Tween programming

American Library Association. (2008). So much to see, so much to do @ your library. Retrieved from www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/alsc/issuesadv/kidscampaign/tweenprogs.doc

Reflection

This document is amazing! There are so many wonderful ideas and so many inspirational projects that will for sure gain tweens involvement in the public library. This document that was put out by the American Library Association covers the how to's of library programs as well as offers detailed program ideas and instructions. I found this document a couple of years ago when I was trying to locate a last minute program idea for the library where I work. I ended up choosing the "Build-a-Bot" program and my kids took donated McDonald wind up toys and used modeling clay to turn them into a personalized mini robot. Genius! Both boys and girls loved this program and now that I do have special programs just for tweens, this program is always a hit. 

In the library where I work, we have special programs just for tweens (9-12) but they can also attend our 5-12 programming as well. Some examples of some tween programs that I have done in the last year are:

• Detective 101 (I partnered with our Police Department and a forensic officer came into our library and helped the kids solve a case using fingerprints, blood splatter, and DNA)
• Iron Chef (Simple version of the actual contest)
• Spa Day (Girls and BOYS came in and made their own bath goodies, received foot massages from a local masseuse (she came in for free), and the tweens were taught stress relief exercises)
• Artist Expression (Every other month I taught the kids about an unknown artist, and gave them the materials to create their own version of the artists' art)
• Junk Sculpture workshop- (Huge success! I picked up broken toasters, waffle irons, and other small appliances and the tweens took apart (we had a big safety check) and they recreated them into a sculpture)
• LEGO program
• Grossology Program

  I feel that each age group should get some special programs that are just for them. I have special programs just for little ones, for elementary aged kiddos, tweens, and teens. Big programs such as my Harry Potter programs or Diary of A Wimpy Kid are opened to all ages, because all ages like these books. It works. I also work closely with my Branch Library which is a shared facility and they are located in a high school. These programs work well in a school library as well. We have never had to modify our programs just because it is being held in a different facility.
  It is our duty and obligation to advocate for all ages. I had a hard time convincing some staff members to start programs for tweens. They didn't see the point and one even mentioned "what is the point, they are still getting programming when they are meshed in with the 5-12 year olds). I gave the analogy of the middle child and how they are sorta stuck in the middle...they can't attend the teen programs and they don't want to attend programs with their 5 year old brother. They got used to the idea and now we are always fighting over who gets to run the tween program. Of course, I would never NOT let someone who is on the border in my program..that is just mean.
  I think it is also important to have a great relationship with the teen librarian. My relationship with her has been instrumental in making my tween programs successful. We co chair a tween/teen board and she helps me determine the best choices for programs and even book selection.

The Biebs and cyberbullying..

Billboard.com. (2011). Charges to be dropped in justin bieber mall frenzy case. Retrieved from http://www.billboard.com/news/charges-to-be-dropped-in-justin-bieber-mall-1005174172.story#/news/charges-to-be-dropped-in-justin-bieber-mall-1005174172.story

Reflection

Oh the Biebs! Yes, his management company screwed up and they had to pay the price. But this is an AWESOME idea! I know that it sucks that these thousands of tween fans were possibly put into an unsafe situation but to have Justin Bieber speak out against cyberbullying is a great punishment. We all know how much tweens are invested in the popularity of entertainment, they live and breath it. From fashion to music, tweens are a huge marketing group for these giant corporations and what better way to pass along an important message?! By having one of the most popular tween superstars, messages like this will not fall on deaf ears. Millions of tweens will follow his message and hopefully come to understand that it is not ok to cyberbully. 

Justin Bieber has even taken it a step further and recorded a public service announcement that can be seen via online and on television worldwide. He also teamed up with Facebook and MTV and created a campaign called Draw Your Line, which aims to stop digital abuse among tweens and teens. People can enter on "A Thin Line" Facebook account (which will have to be done by a parent or guardian) and they can post the action that they believe will stop such abuse from happening. Huge prizes are given and it is a great way to spread the word and to cultivate better habits. I applaud Bieber for using his influence to improve the safety of tweens and teens. 

