YAAS: Intro to Yoga

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

YAAS: Tanabata Celebration

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

The Phone Chokey

During Summer Reading Program, my fellow youth services librarians and I had a lot of problems getting the teen volunteers to keep their phones put away while on shift. And so, I made something hilarious out of a cardboard box that will hopefully keep the phone rule at the front of their minds as we transition into the school year.

I give you, THE PHONE CHOKEY!!

Front

Side

Back

Inside

Don't act like you don't know what The Chokey is. Everyone who lived through the 90's has done two things: had a crush on Miss Honey, and wondered how long they could survive in The Chokey before cracking. (If you've been living under a rock for 30 years, the movie is the incomparable 1996 classic Matilda.)

I'm honestly so proud of myself for this little project. The cell phone gets cradled safely in the inner box, away from the sharp points of the push pins so that I get exactly zero calls from parents about their child's $600 iPhone getting damaged at the library. 

Doing this also adds some levity to the RULES while still making sure they're enforced. I've found this is important when working with teens if you want them to enjoy coming to work but also operate within the guidelines of the workplace. 

We haven't had to use The Phone Chokey yet... Stay tuned for the inaugural confiscation!

YAAS: Gender Equality

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

YAAS: Romance Awareness Month

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

YAAS: Painting Bookends

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.

Tonight was another art night, and this one added a community service aspect since we painted a bunch of bookends for our library's teen area! We looked at pictures of similar projects done by other libraries to get ideas, and then used acrylic and Tempra paint to make these gorgeous bookends. After they were dry, I sprayed all of them with a clear sealant before adding the,m to the shelves so the artwork will last as long as possible.

YAAS: All About Pastels

If you want to learn about the original conception and mission of this program, read my What is YAAS? post. TL;DR: It's a weekly group for youth age 14+ where we do community service work, library programs, host guest presenters, and make connections with peers in a safe and welcoming environment.
This week my favorite human Anna came back to group and showed us the basics of using pastels. Why, you may ask?
1. Pastels are cool
2. Art is never a bad thing
3. We had pastels
4. I don't know how to use pastels

That was basically the logic behind this program. I wanted to utilize supplies we already had and I have an artist friend. Yes, intentional and aware programming us usually my jam, but I think it's just as valid to plan for practicality.

After a short lesson on the white board where Anna showed us different types of strokes that pastels are best for, the teens were turned loose!

If you're wondering about the gourds on the table, Anna brought them from her garden in case anyone felt like drawing an autumn still life.