By Elsa Rowe
As summer winds down, the excitement of a new school year fills the air. For the youth of our town, Scarborough Public Library is more than a place to check out books—it is a dynamic community hub brimming with back-to-school activities designed to engage, educate, and entertain.
The library offers a welcoming and safe environment that allows students to enjoy a sense of autonomy after school, providing the freedom to explore their interests while knowing that responsible adults are nearby if needed. It is a blend of independence and security, making it a popular spot for young minds to gather and grow.
Sports Equipment
One of the standout features is the availability of sports equipment for checkout. Kids can borrow basketballs and other gear to use at the basketball court conveniently located just across the street from the library. This encourages physical activity after a long day in the classroom and fosters a sense of community and teamwork. When the weather is nice, visitors to the library will often see our grounds full of teenagers sitting at our picnic tables, tossing a football, or lounging in the grass with their friends. Sometimes, librarians offer programs outside, such as last year’s apple pressing, a craft project, or journaling.
Early Release Programs
It is heartwarming to see groups of friends collaborating on a craft project or engaging in friendly competition over a game, so we have supplies at the ready for interested kids. Early Release days include a Super Smash Bros Tournament twice a year, where kids loudly cheer each other on in friendly competition. Every Early Release day offers some sort of special program for our tween and teen crew. For adults looking for a quiet space, this may not be the best time. On an average day after school, the library has between 60-100 kids visiting the library between 2-5pm. Afterschool noise from young library patrons is a “problem” many libraries would love to have! By welcoming youth into the library, we are growing life-long library users.
Teen Computer Lab
A recent readjustment of our space last year had us turning our Meeting Room into a teen computer lab during the afterschool hours. Our long-term goal is to have a dedicated teen area, but in the meantime, sharing the space with adult programs is necessary. Students can work on school projects, conduct research, or simply enjoy some leisure time playing educational games such as Minecraft or Roblox– STEM/STEAM-themed games that allow users to learn programming logic to create worlds and characters. Gaming, in general, provides social and digital literacy and etiquette opportunities, which are among the Library’s strategic goals.
Middle School Programs
Starting in September and running throughout the school year, the library offers weekly programs for kids of all ages. It is widely known how popular our Children’s Storytimes are, but it is less known how popular our programming is for middle schoolers! This is a population that can be hard to reach, yet our amazing Youth Services staff has managed to connect to so many kids in so many meaningful ways, the most popular of which is our Middle School Book Club. Reading is at the heart of the library’s mission, and the Middle School Book Club is a testament to this. Meeting weekly, the club provides a platform for young readers to delve into exciting books, share their thoughts, and develop a life-long love of reading and learning.
“Crafternoon”
For those with an interest in crafts, last year’s crochet club is turning into a weekly “crafternoon.” Our afternoon crowd can unwind from a hectic school day with a fun craft. They can learn a new skill, find a new hobby, and connect with others.
Dungeons & Dragons
For kids who prefer to connect with swords on a battlefield, they can pretend at our weekly Dungeons & Dragons sessions. This popular role-playing game fosters imagination, strategic thinking, and camaraderie. Players embark on epic quests, solving problems and overcoming challenges together, all within the rich, fantastical worlds they create. It is an immersive experience offering a unique blend of storytelling and gameplay.
Academic Support
In addition to recreational activities, the library is a treasure trove of resources for academic support. With an extensive collection of books and access to online databases, it is an ideal place for students to complete their homework and prepare for exams. Knowledgeable librarians are always on hand to assist with research and recommend resources, ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed.
As the new school year begins, the library stands ready to support the youth of Scarborough, offering a sanctuary of knowledge, fun, and friendship.
Elsa Rowe is Scarborough Public Library’s Community Engagement Manager.
