This question reflects the "accessible" elements of provided services sought after in the mission statement of the Muncie Public Library. By making space for teens in the library, they are then able to further achieve tending to the educational and enrichment needs of the whole community.

The intention of Services Assessment Goal 3, is to encourage future use of information and knowledge gained from library services and programs. When librarians consider how their programs are beneficial to their audience, they are then able to ensure that the knowledge being provided can be utilized for reasons of lifelong learning.

This is important to consider as it highlights the needs of the teen community and how libraries can work to make a space that allows them access to those needs. This meets the range of plans in the Community Needs Statement.

In correlation to the vision of MPL , this question allows librarians to consider how they can create programs that get teens participating and engaging within the library setting. This engagement can allow teens to get excited about the library and attending future programs.

The major determination of the Operations Assessment in MPL's Long Range Plan is to create a safe environment for all. When we determine how librarians are working to do this for teens and how the library environment can be adapted for their safety and comfort, this can be achieved.

• This article shows libraries how they can create programs centered around specific needs of teen groups which allows for more inclusion in the library space.

• The broad variety of programs allows teens access to a variety of different supporting group that will empower youth and ensure their safety/comfort.

• Examples from article: gaming programs for teens who are visually impaired, spectrum LGBTQ and teen club, incarcerated youth book club, teaching skills for teen parents, coding camp, and autism/sensory-friendly events.

• Consider the unique needs of teen groups when creating spaces for them to utilize.

• Engage teens in the decision and planning stages of library programs, events, and spaces. This encourages participation and shows them they have a voice. This can make them feel more comfortable in the library space.

• Give them teen only spaces and times. This will help them to feel as though they are not categorized as "children" when focus on their specific needs is prioritized. It also allows them space away from their adults.

• Ensure that the space and programs you have created are an all inclusive space where no one is left out or feels segregated.

• Allow teens the space for self-expression. Allow them to create. This is a great way to engage in self-exploration and help teens express who they are.

• Pay attention to pop culture and what trends are popular and engaging for teens. This allows them to feel more connection and enjoyment to the topics of the programs.

• Give teens choices! Allow the programs to be a space where they have a say in what they can do.

• Let teens have fun! Don't make the library feel like school or work. While a library is still a space for learning, allow them to be more hands-on and recreational with the activities.

• Not all programs have to be active. Provide passive programming in the form of drop-in activities or take-home materials.

• Connect with teens through their schools. You can't expect them to reach the library, if the library never tries to reach out to them.

• Take advantage of technology. Utilize online programming and social media to connect to teens.

• Listen to the teens you are advocating for, don't speak for them. Show that your library is addressing real needs for the community by lifting up the voices of teens within the community.

• Gain support for the advocacy of teens through community partnerships.

• Market for the teens in your community. Make logos and create taglines for their causes.

• Teen advocacy is not only for teen librarians, but for every worker in the library space.

• Ensure teens have positive experiences in all parts of the library in the same way a young child or adult would.

• Communicate with the teens in your library and encourage them to feel welcomed in all spaces.

• Listen to teens and converse with them. This helps open a dialogue about how the library can work to better suit teens needs.

• Programs help engage teens in things like reading for pleasure or learning and building a new set of skills.

• Library programs aid in keeping a healthy (mentally and physically) teen community. Thus, helping to impact the overall health of the entire community.

• Librarians can create lasting relationships with teens. This not only consistently ensures the return of current users, but also future teen users. The higher the impact the library has on a teen patron the more likely they are to encourage their friends/family/future children to utilize the library in the same way.

• Flexible library policies can help improve teen's health and well-being.

• Partnerships between teachers and librarians can ensure more supportive adult figures for teens outside of home.

• Libraries can help teens adopt healthy habits and mindsets.

• Extending collections beyond books can keep teens interested (i.e. manga, graphic novels, visual formats, etc.).

• Assessing programs through teen feedback helps ensure programs are meeting their needs.

• Provide teens with opportunities to expand digital and traditional literacy skills.

• Library space allows for exploration of unfamiliar topics, new passions, and other forms of extended learning.

• Programs available for teens after school allow them a safe space to engage in non-harmful activities.

• Creating a Teen Advisory Board helps create a more teen-inclusive space that directly benefits them.

• Libraries offer teens a free space to simply exist.There aren't expectations for them at the library, so teens are more likely to feel safe to engage.

• While being lighter in their educational tie-ins than schools, library programs are still a space for teens to extend their learning.

• Librarians have the opportunity to be a trusted source of comfort for their teen patrons. They can be an important figure in a teen's life.

• Always consider that teens minds are open and curious.