Not Only Adults Drink Tea ... An examination of how young people in Kildare engage with library and arts services on behalf of Kildare County Council Library and Arts Services.
Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //1
Not Only Adults Drink Tea ... An examination of how young people in Kildare engage with library and arts services on behalf of Kildare County Council Library and Arts Services. Author: Jennie McGinn
Illustrations: Brian Coldrick www.briancoldrick.com
Design: www.paperdoll.ie
Published by: Kildare County Council Library and Arts Services Riverbank Main Street Newbridge Co Kildare CONTENTS
4 Foreword
6 Executive Summary
8 Chapter 1 – Introduction 9 1.1 Objectives
10 Chapter 2 – Literature Review 10 2.1 History of Kildare County Council Library and Arts Services 11 2.2 Background Government Policy 13 2.3 Background Arts Policy 17 Kildare County Council Arts Policy 20 2.4 Background Library Policy 24 Kildare County Council Library Policy 27 2.5 Background Youth Services Policy
30 Chapter 3 – Methodology 31 3.1 Focus Groups 35 3.2 One-On-One Interviews 36 3.3 Surveys 43 3.5 Library Staff Survey Analysis 49 3.6 Arts Survey Analysis 50 3.7 Stakeholder Interviews
60 Chapter 4 – Conclusion 60 6.1 Conclusion 62 6.2 Challenges
64 Chapter 5 – Recommendations
66 Appendices: 66 Statistical Results 79 Bibliography 4// Foreword | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Foreword
The purpose of this research was to speak over the duration of the research. Thanks to directly with young people in Kildare about all the participating schools, teachers, youth their experiences of library and arts services. workers, facilitators, community groups, The challenge was to communicate with young agencies and local and national stakeholders. people in a real and meaningful way. Throughout Your interest and commitment to the project has the course of this research young people spoke proved invaluable. honestly, thoughtfully and enthusiastically. Young people contributed a wealth of mature And mostly, thank you to all the young people and original ideas which helped form a set of who took the time to participate. This research recommendations. I hope that young people in represents your thoughts, your views and your Kildare recognise their voice in this research and feelings and will hopefully strengthen your I hope that this voice will be heard by the wider relationship with Kildare County Council Library community. and Arts Services. The research presents an excellent opportunity for further imaginative The research would not have been possible engagement and a platform for increased without the patience, generosity, understanding communication between young people and the and cooperation of a number of people. Thanks library and arts services in County Kildare.. to all the great work of Kildare County Council Library and Arts Services. Special thanks to Jennie McGinn Lucina Russell and Eoghan Doyle for their Researcher guidance and encouragement and to Eimear McGinn for her immense insight and support Foreword | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //5 6// Executive Summary | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Executive Summary
Short Term Goals
• Develop a youth-focused marketing strategy for Youth Arts and Youth Library Services • Develop ICT services for young people • Develop social networking as platformed by this research • Ensure, where possible, library and arts spaces reflect the needs of young people both visually and practically
Medium Term Goals
• Expand on the contact made through this research with minority groups • Further develop expert panels of young people to feed into programming • Promote a Children and Teen Library Services post • Continue to prioritise funding for library and arts spaces for young people
Long Term Goals
• Encourage more staff training in delivery of youth services • Establish more formal relationships with schools • Continue to encourage organisations to engage in Youth Arts • Increase presence and visibility of young people in new Library and Arts Development Plans due in 2012
This report details the results of research teenagers, young adults became the prioritised undertaken on behalf of Kildare County Council population of the research. Library and Arts Services between the period of August 2008 and May 2009. The aim of the The purpose of the research was to provide a research was to engage with young people in platform for young people to express their needs Kildare between 0 and 18 years to capture their and experiences in a real and meaningful manner. opinions on Kildare County Council’s library and The structure of the research reflected the multiple arts services available to them in the county. For ways young people like to communicate. Adults the purposes of this research, children and young are integral in providing services to young people, people are defined as 0 – 18. Kildare County Council and so interviews were conducted with parents, Youth Arts Strategy defines the ‘Young Person as stakeholders and practitioners. For the purposes 12 – 25’. of clarity, people who took part in focus groups are referred to as participants. Those who took part in Data was extracted through both quantitative interviews are referred to as interviewees. and qualitative methods, with an emphasis on ethnographic research: focus groups, one-on-one Throughout this research, young people were interviews and creative methodologies. A focused approached for their insight and expert knowledge survey was conducted to provide supplementary in the field of youth culture. The policy makers, empirical data. As there is considerable evidence managers, administrators, practitioners, teachers, to suggest that children have higher library youth workers and parents were approached for membership and arts attendance rates than their insight and expert knowledge in the area of Executive Summary | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //7
