Teen programs

Centered in the new Teen Empowerment Center (TEC) at the Model Library—a teen advisory group is guiding the development of new programs at the TEC and are now Lubuto Youth Ambassadors to peers who have not yet discovered the resources available for them in Lubuto Library collections. Programs in development include:

  • A Review Board for sharing opinions about teen and young adult titles in the collection. Its purpose is to bring books in the collection to the attention of current and potential library users. Reviewers type their reviews in the TEC and they are printed out and posted on the board. But the digital reviews are saved by library staff to be compiled into review collections, added to catalog records and otherwise shared with the wider world what Lubuto teens’ opinions are of the books in our collections.

  • Unlike a conventional book club, where everybody reads the same book then gathers to discuss it, the “Not a Book Club” encourages participants to share whatever they are currently reading or have enjoyed in the recent past. Drop-ins are invited to come and just listen to get new ideas for books. This is a way to promote knowledge of books in the collection among potential readers, as well as to facilitate book discussions, without needing to obtain or provide multiple copies of books. The sessions will be conducted in English, and based on the interests and needs of the group, Zambian languages. The group will meet weekly.

  • There was a strong interest in having a Debate/Discussion Club and three teens will take charge of establishing the structure (how and when it will operate), ground rules and how debate and discussion topics will be proposed and chosen.

  • The Model Library features two PlayStation 5 consoles and a collection of video games that can be enjoyed together by small groups in a comfortable area of the TEC. There is constant demand for this program, which is offered all day each weekday. The facilitator is developing ways to publicize the range of games available, including having the children create an advertising poster and having special sessions to introduce games (e.g., Stardew Valley, a game often particularly popular with girls). Video games that do not require PS5 consoles are also available to library users too young for the Teen Center on computers in the Tech Hub.

  • Coding classes teach programming, computer logic, circuitry, electronics, robotics and physical programming, and computer systems and architecture. The program helps participants develop problem-solving and creative technical thinking skills and build life skills such as leadership and teamwork through hands-on technology. Lubuto Coding is offered weekly.

  • Makerspace programming has been running at the rural Mumuni Nabukuyu Library for years, focusing on skills shared by community members focused on food processing and income generating skills. The young adults using the TEC at the Model Library can guide the future development of a makerspace appropriate for an urban setting, but sewing machines were introduced as a first makerspace feature when the TEC opened.