The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

Wahkiakum High School senior Keisha Harris, freshman Paris Cothren and sophomore Brittaney Martin told the Cathlamet Blanche Bradley Public Library Board of Trustees that they liked having a teen library separated from the children’s and adult areas of the library.

The group has been operating on a Wahkiakum Community Network grant to increase youth use of the library. They are creating a list of books they’d like to see the library provide and have visited local libraries to get ideas of best practices.

The librarian at Longview Public Library impressed them with her knowledge about youth.

“She was ‘acculturized’ to youth,” Harris said. The teens have a den area that has graffiti on the walls, that was attractive, she said.

The Kelso library has new furniture which appeals to youth.

“They are also holding game nights, which kids come to,” Martin told the board.

Cothren reported ways the Timberland Regional Library branch at Naselle is trying to be youth-friendly.

“The librarian tries to stay open later in the evenings than other local businesses,” Cothren said. They also have a room they use to play Kinect, a video game. The youth and children’s sections are at opposite ends of the library she said.

The grant included free library cards for youth. The students planned to set up a table in the high school library. They also have funds to buy books and have been soliciting titles.

Librarian Connie Christopher said she has learned a great deal by seeing services through the eyes of youth.

“I have many nieces and nephews, but I learned so much.” Christopher and the board members said they would look for ways to implement the suggestions.