funding, feasibility and practicality. The value of the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, must be acknowledged at this point. The Centre County Kildare has a rapidly growing and opened in 2001 and was envisioned as the ‘Cultural diversifying population with one of the largest Campus of Kildare’, housing Kildare County Council youth demographics in the state. Although the Library Headquarters, Kildare County Council Arts county is considered affluent, there is a complex Service, Riverbank Theatre, Gallery Spaces and urban-rural spread resulting in an inconsistent Café Facility. The Riverbank has a county-wide social, cultural and geographical landscape. Youth remit and went under a review process in 2008, culture is an amorphous, perpetually regenerating which culminated in a research document titled entity, presently fuelled by digital technology and Open…For Ideas, a Period of Research, Review and global culture. With Youth Rights and Youth Arts Consultation at Riverbank Arts Centre, produced gaining momentum, it was an important time for by Una Collins in 2009. The results have informed Kildare County Council to commission this cutting management and staffing at Riverbank Arts Centre edge research. and Open…For Ideas contains information that is pertinent to this body of research. The research revealed an overwhelming appetite for arts and library activities amongst young The key findings ofNot Only Adults Drink Tea... people in Kildare. The young people involved in the indicate that: research maintained a healthy respect and interest in reading and were involved in, or expressed an • Young people in Kildare are engaged in a variety interest in, a variety of art forms. The caveat to this of arts and library activity was actual participation. Barriers, both real and • Young people in Kildare sometimes do not place perceived, were cited as the main reasons young enough creative value on their interests and people do not engage with library and arts services hobbies as provided by Kildare County Council. • Young people in Kildare are interested in a diverse range of art forms and reading materials, Throughout the research, participants expressed outside of traditional forms, such as illustration, confusion about the purpose and role of Kildare photography and graffiti County Council Library and Arts Services and the • Key barriers to participation include lack of programmes available. This sentiment was echoed awareness, lack of information, lack of transport throughout all levels of participation. In addition to facilities, restricted opening hours, perception of this, participants, including young people, staff and activities as ‘boring’ stakeholders, commented on the need for a more • Key barriers for service providers include integrated and youth-oriented communication funding, sustainability, competing interests of strategy. This strategy should comprise of inter- young people, engagement with young people agency consultation about youth services, and relevance of programming consultation with young people directly and a more effective marketing campaign. 8// Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //9
Chapter 1
Introduction
The aim of Not Only Adults Drink Tea... is to explore how young people in Kildare engage with Kildare County Council Library and Arts Services (KLAS). Since August 2008, information has been gathered through focus groups sessions, one-on-one interviews and surveys with both young people and the adults who facilitate and provide those services. The results have been collated and data analysed to present a series of findings and recommendations. This body of research links in withIdeas Matter: Library Services Development Plan 2007-2011, Making Inroads: An Arts Development Plan 2007-2011, the Open…For Ideas document and the Kildare County Council Youth Arts Policy 2009. Kildare County Council aims to create a children’s Play and Learn Policy, and a Library Youth Space Policy. The report provides a series of recommendations around engaging with young people in Kildare at both a programming and policy level and will link into the Youth Arts Policy and help inform the Play and Learn Policy, and the Library Youth Space Policy.
OBJECTIVES
Objective 1 Objective 4
Examine the current provision of Kildare County Provide a contextual framework for KLAS on Council library and arts facilities for young both a national and international level. people in Kildare. (Through data and policy analysis combined (An audit of the programming, resources and with interviews) staffing of Children and Young Adult services) Objective 5 Objective 2 Provide a body of research to help inform a Play Assess how young people in Kildare engage with and Learn Policy for Kildare County Council and Kildare County Council library and arts facilities. a Youth Space Policy for Kildare County Council (Achieved through focus group sessions, Library Services. one-on-one interviews, targeted surveys and interactive blogging) Objective 6
Objective 3 Present findings and recommendations in multi- format report. Examine the recreational and leisure pursuits of (Written report form, alongside film, poster and young people in Kildare. art exhibition) (Achieved through focus group sessions, one-on-one interviews, targeted surveys and interactive blogging) 10// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Chapter 2
Literature Review
The literature review includes:
• Introduction to Kildare County Council Library and Arts Services • Overview of County Kildare • Government position on services to children and young adults • National Arts framework for Youth Arts • Overview of Kildare County Council Arts Services • Case study New York Museum of Modern Art • National Library framework for services to children and young adults • Overview of Kildare County Council Library Services • Case studies of New York Public Libraries • National and local overview of youth services • Full bibliography can be found in the Appendices
