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

The Wahkiakum Community Network (WCN) wanted to see a safe, fun place for teens to spend time when they funded Cathlamet Public Library’s $2,000 proposal to create a Teen Library Night.

The library hired Patrick Carrico, a local artist and educator who enjoys his work with students at the Wahkiakum School District, to develop the program, which has been underway for several weeks.

The best thing about attending for Ariana Brock is “being yourself around other teenagers without being judged.” or for Dillon Bartholomew finding “a place to be with friends.”

The WCN also wanted to increase teens’ comfort in the library, and teen librarian Carrico has worked with the teens to do that. Carrico received a grant that has brought three computer stations from http://www.freegeek.org in Portland. The library has received a play station and an Xbox for games.

Teens talk about books and carry on their relationships from school. Some have made videos with a range of questions including, “who’s your favorite teacher?”

Last Saturday, the teens were investigating silk screen equipment donated by Grays River artist Thea Pyle. Bradley Bigelow read directions.

Opal Whitaker, who attended school in Astoria prior to moving to Wahkiakum High School, was looking for wifi. Ariana Brock who had asked the city council to considering making funding between the library and swimming pool equitable, was reading East, a book the school librarian had recommended.

In a teen-friendly environment, people moved between computer stations, talking, looking at Facebook, listening to music and joking. Teens between the ages of 11 and 18 may attend.

Alexus Tischer had brought drawings for the silk screening experiment. Carrico remembered meeting her at the sidewalk competition this summer.

“She was my competition,” he said.

Tischer has also taken photographs for a Cathlamet WA Film Office page on Facebook.

Carrico is comfortable with teen energy and setting limits. One person was asked to change a T-shirt with an inappropriate message. Carrico gave another teen some suggestions that would head off a “melt down.” He discussed books with individuals.

The Teen Library Night is funded on Saturdays through June.

Librarian Connie Christopher said, “We are seeing more kids using the library during the week -- as a result of being involved on Saturdays.”

The program resumes Wednesday January 4; it runs Wednesdays 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays 4-9 p.m.