This summer marks the first time the Amagansett Library has had a staff member dedicated to teen programming and involvement. Kimberly Parry, the library’s new head of adult and teen services, was born and raised in Sag Harbor, and previously worked at the John Jermain Memorial Library there. Ms. Parry, 30, is working to construct a relaxing and welcoming space within the library’s walls for the teens of Amagansett.
Libraries are a vital resource outside of schools and homes, where teens can explore independent learning and develop social connections with their peers, said Arielle Hessler, the library’s director. “Libraries can help teens prepare for college and develop independent skills through volunteering and our teen events.”
Her newest employee, Ms. Parry, has meticulously updated and widened the range of books in the teen collection. She’s established programs specifically for teenagers, among them movie nights — “The Hunger Games” will be shown tomorrow — “summer memory-jar making,” relaxation through art, chess instruction, Battle of the Books, “Jackbox,” and an end-of-season after-hours program, all taking place in a relatively new teen space — a light, bright room designed for studying, hanging out, and relaxing.
Ms. Parry has also introduced events from which teens can earn community service hours, including a workshop tomorrow on eelgrass, in conjunction with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, called Giving Back to the Bays.
Speaking of community service hours, the library is looking for teen volunteers to help with its upcoming children’s Flower Fairy Parade, to be held on Wednesday, when children will march up Main Street from the library to Amber Waves Farm. Registration for each of these programs and more can be found on the library’s website.
Ms. Parry has plans to establish a teen advisory council at the library in the fall. Teens are the population that is keeping up with trends and knows about the latest technology, gaming, and general interests, she said. The council would meet monthly to discuss teen use of the library and propose new events and services; members would also be asked to help lead programs, another good way to earn community service hours.
“Over all, the Amagansett Library is making every effort to create a welcoming environment for the teens of Amagansett and the surrounding areas,” Ms. Parry said. “We want the library to feel like a second home to them, where they can come in and relax and feel safe. Right now we are just trying to spread the word that the library is here for them, and open to suggestions.”