1. HISTORY OF KILDARE COUNTY COUNCIL 1.1 County Kildare LIBRARY AND ARTS SERVICES Kildare borders Dublin: the capital and a centre Kildare County Council Library Services was of artistic and cultural activity in the State. The established in the 1930s and it’s headquarters is county itself has experienced rapid population situated in the Riverbank Arts Centre, Newbridge, growth in the past fifteen years, as well as major Co. Kildare. This location was conceived as a growth in the technical, racing, property and Cultural Campus for Kildare and houses the research and development industries. It has been administration offices of a countywide network the site of immigration, both foreign and returning, of 16 branch libraries, including a Mobile Library and it has morphed into an attractive commuter Service, Kildare Collections and Research host. Almost every major road bisects Kildare and department, Kildare County Council’s Arts Service the county is considered one of the most affluent and an Arts Centre. Kildare County Council Arts in the State. Despite this, and because of this, Service was established in 1990 and the Library Kildare faces a considerable number of challenges. and Arts Services deliver shared cultural policies. The urban-rural divide in the county is extensive and the changing population demographics in The Riverbank Arts Centre was opened in 2001 townships require considerable roll out of services, and has a county-wide remit to deliver performing, facilities and infrastructure to support the rapidly visual and community arts to audiences in Kildare. changing county. It is funded by Kildare County Council and the Arts Council and recently underwent a period of review titled Open…For Ideas, a period of Research, 1.2 Context of County Kildare Review and Consultation at the Riverbank Arts Centre. The resulting report was designed to The population of Kildare in the 2006 Census was advise future administration about programming 186, 335 an increase of 22, 391 since the 2002 and managing the centre and makes pertinent report, or an increase of 13.7% recommendations around youth programming. Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //11
The geographical complexity of County Kildare 2. BACKGROUND GOVERNMENT POLICY has resulted in an unequal social, cultural and demographic spread. The largest population hubs, In 2000, the Irish government produced a national Naas and Newbridge, have populations of 18,520 children’s strategy Our Children – Their Lives and and over 23,000 respectively. Towns such as in 2003 Ireland’s first Ombudsman for Children Allenwood (667), Ballytore (445) and Ladytown was established, from which the Office of the (358) have considerably lower population densities. Minister for Children and Youth Affairs (OMCYA) The challenge is to adequately provide services to evolved in 2005. It brings together the key areas both over-populated and under-populated regions. of policy for children’s services. The National Play According to the CSO Census in 2006 there was Policy Ready Steady Play was produced in 2004 a total of 52,928 people in Kildare under the age and as a response to that; Teenspace: A National of eighteen: 27,144 are male, 25,784 are female. Of Recreation Policy for Young People was published this, 34,041 people under the age of eighteen live in in 2007. This document looked at the recreational towns in Kildare and 18,887 live rurally1. habits and needs of people aged between 12 and 18. Some of the key points, relevant to this A report conducted in 2006, Rural-Urban Dynamics research, are as follows: in Kildare: Socio-economic Patterns and Trends, by Martina Roche, highlighted the considerable rural- Key Points Teenspace urban complexities Kildare faces and the substantial population influx the county has experienced over • participation in clubs and groups can enhance the last 15 years. In the 2002 Census, 65% of the an individuals ‘social capital’ and their socio- population of Kildare were recorded as living in economic development, social skills and urban centres, with the State proportion being relationships lower at 59.6%. The overall population density • over 90% of young people reported enjoying in Kildare is 97 persons per square kilometre hanging out with their friends compared to a density of 55.8 persons per square • Over four-fifths of the young people sampled kilometre for the State. reported listening to music every day or most days. Dance emerged from the research as the This socio-economic profile of Co. Kildare was most popular hobby for girls produced on behalf of Kildare County Development • Research commissioned by the Gulbenkian Board and was published in April 2006. The Foundation and the Arts Council England analysis in this report uses Census 2002 data as suggests that attendance at galleries and well as other data sources relevant to Co. Kildare cultural events decreases during the adolescent and considers the social, economic, and cultural years, so that mid-teens are associated with trends reflected in Co. Kildare. This report provides particularly low levels of audience involvement a basis from which the work of the statutory and • One of the main needs identified by young voluntary agencies in Kildare can be planned and people was that they want somewhere to provides a solid validation for focusing on work hang out with their friends that is safe, warm, areas that experience disadvantage and on those indoors, affordable, relaxed, legitimate and who experience isolation and social exclusion. It where they can have a sense of ownership also provides clear indicators of quality of life issues • This policy highlights the requirement for multi- that affect citizens in Co. Kildare and highlights the agency support and input in order to meet the needs and gaps that exist. kinds of needs described by young people • During the drafting of the Recreational Policy, The report also revealed that the proportion of the development of youth cafes was identified services in the two largest urban centres were by young people as their single biggest need. significantly lower then the ratio for the state – The National Children’s Advisory Council is Naas ranked 18th in the State for population, but exploring models to use nationally ranked 20th for range of services and functions; Newbridge ranked 21st for population and 35th for The National Economic and Social Forum (NESF) range of services and functions. produced a report titled The Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion in January 2007.
