A year ago, we started doing bimonthly Teen After Hours programs to reach our teen-aged patrons. We purposefully planned each one to take place after the library has closed to give teens their space to explore the library without older or younger generations in the building. Now that we’ve come full circle, let’s reflect on the year.
October 2023
First up was the Blytheville Public Library. At this Teen After Hours event, we put our new (at the time) outdoor programming space to use. Our friends at Blytheville Main Street loaned us their fancy fire pit, and we made s’mores while telling ghost stories around the fire. The teens were in for a scare from the Blytheville library’s ghost (AKA Ms. Lilly) and the party was moved inside to allow the teens the chance to explore and make themselves at home inside.
December 2023
The MCLS teens took over the Osceola Public Library in December for a festive escape room activity. They also played games, made fancy hot cocoa, and decorated Christmas cookies! The night was finished off with whipped cream mustaches. (All their idea)
February 2024
The Keiser Public Library prepared a chocolate fountain with sweet treats and a Valentine’s Day themed scavenger hunt around the library.
April 2024
The Manila Public Library does PROM NIGHT! With cotton candy glitter bomb drinks and other tasty refreshments, the teens were split into teams to design prom attire from newspapers. Contestants walked on a fashion runway to show off their beautiful designs.
June 2024
Did somebody say luau? The Leachville Public Library hosted Teen After Hours during the month of June. This event was in the midst of the annual summer reading program, and with the theme being adventure, obviously we had to take our teens on an adventure! The MCLS brought Hawaii to Leachville, AR with a luau themed After Hours program. Hula dancing, tourist racing, and other fun activities were part of the itinerary.
October 2024
One year later, after the very first Teen After Hours event, the fun went back to the Keiser Public Library for a fall/Halloween themed night of fun. The teens painted pumpkins, competed in witches broom limbo, played Halloween charades, made Witches Brew punch, and ate vampire donuts. What a treat!
Where to next?
The MCLS is working hard to plan the next Teen After Hours event! The next one will take place at the Manila Public Library on December 17 at 5:00pm. We will be playing Christmas themed Telephone Pictionary, building gingerbread houses, minute-to-win-it snow shovel race and bow pick-up. For snacks we will have Grinch popcorn and a hot cocoa bar!
More photos to reflect on a fun year!
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