Getting Feedback from School-Age Kids

Readers' Theater in Bloomer

I read an article in American Libraries about Tween Advisory Boards this week and it had some good ideas for engaging 9-12 year olds a little more in library programming and decision-making.  I know many of you have Teen Advisory Boards, and sometimes it can be tricky for some of those teens to find time to participate.  9-12 year olds have a little more disposable time, so it might be something to consider.

One library found that the number of programs (and well-attended programs, at that) for this age group grew significantly once they had an advisory board in place.  Another library re-thought their ideas for new furniture and space use after hearing from kids about what they were looking for in the library.  We learn it over and over, that the best way to provide services that are popular and well-received is to ask what services people want.  This is one more example of that.

What are you doing to engage with school-age kids?