets, beginning and culminating activities, daily record keeping, prizes, player evaluations of the game, and…

Provides an overview of "Read on the Wild Side," a summer reading program for young adults established by the Webster (New York) Public Library, and "Read Hard, Play Later," a young adult summer reading program of the Pioneer Library System (New York). Highlights include reading logs, T-shirts, publicity, program evaluation,…

These two articles discuss the need to promote librarianship as a profession to young people. Discusses the American Library Association's effort to recruit younger as well as ethnically diverse audiences; suggestions for local activities; and a mentoring program in New York City for public library youth employees. (LRW)

Describes the development of a Young Teens Advisory Board (YTAB) at the Mastics-Moriches-Shirley Community Library in Shirley, New York. Reviews the progress the group has made from its formation in 1987 to the present and describes programs and events organized by the YTAB to bring sixth, seventh, and eighth graders into the library. (JMV)

Discusses the Los Angeles Public Library's TeenS'cape, located in the middle of the city's Central Library. This technically sophisticated library space, opened after the 1992 L.A. riots, provides custom furnishings, postmodernist architecture, and equipment and materials specifically catered to the local teens, amid the culture of…

Relates how the Best Books for Young Adults (BBYA) Committee of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) works and describes one librarian's formation of teen book groups to get young adults involved in the public library and to solicit their personal opinions on titles to nominate for BBYA committee consideration. (AEF)

These nine articles describe public library programs for young adults. Highlights include a read-a-thon with snacks; graphic novels and art; costume party and trivia contest; activities based on "The Hobbit"; a summer reading program that included teen volunteers; writing epitaphs for Day of the Dead celebration; Legos displays; and…

Describes a cooperative project developed between the Arlington (Virginia) Public Library and local middle schools to form a Teen Advisory Board (TAB), a group of students who read and review new young adult books. Highlights include expansion of the program; student involvement in other activities; and four lists of favorite titles. (LRW)

Describes the organization, planning, and evaluation design of a workshop involving peer-led thematic discussion groups on books for young adults, a notable author as a speaker, and a panel on promoting young adult books. A list of the theme groups and titles used is provided. (EAM)

This group of articles focusing on poetry by and for teenagers includes a list of recommended volumes and anthologies, winners of the 1998 VOYA Teen Poetry Contest, and articles on a poetry coffeehouse, how libraries can be a niche for teens, launching a teen poetry program, and school-public library partnerships for poetry projects. (AEF)