Ahhhh! The Chick Lit debacle~

Meloni, C. (2011). Tween girls want chick lit, too! Library Media Connection, 29(6). Retrieved from Library Lit and Inf Full Text database

Reflections

Oh to be young again. The puttering of your heart when you see your first crush, the snickers with girlfriends as they walk by and the fateful brokenness when first loves end. This is a great article and it talks about the undeniable change of girls when they grow into adolescence. They begin to store their American Girl dolls and Junie B. Jones books in their closets and become more interested in books and entertainment that reflect their own budding interest. In recent years, chick lit has been popular in teen literature and it was only a matter of time when authors and publishers saw a need for books geared towards tweens. Tweens go through an enormous amount of changes. Their bodies are changing, their friends are changing, and their fashion and musical taste follows what it popular in entertainment. If tweens are here to stay, libraries need to start purchasing books and materials that allow tweens to grow and develop. 

Judy Blume was and still is a great example of an author who really knows children and teens. She writes for this age group and doesn't sugarcoat emotions or experiences. When tweens feel like they can't  divulge what is going on in their bodies and minds, books are a safe haven of exploration. By offering tweens book lists that interest them, we, as librarians, are doing our job. I remember I tween girl asking me for books on starting her period. When I took her to the non fiction area she was more grossed out than anything. She said it was embarrassing to read all of the scientific details of mensuration that she didn't want to be seen with any of them while at school. I then suggested she check out some Judy Blume books that I knew talked about this subject and she begrudgingly did, and she came back a week later and thanked me for them, and asked if she could please have some more. Score!

This years Judy Blume

CORBETT, S. (2011). Lauren myracle: 'this generation's judy blume.'.Publishers Weekly, 258(8), 31.

Reflections

When I was a tween I lived on Judy Blume. She taught me crucial aspects of changing bodies, first crushes, and the drama of middle school which is something that my parents didn't even know where to begin to talk about with me. She was a safe haven, a friend. It wasn't until I grew up and started working in a public library that I realized that she was one of the most challenged authors of all time. Like I have said before, most of the "risque" content went right over my head and my tween brain only absorbed what I understood. I understood that friendships sometimes sour, that the pitter patter of my heart every time I saw my 6th grade crush was normal, and that my boob size, unfortunately, would not increase with silly rhymes. 

This article suggests that Lauren Myracle, author of the popular books, TTYL, Shine, and G8R, is this generations Judy Blume. Bravo to her! Of course, this brought out the nut jobs who send her disheartening emails, and threats of the gates of hell, but Lauren explains that it only takes that one email from a tween or teen to share their gratefulness for her and her writing to get her back on her feet. I am a believer that authors who stand up to critics and back their works 100 percent, are the true award winners. Authors should not write for money, they should write for their readers, and not hold back. 

Kids Reading Twilight..

Russell, N. (2010). Kids are reading...junk. The American Spectator. 

Reflections

The author wrote this article after the Association of American Publishers announced that Children's and Young Adult fiction sales had increased nearly 14% from the following year. At first glance, the numbers are awesome, but then she begins to break down the *enter gasp here* that children are reading (this is her words, not mine) TRASH!! Too bad that she thinks that Hunger Games, the Twilight series and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books are just that, trash. On a more hilarious note, she also suggested that instead of reading Hunger Games, ADULTS should choose to "let" their child read Animal Farm or 1984!!!! She can't be serious!!!! It was even worse when she suggested kids read Wuthering Heights instead of the lovesick romance of Bella and Edward. Who is this woman?!?! 

Sure I get it (at least I think that I do). Some tweens are reading books that well, they may not just understand mentally, but if it gets them interested in reading, why discourage it? It is up to the parent to monitor what their children are reading. I have a few tween boys and girls that come in and want to read Ellen Hopkins books or Chris Crutcher books and although it is not my duty to tell them what to read, I do let them know other books in our area that are like these books and give them a little disclaimer about the content that they will be reading about in these books. Most of the times kids just want to jump on the bandwagon of what is cool, my daughter is 7 and she begged me to read Twilight. I allowed it, and pretty much most of the content went over her head and she had nightmares for a week. She doesn't want to read the other books nor see the movies and unless she read them for herself she would have found some other way to read it. As a child, I was allowed to read whatever I wanted. I read the Flowers in the Attic series when I was 7 and the sex scene and incest topics went right over my head. Now some may argue what is the point of reading a book if you don't understand the content, and my answer is always, why not? I related to other parts of the books and to this day they are my guilty pleasure. We as librarians have to remember not to cross the censorship line and tell tweens that they shouldn't be reading Crutcher or Hopkins and in all reality, it is up to their parents and caregivers.

