Atlantic City's Teens Pitch in to Create Their Own Space

The Atlantic City Free Public Library received a $40,000 grant to create a special Teen Space, which is expected to open in September 2009. The project was funded by the Atlantic City Free Public Library, the South Jersey Regional Library Cooperative and the New Jersey State Library.

The 985-square-foot Teen Space will be located on the second floor of the Main Library. It will be a casual, teen-only area for teens to gather, and will include work stations, modern lounge furniture, space to hold meetings and special programs, computers, a large screen television, video gaming area and CD listening station.

Another section will be designed for teens to read, study, use a computer and do homework or research. The library’s teen collection of books, magazines, movies, games and music will be located there – and parents, teachers and others will have access to this area to utilize those resources.

“We are excited to have this opportunity to expand services for teens in Atlantic City,” said Maureen Sherr Frank, director of the library. “We are looking forward to developing a special area with new technology and educational resources in the Main Library to encourage learning, exploration and creativity.”

Youth Services librarian Jennifer Boyce is the Teen Space project coordinator.

Interior designer Shaina Horton came up with a vibrant, colorful and modern look in her Teen Space design. One of the most visually dramatic aspects of the space will be a large mural designed by graffiti artist Stephen Gibson. Local teens gave their opinions on what Gibson’s mural design should include, and they helped him paint the mural during a series of April workshops.

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Follow the progress of the project by going to http://www.acfpl.org/index.php?option=com_idoblog&view=idoblog&Itemid=893