All young people need a place to hangout and interact with peers. In these modern times, shopping malls and their dizzying array of attractions seem to be thee place for young people to spend time. Is this because young people are typically independently wealthy? Nope, I believe it's largely because it is a space that is rule-driven, also gives teens a lot of opportunities. Having spent enough time in malls myself, I understand the draw of teens to a bright, open space where they can meet, socialize, explore new trends and collaborate.
Now imagine if teenagers wanted to hangout as in a library as much as a mall! Okay, stop laughing and read on.
The Chicago Public Library in conjunction with the MacArthur Foundation have conceived and realized such a library. I dare say it's the library of my dreams. YouMedia is a space that offers all kinds of digital tools, mentors, and opportunities for young people to explore and collaborate on projects. The library space open to teenagers only, could be used for homework or school projects however purely creative, artistic, or individual interest projects seem to be the life blood on the space. It is not a quiet space, but not out of control either. It almost seems like the idealistic place of learning; students want to be there and take an active role in their learning.
I'm sure the YouMedia space has it's pros and cons. Perhaps teens have to book a recording studio well in advance to capture their band's music, or maybe imaginations wild too wild. I don't know the ins and outs of the place. I only wanted to mention this program as an example of what libraries could and should become; popular. Book heavy libraries used to be popular, but then the world evolved to value other methods of communicating knowledge in addition to the almighty book. Libraries can be relevant, but must allow for relevant media to be included and supported. I think YouMedia in Chicago has simple been quick to embrace and employ this realization.
I love this idea of YouMedia in Chicago. Thank you for posting this information about a great educational place where kids can hangout, explore, and create. It is huge that students have access to various tools that are out there so that they can create and learn how to use what would probably be very expensive equipment. The fact that it is open only to teens is good too. This way, they can feel more free and the technology won't be hoarded by older people.
ReplyDeleteNow, how can all communities establish something like this? Library zones such as these need to be looked into in all community libraries so that students can work on school-based projects and, dare I say it, explore for reasons that are purely their own based on curiosity.
Great information here. Thanks for sharing!