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By Erika Qualls Barnett

The Young Adult Library Services Association introduced TeenTober in 2019. This month-long celebration replaces Teen Tech Week and Teen Read Week that had taken place during September and October. By replacing these two celebrations with TeenTober, public libraries are able to recognize and celebrate all of teen services throughout the month. 

EVPL offers programs and services for teens throughout the year, but we want to use this month to bring awareness to the importance of teen services in the library. Teens make up about 25% of all public library users. With free internet, available study space, and access to community and research resources, libraries provide a space for teens to learn and have fun. During the year, EVPL hosts gaming, book discussions, yoga, and drawing classes for teens. Every summer, we host VolunTeens, a volunteer program for teens to earn hours by assisting the library with our summer programs. EVPL Central has an area completed dedicated to teens with computers, comfortable seating, and collections. The Teen Zone often has 30-40 teens in attendance during the after school hours. 

Of course this year’s celebration of TeenTober looks a little different, but our teen librarians have put together programs and other content that we hope teens will enjoy. If you have ideas for future teen programs you would like EVPL to explore, please complete the Program Suggestion Form

Erika Qualls Barnett

Erika Qualls Barnett


Erika is a cardigan-loving Hufflepuff that enjoys the Cubs, reading, and walks with her husband.

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