To be a Tween is to be Cool

Jayson, S. (2009, February 4). It's cooler than ever to be a tween, but is childhood lost? USA Today. 

Reflection

I remember when this article came out years ago,I cut it out because I had no idea that this age group had such a name. It has been tacked up on my bulletin board ever since. I knew that they were on to something but back then, tween was not as well known as it is now.  At the time, libraries still lumped together ages 5-12 and even the thought of separating them was a silly idea. Now, tweens are a hot commodity and everyone is jumping on this bandwagon, especially librarians and libraries. 

This article touches on every crucial part of tweendom. From marketing to self-esteem issues and entertainment ideas, retailers know that tweens are a hot market for clothes, music, and entertainment and they are not wasting any time marketing their commodities to meet their needs. Those of us who work with tweens know that the majority of them are immersed in consumer culture and they seek connections and identity through television shows, music choices, and even message boards and networking websites. Other interesting sections in this article talk about tweens earning money, obtaining debt at an earlier age, and even the gender issues that tween boys and girls face. This article should be read by all because it sums up tweens perfectly.
As a librarian I am constantly being asked by parents to suggest books about growing up. puberty, and parenting issues. When I take them over to the appropriate non fiction areas, I always sneak in articles or books that I have read that I believe would help them figure their tween out. I keep a filing cabinet full of articles and research studies that talk about kids, tweens, and teens, and it has been critical in many discussions with parents, co workers and my peers. 

Tween Superstars

Barnes, B. (2011). Tween stars wanted: must be primed for pressure. New York: New York Times. 

Reflections

As I said before, I am a parent of a tween, and I am forced to watch and listen to the Miley's, the Bieber's, and the Demi's. Luckily I have a "barely tween aged" daughter and she only gets her entertainment and media sources from Nickelodeon and Disney. I buy her CD's and we listen to family friendly radio. I do know that I am living in a denial state right now and I know that when she grows up a little I will have to worry about her influences from the outside world. Just the other day she was humming a tune and I realized that it was K$sha and I got so sad!! When the whole drama with Demi Lovato happened and television and radio was blasting news about her rehab, I did sit down any explain to my daughter what happened. I think that it is important to use these role models and show our children that just because they are famous does not mean that they are untouchable. Instead of putting these people on pedestals, our tweens need to put themselves on them. I think as a librarian we can let these children know that they are rock stars in their own right, and that they can be anything they want themselves to be. Cheezy I know..but these kids need encouragement every chance they can get. 


This article sums of the controversy of the tween craze in entertainment and the sometimes disastrous affect that it has on the person behind the superstar. It goes on to reiterate the fact that children's television is at a transitional moment and that tweens are being manufactured at an alarming rate. Things aren't so easy for them and instead of just showing up and smiling on a television show, they now also have to belt out songs, create clothing lines, star in television shows and then in their spin offs, all at the same time of trying to live a normal childhood. 

Purchasing graphic novels for tweens...

Moon, B. (2008). [The Librarian's Guide to Graphic Novels for Children and Tweens]. School Library Journal, 54(8), 156. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database

Reflections

Ahhhhh the graphic novel. Both a librarians best friend and worst enemy. I remember when the first graphic novels for kids started coming out and what an uproar erupted on the listserves. Kids reading comics?!?! What is going to happen to books?!?! This is a library, not a comic book store!! These were splashed across the emails daily. I remember having to beg my supervisor to try a few, you know a few Spider-Man, Archie and Friends, and even some Wonder Woman comics for the girls. She agreed, and now three years later, our shelves are packed and ever so popular! Side note: she does still refuse to let me purchase any graphic novels that are based off of classic literature or any non-fiction graphic novels. 

This particular book has been a great resource to have because it contains a vast amount of information about the history of graphic novels, how to choose age appropriate graphic novels and an annotates list of great graphic novels that should be purchased for kids. The section that I think is the most useful is the section where the author gives great ideas on tying graphic novels in with programming...what tween wouldn't love a program based off of a superhero or fantasy graphic novel?
I have also noticed that parents have let down their guard a bit when it comes to graphic novels. Before, they didn't think reading comic books at the library was appropriate and many were nervous about the content. When they became more popular, and they saw teachers assigning them in class, their view changed. I used to have a boy patron who hated to read. I mean he would sit at the desk and mop while his siblings selected their books. I asked his mother if it was ok to show him to our graphic novel section and even though she was a bit hesitant she obliged. I handed him the Bone series by Jeff Smith and he begrudgingly took it. When they came back the next week he rushed straight over to the section and his mother thanked me for changing his life. Yes, I was in tears later that night. :) This is why...I am a librarian. 

