Unleashing the Power of Celebration: How a NYC Library Empowers Teens to Thrive

In the heart of New York City, a library has become a beacon of hope and joy for the city's youth. The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) has transformed its annual Halloween event into a vibrant celebration that not only brings teens together but also teaches them valuable life lessons. Led by the visionary Ricci Yuhico, the library's managing librarian of young adult services, this event has become a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the transformative impact of a safe space for young people to thrive.

Empowering Teens to Shape Their Celebrations

The Library After Hours: Teen Takeover event is a testament to the power of collaboration and the unwavering commitment of the SNFL team to empower the city's youth. What started as a modest Halloween celebration has blossomed into a highly anticipated annual event that showcases the creativity, leadership, and resilience of the teens involved.

Embracing the Teens' Vision

When the initial Friday Fright Night event proved to be a success, the teen volunteers saw an opportunity to take it to the next level. They approached Yuhico with a bold vision: an after-hours event that would span multiple floors of the library, complete with dancing, karaoke, a costume contest, and more. Yuhico, recognizing the value in nurturing their aspirations, enthusiastically embraced the idea and worked alongside the teens to bring their vision to life.

Collaborative Planning and Skill-Building

The planning process became a collaborative effort, with Yuhico guiding a team of 20 teen volunteers aged 14 to 19 through the intricacies of event organization. From budgeting and logistics to decorations and security, the teens learned valuable skills that will serve them well beyond the event. Yuhico's mentorship ensured that the teens had a voice in every aspect of the planning, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment.

A Multifaceted Celebration

The Library After Hours: Teen Takeover event has evolved into a truly multifaceted celebration. In addition to the core activities of dancing, karaoke, and a costume contest, the event now includes movies, games, trivia, and even the presence of a local rescue organization with dogs. The teens' creativity and input have shaped the event, ensuring that it caters to the diverse interests and needs of their peers.

A Safe and Inclusive Space

Yuhico and her team have made it a priority to create a safe and inclusive environment for all attendees. They have designated quiet areas for those who need a break from the sound and crowd, and they have worked closely with vendors to ensure the event is allergy-friendly. The event's success is a testament to the library's commitment to fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for the city's youth.

Fostering Community and Joy

The Library After Hours: Teen Takeover event is more than just a celebration; it's a testament to the power of community and the importance of creating spaces for young people to find joy and connection. Yuhico's vision is to provide a refuge for teens, a place where they can take a break from the demands of school and family and simply be themselves. The event has become a highly anticipated annual tradition, with attendance growing each year as word spreads about the unique and empowering experience it offers.

Lessons Beyond the Celebration

The Library After Hours: Teen Takeover event is not just about the celebration itself; it's also about the life lessons that the teens learn throughout the planning and execution process. Yuhico emphasizes the importance of finding joy and balance, even in the midst of academic and personal pressures. By involving the teens in the event's organization, she is teaching them valuable skills in event planning, budgeting, and community engagement – skills that will serve them well in their future endeavors.

A Scalable Model for Libraries Everywhere

While the Library After Hours: Teen Takeover event may seem like an event that can only be hosted in a large city with significant resources, Yuhico believes that it can be adapted and scaled to fit the needs of any library. She encourages other librarians to leverage the enthusiasm and energy of their local teen communities, tapping into the support of community groups and organizations to create meaningful and impactful celebrations. By focusing on the core elements of creating a safe, fun, and inclusive space, libraries can empower their young patrons to shape their own celebrations and find joy in the process.