Friends of Library Donate Teen Place

The upper level of the library is now home to the newly finished Teen Place thanks to a generous donation from the Friends of the Matawan Aberdeen Public Library.

The Friends hosted a reception last night to formally dedicate the space, which aims to meet the needs and interests of local teenagers.

“When I came here our teen books were just in the corner with a little table and a few chairs,” said Kimberly Paone, library director. “It wasn’t a place for teens to congregate and I wanted to attract that group to the library. They are the future adults and that groups needs to be as respected as the children and adults in the library.”

The project was started in early 2011 after a preliminary plan was put together by Paone and Chrissie McGovern, youth service librarian. After input from volunteers on the design and color of the furniture, the Friends of the Matawan-Aberdeen Public Library furnished the space. 

The Teen Place includes three high tables and eight panned stools, as well as four lounge chairs with two cafe tables.

The project cost over $10,000 with the majority of money coming from the Friends and the remainder from the capital reserve, according to Paone, as part of a collaborative effort with help from volunteers, staff, their family and friends.

“We are so very grateful to [the Friends] for this,” said Paone. “It wouldn’t be possible without you. My thanks to the library board for this endeavor and allowing it to happen through our capital reserves.”

Paone, who worked as a Teen Service Librarian at the Elizabeth Public Library for 10 years before coming over to the Matawan-Aberdeen Library as director, said it isn’t a shock to people who know her that creating a teen place was one of the first projects she wanted to take on.

Several teens already took advantage of the new Teen Place complementing the colorfulness, comfortably and quietness. One teen said it is a great place to study. 

“It provides the teen community with a relaxing and welcoming atmosphere that motivates you to get work done,” said Bushra Mahmood, librarian page.

While officially opened, there are still minor touches that need to be done, including waiting for a new rug as the original one sent was too short, moving the teen magazines, putting up posters and replacing the letter “L” in the Teen Place sign that hangs on the wall since it was incorrectly sent without the glossy finish.

Despite this, the project is scheduled to be fully completed by the end of the month.

“There were little bumps in the road as we went, but overall I’m pleased and I know that the staff is really excited about this new Teen Place,” said Paone.

To consolidate the new Teen Place, several bookshelves were moved to make room. All teen materials, autobiography books, graphic novels, fiction and nonfiction were moved to the new area.

The library discourages children and adults to use the area as they already have their own section at the library.

“[The Teen Place] is an area where teens are going to able to do their homework, have a conversation and not be in trouble because they won’t be interrupting others’ work since it’s their spot,” said Paone.

This summer the library has numerous teen programs planned to help attract new visitors.

“When I came here I saw this place had an area for kids and adults, but it didn’t have a place that was welcoming and comfortable to bring teens into the building, so I’m so pleased that we are able to have this area for them,” said Paone.