[Publib] Re: Teen Space Restrictions

[Babel, Elisa A. (DCPL)]

This is based on my experience from doing substitute desk coverage in the
Young Adult Division but I can share some general information. 
Our Young Adult Division has its own area located within the Popular Library
Division. (The bookcase arrangements designate the boundaries between the
two divisions) The division serves patrons ages 12-19. There's good
furniture including some comfy chairs! There are also YA only computers so
teens don't have to be on the adult computers. There's a TV equipped with a
game system and a CD listening station. During the day, anyone is allowed to
browse for materials in the YA collection but can't stay in the division.
(I've had to ask adult patrons to leave)
As much as some of my colleagues and I hate it, we have to ask teens about
their individual age especially the older teens when coming to use the
computers. (Some teens look older than their age!) When school lets out,
there's a fairly good number of teens who come in to hang out, use the
computer, do homework, etc.
Of the times I've done desk coverage, it usually has been in the morning to
early afternoon.
Hope this helps!

Elisa Babel, MLS
History & Biography Librarian
Martin Luther King, Jr Memorial Library
901 G St, NW
Washington, DC 20001