Teen Tech Week observed at library

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Local teens will be tuning in at the library as Delaware County District Library (DCDL) celebrates the annual Teen Tech Week March 6-10.

They join thousands of other libraries and schools across the country who are celebrating this year’s theme, “Be the Source of Change,” to raise awareness about how Delaware Library creates a space to extend teens’ learning beyond the classroom where they can explore, create and share content.

Teen Tech Week is a national initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) aimed at teens, their parents, educators and other concerned adults. The purpose of the initiative is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of technology, especially the types offered through libraries.

Teen Tech Week encourages teens to take advantage of the technology at libraries for education and recreation, and to recognize that librarians are qualified, trusted professionals who can help them achieve greater digital literacy, a news release states.

“Getting teens into libraries is essential. Offering gaming, access to computers, and online homework help is important, and letting them know that we can help them use these resources effectively will get them in the door,” said DCDL Director George Needham.

“Once they’re in the door, we can show teens that with technology at the library, anything is possible.”

From maker spaces, to coding classes to online knitting clubs now offered by libraries across the country, the do-it-yourself theme shows how libraries provide meaningful contributions to the educational and social development of the teens in the community.

“Teen Tech Week is a way for librarians and educators to collaborate with and educate teens about technology,” said Needham. “Over the last several years the library’s role in increasing digital literacy has become more and more important, equal to that of reading literacy.”

Teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Tech Week. DCDL hopes to attract a wide variety of teenagers and increase teen technology literacy locally by offering a series of programs including:

• Meet Big George: SuperMicroscope, with Ohio Wesleyan University.

• Teen Weather Spotters, with the Delaware County Emergency Management Agency.

• Crime Catchers, with the Delaware Police Department.

• Make a Tesla Coil, with the Delaware Amateur Radio Association.

• Music Remix Workshop.

• Teen Tech Crafts.

• Become a YouTube Star.

For information on program dates, times and locations, please visit www.delawarelibrary.org. Due to space limitations, some programs require pre-registration.

Information for this story provided by the Delaware County District Library.

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