Field Notes: Real conversations. Real librarians. Real impact.
I recently posed a question on Youth Services Playbook:
“How are you helping teens feel seen and heard in your library?”
And wow… the responses.
I’m really, truly enjoying these conversations. Hearing from librarians across the country—and across the globe—has been equal parts inspiring and reassuring. Because what I’m seeing, over and over again, is this: we’re on the same page.
We care deeply.
We show up intentionally.
And we are doing everything we can to support our teens—not just as patrons, but as people.
Because of how meaningful these conversations have been, I’ve decided to turn them into a regular series: Field Notes. Each weekend, I’ll pose a new question to the Youth Services Playbook community, and the following week, I’ll share what I’m hearing—your ideas, your experiences, and the incredible work happening in libraries everywhere.
That shared passion is exactly why I pursued this field after 18 years in corporate work. I wanted something more meaningful. Something human. Something that made a difference.
And if I’m being honest, after getting burned pretty badly in my last role-in my own community-burned to the point where I’m still hesitant to return-it’s been hard. It’s left a mark. There are moments where it feels a lot like trying to move forward while carrying something heavy I didn’t ask for.
But this? These conversations? This community?
This reminds me why I chose this path in the first place.
What I’m Hearing (and What You Can Do, Too)
“I make sure they know they have a safe space and that someone cares.”
“I vigilantly protect their space from adults and children… I make sure they know they have a safe space and that someone cares… there is nothing else free and accessible to these teens after school.”
My response: All of this!! You’re doing a phenomenal job!!
This is the foundation.
Teens need a space that feels like theirs—not somewhere they’re tolerated, but somewhere they belong.
Try this:
- Establish a clearly defined teen area (even if it’s small)
- Be physically present during high-traffic times (like after school)
- Set the tone: respectful, welcoming, but with clear expectations
- Protect that space when needed—advocacy matters
“I ask them what they want.”
“I ask them questions about what they want to see us do for programs… or I have polls up in the teen area…”
My response: I love this! There is no better place to go for inspiration than from the teens themselves!
It sounds simple—but it’s powerful.
Try this:
- Put up a weekly or monthly poll in your teen area
- Create a suggestion board (and visibly respond to requests)
- Let teens vote on programs, supplies, or displays
- Follow through—nothing builds trust faster
“They are delighted to be kids again.”
“Sometimes I’ve seen older teens rush into the children’s section… ‘remember this one?’… They are delighted to be kids again. No one says ‘Be Quiet!’ No one kicks them out!”
My response: Yes!! Let them be! The library should be enjoyable for all ages!
This one hit me.
Teens are in that in-between space—and sometimes, they just want permission to be.
Try this:
- Don’t over-police joy (laughter, movement, connection)
- Allow flexible use of spaces when appropriate
- Create low-pressure, nostalgic, or comfort-based activities
- Try a program like my Lo-Fi Lab!
“It gives them the opportunity to be seen and heard, without judgment.”
“I put up a weekly question… The answers are heartbreaking, encouraging, honest, loving, and raw… The best is when they comment back and forth to one another.”
My response: I have seen this and absolutely LOVE IT!! Giving them a voice is SO IMPORTANT!!
This is one of the easiest, most impactful things you can do.
Try this:
- Post a weekly anonymous question (fun, reflective, or deep)
- Let teens respond freely—no names, no pressure
- Don’t censor unless necessary for safety
- Let them respond to each other—it builds community
“I also did more listening than talking.”
“Talk to them but not like they are children… Some just want to vent while others just want to share their interests with you.”
My response: Being a listening ear! Yes!! Sometimes, we are their only “person”. You’re doing it right!!
This came up again and again.
And it’s something we can all do—no budget required.
Try this:
- Learn names and use them
- Ask follow-up questions (and remember the answers)
- Let them talk about what they care about—even if you don’t
- Resist the urge to fix, correct, or lecture
“It’s those subtle ways to let them know you’re a trusted adult.”
“I wear a rainbow lanyard… I have teens weekly who quietly tell me they like my lanyard.”
My response: It’s those subtle ways to let them know you’re a trusted adult that are so important. Kudos to you!!
Not everything has to be big to be meaningful.
Try this:
- Display inclusive symbols (if appropriate to your space)
- Be consistent and approachable
- Create an environment where teens feel safe being themselves
- Pay attention to what they respond to
“Most importantly, I make sure they know they are heard.”
“Most importantly, I make sure they know they are heard.”
And really… that’s it.
Across every response—whether it was snacks, crafts, teen advisory board, or dedicated spaces—the heart of it all was the same:
Connection.
Teens don’t just need services. They need:
- Someone who remembers their math test
- Someone who asks about their weekend
- Someone who notices when they’re not themselves
- Someone who believes they are more than their worst moment
And sometimes, they need accountability too:
“I’m not afraid to call them out… they need to remember who they are…”
Because caring about teens means believing they’re capable of more.
Final Thoughts
Reading through your responses has been a reminder that even when this field feels hard—even when systems fail us, or leadership falls short—the people doing the work are still showing up with heart.
You are creating spaces where teens feel safe.
You are building relationships that matter.
You are making an impact that will last far beyond your walls.
And in a time where I’ve been questioning what comes next for me, that reminder has meant more than I can say.
So thank you—for sharing, for caring, and for continuing to do this work so thoughtfully.
Let’s keep the conversation going:
How are you helping teens feel seen and heard in your library?
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