Elkridge Library Leads the Way with Teen Programs

Last week, Patch reported on the 's . From the turnout at Friday's , which featured new items purchased with grant money from the American Library Association, the library came away from the video game extravaganza with a win.

Of the 53 students who came to the event, 60 percent were girls, said Teens' Instructor Sarah Russo. She leads the programs for teens at the Elkridge branch, and in an effort to attract more girls to the library's monthly game nights, secured funding to purchase an Xbox Kinect and music-themed games through the American Library Association's Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA).

The March 11 After Hours Jam was an opportunity to showcase the new purchases, in addition to the rest of the library's collection. There were seven different gaming consoles set up for teens to use at the teen-specific event, which took place from 7 to 10 p.m., past the library's usual 6 p.m. Friday closing time.

Katherine "Kya" Dudley was one of about 30 girls in attendance. Taking a break from playing Dance Central, Dudley told Patch she came to the event because "it sounded like fun!" 

In terms of fun, this may be just the tip of the iceberg for teens. As a result of the success so far, Russo feels inspired to do more for Howard County as a whole. The Howard County Library branches share equipment, but Russo said she envisions "Xboxes for every branch and Apple computers for the Elkridge branch."

If the past few months are any indication, Russo's goal to add resources to the county's collection is by no means a stretch.

"I wasn't the only award-winner this year," she said.

Howard County Library's Katie George was also selected for a grant from YALSA. Winning the Award for Best Literature Program for Teens, George was recognized for implementing the "Pass the Book" program in the Howard County Library system. The program was based on one that is used around the country, in which students read a book, register it on the library's website, and pass it on to a friend; they can then track who has it on the Internet, and Russo said the books have gone all over the world. "It's neat to be able to see how far they travel and to connect with other people reading the book."

Said Russo: "It's very very exciting. To get two awards in one year from the American Library Association speaks volumes about our teen programs here."