Memphis Library Foundation and Memphis Public Libraries have teamed up with International Paper to open new Teen Innovation Centers (TIC).
Memphis Public Libraries and the Memphis Library Foundation have been investing to keep libraries relevant to the current times and also to create engaging spaces for the local youth. One such recent investment is the result of a grant from International Paper (IP) to open new Teen Innovation Centers at two Memphis Public Library branches — North Branch Library and Cordova Public Library.
The innovation centers offer engaging and interactive technology-related activities to teens — including a smart TV, charging table, VR gaming headset, Quadcopter Altitude Drone, Nintendo Wii, and an art table among a host of other systems.
“We have coding kits inside of our tech cabinet that the teens use, as well as a smart TV with local channels and current apps for their entertainment,” says Christine Weinrich, Executive Director of Memphis Library Foundation. “Some Teen Innovation Centers, like the one at East Shelby Library, include a podcasting station, a green screen for video making, a photo area with a ring light, and a professional camera. The reality is that not every child in our community receives the same level of access to technology, art supplies, or homework help.”
Weinrich says that Bre Mansel (they/them) has been participating in Poplar-White Station Library programs for the last four years. “They have been an integral part of the creation and success of our TIC,” she says. “Working with Memphis Library Foundation’s past Teen Advisory Council and current Youth Council, they have been able to make their voice heard and their needs met when it comes to what kind of programs and technology we have in our Teen Innovation Center.” Bre has advocated for makerspace so youth can have a safe place to work on their passions. Memphis Libraries opened up an area in the Poplar-White Station branch’s TIC to house recording equipment alongside keyboard and piano. This helped create a safe haven for youth like Bre where they can have access to resources to work on their musical ambitions.
Each Teen Innovation Center hosts its own unique programs and workshops, according to Jamie Griffin, Assistant Director for Creative Outreach and Special Projects of Memphis Public Libraries. For example, the South Branch Library offers monthly "Grown-ish" classes, where the teens learn life and job seeking skills like resume building, how to create an online portfolio, amongst others to help with the transition from teenhood to adulthood. East Shelby’s TIC hosts “Teen Talk and Hot Topics Saturdays” in September and October, where teens get to discuss a different topic each week and examine the pros and cons.
“And students who require specific tools can likely find them at our art center,” Griffin says. “Our art station, for example, consists of colored pencils, calligraphy paper, stencils, adult coloring books, Silhouette Cameo (crafting machine), paper trimmer, laminator machine, and more.”
Because of the funding from International Paper, the new centers allow Memphis Public Libraries to broaden its reach to teens throughout the City of Memphis, say Weinrich and Griffin.
Located in neighborhoods throughout the area, the Teen Innovation Centers are free, inclusive, and accessible. These Teen Innovation Centers offer a safe and accessible haven for students to be able to work and play in a teen-friendly environment. Every teen in the community has unlimited access to the equipment at the TICs. All they need to do is sign up for a free library card. The gadgets and games are kept behind the counter, and teens can check them out using their card.
To learn more about Memphis Library Foundation, visit memphislibraryfoundation.org.