Queens Libraries - Enrich your life

Today was my first day working at Queens Library. This is a very, very busy place. With 61 branches, or as they are now called at Queens, community libraries, this is a huge library service. This morning was spent learning about the service, budgets, programs and the amazing commitment this service has to their community. The afternoon was spent in the Young Adult area observing the teens and chatting to the staff. While the building is quite old, and about to undergo an extensive renovation, if I have learned anything about youth in libraries, it is that if you give them their own real, designated space anywhere, it will be used. At the Central branch where I was today, the Young Adult space does not have new or specialised furniture, the shelving is quite old, the manga collection is huge but a little well worn, but so far this is the busiest youth space I have visited. My understanding is that the next 2 branches I will visit are absolutely pumping in the teen areas, but this is certainly a busy spot. Once again, as with NYPL, the programs and events which have been introduced are very cool and very well attended. Queens have introduced a fantastic concept to engage with teens about overdue fines (now called extended use fees!) and lost books. The program is called Read Down Your Fees. It addresses the fines with the teens and offers them a solution to the outstanding fees without it always involving money. It is very sensible and ensures the teens keep returning to the library and keep reading. I am looking forward to seeing the jewels in the crown of Queens Teen Libraries over the next couple of days and engaging with both the staff and the young adults.