Tweens and technology

Walton-Hadlock, M. (2008). Tots to Tweens: Age-Appropriate Technology Programming for Kids. Children & Libraries, 6(3), 52-5. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database Reflections Some librarians and libraries are reluctant to offer technology programs for tweens. Some think that this is not the place to do so and others believe that it is just a problem waiting to happen. Some librarians believe that technology is evil, and is detouring children away from books which, as we saw in this course, is far from the truth. Technology is exciting for children of all ages, gender, and grade. It enhances learning, problem solving, and team work, and libraries can be the only place, other than school, that children are having any access to. As as educational facility, it is our duty as librarians to provide the best and the newest programming for children, and what better way to get tweens involved!? All tweens love technology, they love video games, websites that connect them with their peers, and can navigate educational websites in their sleep.    As a librarian it is our partnership with parents and caregivers to assist in the education of tweens. We can offer classes or workshops on how to properly use technology, we can have their peers speak up and share their stories such as in the book, We Want You to Know: Kids Talk About Bullying. You will be surprised on how kids open up when put in a casual environment and among their peers or even complete strangers that are the same age. In our children's computer lab we put off tween/teen friendly posters about cyberbullying and sexting, and even though there are some snickers and rolling of the eyes, they are conveniently placed where questioning behavior may take place.  We can't shy away from something that is unknown or that we are not comfortable with...I mean we all know that kids are much more tech savvy than we are. :)

Serving Young Tweens and Teens Book...

Smith, Mikki. (2009). Serving young tweens and teens. Education Library, 32(2). Retrived from http://vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.libaccess.sjlibrary.org/hww/results/external_link_maincontentframe.jhtml?_DARGS=/hww/results/results_common.jhtml.44.

Reflections

This book saved my tween loving life! This was one of my first tween book purchasing for my reference collection and it has increased my personal and professional growth when working with tweens. I was so excited that this was one of the required readings in my 264-10 course at San Jose State University. Each chapter of this book addresses different aspects of serving this age group and touched on specialized subjects like censorship, media, reference service, and space concerns. This was most useful when my library decided to split up our programs by specialized ages and during a time where tweens was just a silly word. Again, it is crucial to look for help when working with different groups and this book, along with listserves and partnerships with other libraries, has helped me provide better services and understand this special age group. It is my goal to get out of the whole "middle child" stigma this group has, and it is about time that others see the importance of doing so. 

Another great section of this book is a great annotated list of fiction and non-fiction books that or organized by special subjects such as graphic novels, novels in verse, and social development. I have added to this list over the years and I use it as a reference tool when tweens want something to read, but have no idea what. 

Phase 2 of Kids!

(2009). Phase2 of Kids! Campaign Targets Tweens. Children & Libraries, 7(2), 59. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database

Reflection

Websites like ALA.com or listserves like PubYac.org are great examples of branching out to other librarians and libraries and getting great ideas. The program, Kids @ your library, is a great resource that is shared. This programs aim is to promote library services to kids in grades 5-8th. Tool kits include readers theater scripts for new and popular books for tweens, art and program ideas, and fresh games and activities to offer at the library for tweens. Everything is free and ready to go. 

Even though librarians are more than capable, getting help from outside sources is always helpful. I subscribe to different listserves that give me program ideas, craft lessons, a shoulder to cry on when I need it. Working with tweens is nothing new, but specializing programs and ideas to suit this special library group is and librarians can use all the help that they can get. If I find a program or idea that I love, I print it out or put it into a file and save it for later. When I am planning programs every quarter I open these files and folders and "steal" ideas. Why reinvent the wheel if you don't have to?
Online tool kits are great for libraries that are short staffed due to budget constraints because they are basically programs in a box and could be run by one eager person. Libraries across the nation are having to ct back drasticall programming and material selection but by banding together with fellow librarians, help is fast, easy, and much needed. 

"Food ALLOWED in this library!"...........

