The Boston Public Library Is Not Just For Baby Boomers
According to a recent Pew study, 61 percent of 16-29 year olds have a library card.
Pew said, “most Millennials know where their local library is,’’ but that “many are unfamiliar with all the services they offer.’’
What is the Boston Public Library doing to attract millennials?
[fragment number=0]
Christine Schonhart, the Director of Library Services for the Branches for the Boston Public Library told Boston.com:
“Librarians do school visits and talk about what is going on and even bring a book to promote it. It’s a one-on-one connection. There is a smaller group of teen librarians, but when able they do get to high schools when some schools don’t have full librarians. We have a special group of teen librarians who go to the department of youth services detention centers who are going to school there, so we bring our services to them because they don’t have access to libraries
But, the Pew study said, “Though 70% of older patrons say they would describe their local library as a “nice, pleasant space to be,’’ only 59% of younger patrons say this. Some 11% of younger patrons say they have had a negative experience at a library.’’
[fragment number=1]
Schonhart said that the Boston Public Library is currently undergoing a huge renovation that is expected to be done in March 2015 that is specifically related to teens.
“We are undergoing a huge renovation that will include a new teen space and childrens space. If an adult wants to hang out here then we have failed — we want it to feel like a teen space and teens can do whatever they want to do, like move chairs, move tables. It’s a combo of not only the great book collection, computer, digital maker space, a feel that teens would want to hang out, don’t want it to feel like a mini adult room.’’
Schonhart said that the Boston Public Library has the opportunity of using a 19th century building, while also trying to stay with the modern times.
“We also know that times are changing and libraries are changing,’’ she said. “Young people might want something different. Boston is great because we have this library built in the 19th century. It always can be traditional place, but the branches can be more innovative and exciting.’’
According to Pew, in 2013, 50 percent of 16-29 year olds visited a library in person, while only 36 percent used a public library website.
[fragment number=2]
Schonhart seems to be finding a way to make their web services more interesting for millennials.
She said they have two new services that just recently launched: streaming media, like a form of Netflix where people can access movies and music and an online magazine database with anything from National Geographic to People.
And guess what? They are both free as long as you have a library card.
Pew reported that “younger age groups less likely to say their local public library’s closing would have a major impact on their family or community.’’
[fragment number=3]
Schonhart said that in her town growing up she did not have a public library and that since moving to Boston she has noticed that the support for public libraries is great.
“I see how important libraries in the neighborhoods are,’’ she said. “In Boston we have 24 branches. It’s a library every 1.8 miles, so everyone on average lives within a mile of a library. For a city it is important because there are so many different backgrounds and its free and you get can almost anything you need there.’’
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com