Creating a Space of Their Own at the Library

Weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., when Barrington teens are in school, the library’s teen room is quiet and subdued—but it never feels empty. Instead, it feels like a space waiting to come alive, full of books and much more, ready to draw teens in and make them feel welcome. Decorations hang from the ceiling, and a semicircular desk is covered in a cheerful hodgepodge of figurines, playing pieces, dice, signs, and containers.

On a nearby windowsill, glass jars filled with colored sand—the result of a recent teen activity—add a bright, handmade touch. Two carts stocked with board games stand ready for drop-in visitors. There’s so much to look at and engage with that it’s easy to see why teens are drawn here after school.

Spilling Beyond the Walls

In addition to maintaining a welcoming space, librarian Tanya Paglia organizes a variety of wild and wonderful activities that extend beyond the teen room and into other areas of the library. On any given week, teens might take part in scavenger hunts, craft projects like sewing and leather carving, painting sessions, cooking programs, and game and movie nights.

Many of Paglia’s programs cater to teenagers’ appreciation for quirky humor. For example, in celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday, teens and adults at the “Hot Pepper Shakespeare” event took turns reciting parts of the bard’s work while eating hot peppers. To eat or not to eat—that was the question. For quite a few brave teens, the answer was yes. Milk and peanut butter were on hand to put out the fire.

There Will Be Snacks

Food plays a central role in the library’s teen activities. Participants in the “Teen Test Kitchen” make, sample, and rate their creations, including bubble tea, watermelon-shaped Rice Krispie treats, and turkey sandwiches that look like turkeys.

During “Sandwich Club,” teens combine familiar ingredients in unusual ways and then taste and rate the results. Even nonculinary events, such as movie nights, game nights, and craft nights, include the tempting tag, “there will be snacks.”

Exploring Passions

Programming at the library offers teens low-pressure ways to explore a wide range of interests. For the second year, teens can learn about fashion design from a RISD student. The six-week workshop teaches participants to design and sew clothing and will culminate in a fashion show. Watercolor painting, along with poetry and story-writing activities, is also available.

A Safe, Supportive Space

Sometimes teens just want to hang out together, and Tanya Paglia makes sure they know they are more than welcome to do so in the library’s teen room. Her approach is evident in the room’s playful decorations, thoughtfully planned activities, and inviting Instagram posts. “Grab a coloring, connect-the-dots, or

doodle book and unwind, why don’t ya?” she writes in one post. Occasionally, she brings in a therapy dog named Winnie to attend programs or visit with teens in the library. In Barrington, the teen room is more than just a place to go—it’s a place where teens are seen, supported, and encouraged to belong.

The programs mentioned in this article are just a few of the many funded by the Friends of the Barrington Library.

By Meredyth C. Sanderson, Resident and Friends of the Barrington Public Library Board Member

** adapted from Greet Barrington article