Fellows, M. (2010). Lights, Camera, Cook! Tweens Combine Reading, Cooking in Recipe for Success. Children & Libraries, 8(1), 36-8. Retrieved from Library Lit & Inf Full Text database.

Reflections

Just as in many libraries across the nation, librarians are coming to understand the importance of programming for tweens and are thinking outside the box. Tweens are no longer wanting to attend storytimes, but they are not old enough to be eligible for teen programs. The Upper Hudson Library System worked closely with the local school districts and found a strong need for tween programming and applied and received together "Kids Cooking by the Book" grant that funds cooking programs in schools and libraries for middle school kids. The library system decided to create a television show that featured tweens and cooking. A tween appropriate book was paired with a recipe that the kids would work together to create. For example; Holes by Louis Sachar was paired with the recipe for Giant Fried Onion Flowers! Seriously?!!? What an amazing idea! 

This library knew the need for tween programming was crucial and instead of complaining that there was no money or time to do so, they corroborated with the local school district and received a grant totaling over 80 grand! This library system looked at boundaries and barriers and rolled their eyes! Tweens were involved in reading, visited their library on a weekly basis, formed a relationship with the librarian, and teachers, librarians, and parents were involved in a great project that encouraged their children, patrons, and students. Way to go, and what an inspiration!!

Arresting tweens for....being tweens?

Manhattan Local News. (2011). Dnainfo.com. Retrieved from http://www.dnainfo.com/20110124/upper-west-side/librarian-wants-police-crack-down-on-unruly-tweens-at-upper-west-side-branch. 

Reflection

OMG. Seriously? This is one of those times where I want to scream, "grow some....". Look, I have worked in a public library for over 14 years, and I have had my share of unruly tweens and teens. When my Branch library moved into a high school and functioned as a dual facility, I wanted to scream and cry every time I helped out at their reference desk. I am 30 years old but look and have the voice of a 13 year old. I get it all the time.."Can I speak to someone older", "You're the supervisor?", and even, "Aren't you supposed to be in school". But the second a tween or teen threatened, got all "puffy" and too close for comfort, or even wouldn't listen to me and refused to leave when asked...I dealt with it. That is my job. If you show fear, you are dead in the water. This librarian summed up her problem when she admitted that, "I have a big squishy heart, so it's really hard for me to put my foot down," Donsky said. "That's why I'm asking for all this help [from police]". I'm sorry, but they are 12, and she is an adult. From the moment she started showing fear, she lost them. They knew that they could harass her and get away with it. 

Of course, if there is actual danger and a threat on her safety, by all means, call the police. But when, she calls 911 because the tweens are simply "loitering", she is mimicking the "boy who cried wolf" story. Tweens need to know their boundaries from day one. If we laugh or react passively to something that really bothers us, we are making it harder to show authority. Where was her so called "security" this whole time? Why can't they deal with  12 year olds? This librarian admits to being new and still working on her MLIS, so maybe lack of experience and training has something to do with this? Whatever the case may be, it is our duty to mentor these kids, not send them to juvy. 

Give boys some credit......

Florida Library Youth Program. (2008). http://flyp.library.florida.gov. Retrieved from http://flyp.library.florida.gov/node/358.

Reflection

Oh boys and programming...how I love, yet am freaked out by you all at the same time! I have always hated the whole "we need to work harder at getting boys into the library" convo tag. To me this demeans boys and they already don't get enough credit as it is. In fact, at my library boys are the ones that come to all of my programming, it is the girls that I have to work harder at getting to attend. This website does give great ideas though and I do believe that boys like to: blow things up (who doesn't), play, and win. But to say that girls don't, is dead wrong. I had a girl who loved creating odd but awesome sculptures in my art program for tweens...only to throw them on the floor to create her idea of "art". Who was I to argue. :)

I also want to mention that I hate the fact that people are constantly complaining that there are not enough books forboys and if there are, their characters are wimpy fart blowing booger picking jerks. Seriously? What about strong male characters like Percy Jackson or Harry Potter, what about Laurence Yeps strong and determined male characters or even the super sleuth Encyclopedia Brown? Boys have characters that appeal to them, some may like the gross behaivor in the Captain Underpants series but some may like books about history or solving mysteries. It seems like we are constantly downplaying boys and building a ceiling over their heads with our constant bickering over whether or not we are serving them properly. Leave them alone, they don't need our constant pushing, like girls, they will find something worth reading. Give them some credit.