Young Adult Development Assets and Needs

In conjunction with the local food bank, our library will be offering a free daily lunch during the summer. The program satisfies/meets the development need of teens to be involved in meaningful participation. Through participation teens will develop positive values by making meaningful contributions to their community and ultimately working towards reducing hunger and poverty. Teens will have the opportunity to gain responsibility and use social skills to give back to their community.

A fashion show as a library program helps meet the developmental need of teens to be involved in activities that create competence and achievement. Teen participants who are self-conscious will have an opportunity to confront their insecurities and gain confidence once by proving themselves through self-achievement. Teens need support and admiration in order to develop a positive identity and a high self-esteem.

A competitive band event such as a "Battle of the Bands" assists teens in the fostering the developmental need of positive social interaction with peers and adults. It's essential that teens build positive relationships with peers. This program allows teens to interact, gain support, and build companionships.

A low-rider bike show as a library program can help address teens' developmental need of creative expression. By participating in this event teens can learn about or reinforce an interest in low-rider bike riding as a form of self-expression. Teens need assistance in finding out who they are and accepting themselves. This program could also meet the developmental need of physical activity if a teen is inspired to participate in this activity after viewing the show.

Offering a newsletter program will help teens meet the developmental need of meaningful participation. By giving teens the opportunity to participate in writing a printed newsletter they are given a voice in their community and gain a sense of responsibility. When engaged in writing the newsletter teens learn to plan ahead and make positive choices in decision making.

A "MySpace for teens" library program can help advance the developmental need of self definition. This library program will instruct how teens can use MySpace to reflect on themselves, explore their identity, and define themselves. This program will also empower teens by showing that adults value youth in the community.

Hosting a poetry group in the library is a great way to address teen's development need of creative expression. Poetry is an art form that can be both cathartic and rewarding by allowing teens to express and explore their feelings and interests through writing. Teens who are troubled with insecurities, difficult feelings, and concerns can use poetry as a method of self-discovery and self-acceptance.

A Dance Dance Revolution Tournament will help teens satisfy their developmental need of physical activity. Dancing is a fun and healthy way for teens to burn off excess stress and energy. Dance Dance Revolution incorporates both exercise and competition which not only makes this program a physical activity but also a social and challenging one. Teens have the opportunity to build confidence and healthier bodies.

A hair beading and braiding demonstration fulfills the teen development need of creative expression. By learning the art of hair beading and braiding, teens can develop a new creative interest that will aide them in self-expression. This creative activity can also spark an interest in other artistic hobbies.

An art display library program can also fulfill the teen development need of self expression. Through art teens can express new feelings and interests. Creating art is a constructive use of time that will help teens express their identity through their art and ultimately lead them towards self-acceptance or self-realization.

Having teens read to kids as a library program will aide in accomplishing the teen developmental need of meaningful participation. Teens are given an opportunity to express social and intellectual skills while giving back to their community. Positive values are instilled in teens and teens acquire a sense of value for helping their community.

Recruiting teens to volunteer to shelve books as a library program also nourishes the developmental need of meaningful participation. Teens will acquire responsibility for their efforts, and understand the meaning of giving back to society. This activity can also fulfill the development need of physical activity.

A yoga class as a library program will also be helpful in helping teens meet their developmental need of physical activity. This yoga class will incorporate both yoga asanas (poses) and meditation, for both physical and psychological well-being.

A Scrabble board game competition can assist teens in the developmental need of positive social interaction with peers and adults. This program will bring teens together for positive social interaction in a fun and competitive nature.