[Publib] Re: Teens out of control in the library

[Andy Barnett]

With their after school enthusiasm, teens and 
tweens can be a bit too much. There is certainly 
no one answer but heres 2¢ worth.

Having consequences helps. We have the middle 
school yearbook and that helps identify people. 
The principal/ asst. principal are willing to 
stop in (very) occasionally, which helps. Off 
campus misbehavior has on campus consequences in 
some places. We have a camera and are willing to 
take photos (for in-house use only) so that all 
staff know who is in trouble and who had been 
banned. Yes, for your sanity, ban people who 
consistently misbehave, just as you would any 
adult. If possible, get them off library property 
all together, though your sidewalks might be 
public. If they will not leave your property, 
call the police and have them removed. If they 
won't leave because their parents are planning to 
pick them up at the library, offer to call their 
parents and explain why the kids are being 
expelled. Our banning allow access if accompanied 
by a parent, so no school work can be impacted. 
Block their cards from computer access. In the 
main, they are willing to go as far as they can, 
as long as they can continue to get their daily 
runescape and myspace. Parents will often not 
know or care if their children are misbehaving, 
but will be on your side if  their child's 
behavior inconveniences them. Both parents and 
kids need to know that the library is a good 
thing that can be taken from them in some circumstances.

On a positive note, try to find space for them to 
chat with friends, drink soda/pop and generally 
hang out. I know that very few libraries have 
such a commons area, but it can help 
considerably. Our adult room has adult rules, our 
children's room has children's rules and the 
commons area is even more relaxed (food and drink 
OK, groups around a computer encouraged). A 
surprising number of kids prefer the adult rules 
- quiet, no one bothering them, etc.  Many kids 
don't want a crowd around them while they are on 
email, chat, games. We allow free local calls, 
which lets the kids call and get permission to go 
elsewhere, such as a friend's house. It also 
helps to have a consistent face involved, so that 
the kids develop a  relationship and are less anonymous.

Far from the only answers and mileage will vary.




Andy Barnett, Asst. Director            McMillan Memorial Library
490 East Grand Ave. Wisconsin Rapids, WI  54494
                 www.mcmillanlibrary.org
Our lives begin to end the day we become silent 
about things that matter.  -  Martin Luther King, Jr.