Atlantic City Library To Develop Special ‘Teen Space’

The Atlantic City Free Public Library was selected to receive $40,000 in funding to create a special Teen Space as part of the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative’s A+ Teen Space Demonstration Project.

The library has begun work on the Teen Space, which is expected to open to the public in September 2009.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to expand services for teens in Atlantic City,” Atlantic City Free Public Library Director Maureen Sherr Frank said. “We are looking forward to developing a special area with new technology and educational resources in the Main Library to encourage learning, exploration and creativity.”

The 985-square-foot Teen Space, which was designed by Shaina Horton, will be located on the second floor of the Main Library.

There will be a casual, teen-only area for teens to gather, and it will include work stations, modern lounge furniture, space to hold meetings and special programs, a large screen television, video gaming area, computers and CD listening station.

Another section will be designed for teens to read, study, use a computer and do homework or research. The library’s teen collection of books, magazines, movies, games and music will be located here – and parents, teachers and others will have access to this area to utilize those resources.

“Teens can’t be asked to wait, especially in tough financial times, for a fun, free and safe space with access to new and creative technology, room to collaborate, and the kinds of things they want to read,” according to Karen Hyman, Director of the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative.

The Teen Space will have a vibrant, colorful and modern look. One of the most visually dramatic aspects of the space will be a large mural designed by graffiti artist Stephen Gibson, who will seek teen input and participation in creating a design. There will also be a wall for a teen art gallery.

The SJRLC’s public library members were invited to submit proposals for this project. The SJRLC will give $40,000 in funding, including $10,000 of a special grant for its A+ Project from the New Jersey State Library. The Atlantic City Library will provide a match of $35,000, bringing the total devoted to this project to $75,000.

The A+ Teen Space Project is funded by the Atlantic City Free Public Library, a service of the City of Atlantic City, the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative and the New Jersey State Library, which is responsible for the coordination, promotion and funding of the New Jersey Library Network.