1 http://beyond2020.cso.ie/censusasp/saps/boundaries/saps.htm 12// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
This report examined the levels of participation in commented on the difficulties implementing cultural life in Ireland and clearly identified children long-term projects on account of year-to-year and young adults as a group important to target funding. The report observed that An Chomhairle for social inclusion. Children are identified as an Leabharlanna/The Library Council provides a important group ‘by virtue of their demographic nation-wide strategy on promoting social inclusion, size, the developmental significance of childhood and although local authority arts services have experiences and their economic dependence’. The relations with external agencies, there is no central report claims on this basis, that children ‘warrant policy on promoting social inclusion. special attention in terms of policy and provision in relation to cultural inclusion’. The report went on to make some important comments about one of the shortfalls of local The report outlines a number of ways in which authority planning for the arts: cultural experiences benefit children. Participation in an arts activity or being a recipient of an ‘arts- “Often recording their work and its outcomes is rich’ environment can influence a child’s attitude a low priority for under-staffed arts offices. This towards the arts, school or society in general. makes it difficult to coordinate an evidence base The arts provide a pedagogical framework of to develop best policy on promoting cultural learning outside the traditional academic confines, inclusion”. providing new opportunities for young people to learn and communicate, and complementing the diverse learning styles of children. Direct instruction in terms of art appreciation and the teaching of creative skills can cultivate a lifelong love of the arts.
The Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion refers to a report conducted in 2005 examining the hobbies of young people between the ages of 12 and 18, conducted by the National Children’s Office (NCO) and Cork Institute of Technology (CIT). Boys cited music, pets and pool/snooker as their 3 favourite hobbies, whilst girls cited dancing, music and art. The report by the NCO and CIT also reported that 70% of girls read every day or most days, compared to only 45% of boys.
The Arts, Cultural Inclusion and Social Cohesion provided some important advice data on the structural capacities of local authority library and arts provision. Library and arts staff reported disproportionate time spent securing funding for pilot social inclusion projects and arts officers Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //13
OMCYA YOUNG VOICES: GUIDELINES ON HOW TO INVOLVE YOUNG PEOPLE IN YOUR WORK (2005) // CASE STUDY
The National Children’s Office, the Children’s Rights Alliance and the National Youth Council of Ireland released a document in June 2005 called Young Voices – Guidelines on how to involve children and young people in your work. It emerged from the National Children’s Strategy and aims to encourage a culture of participation for young people in activities that affect them. It emphasises the importance and benefits of young people becoming active citizens in their future:
“They gain by learning skills such as teamwork, negotiating, problem solving and influencing”.
The guidelines are based around meaningful participation with real outcomes and refer to four main levels of engagement:
1/ Children and young people’s views are taken into account: Children’s views, whether volunteered or sought by adults, need to be taken into account if their rights are to be respected under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The information children provide is one source, amongst others, that adults use to make a decision.
2/ Children and young people are involved in decision-making: At this level, children are actively and directly involved at the point where decisions are made. Children and adults share views and discuss issues together. Adults still hold ultimate responsibility for deciding the course of action, but children will be involved in steering that.
3/ Children and young people share power and responsibility for decision-making: There is not always a clear distinction between this level and the previous one but the critical difference is the degree of influence that children have on decisions. At this level, adults make a commitment to share power and to undertake joint decision-making with children. Decisions may be made by negotiation, consensus or voting.
4/ Children and young people make autonomous decisions: Children make autonomous decisions, often the implementation of these decisions will require input from adults and is ultimately dependent on adult structures, responsibility and power2.
2 NCO, Children’s Rights Alliance and National Youth Council of Ireland (2005) Young Voices: Guidelines on how to involve children and young people in your work, National Children’s Office. Dublin: The Stationery Office.
3. BACKGROUND POLICY ARTS • Youth Arts initiatives can provide formative experiences for aspiring professional artists “Arts provision for young people both in and out of school is arguably the single greatest fault line in • Youth Arts projects and organisations can offer our cultural provision3”. aesthetic and career development opportunities for artists who work collaboratively with young The Participation of Young People in the Arts in people Ireland, a seminal report produced by Marieva Coughlan in 2002, examined the existing provision • Youth Arts sector plays a critical role in of arts services to young people, which was then developing audiences for the arts used as a vital frame of reference for further policy development. In the report, Coughlan made a vital The report also observed the significance of an argument for the importance of Youth Arts for arts service within the local authority in creating an children, artists and audience development: environment for healthy Youth Arts activity:
3 Introduction, Points of Alignment, The Report of the Special Committee on the Arts and Education, The Arts Council of Ireland, June 2008, Ireland 14// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
“Local authority arts officers have improved local Public and the Arts 2006 advocacy, built networks, increased locally available opportunities, and enhanced communication in This report, produced in 2006 by the Arts Council, relation to Youth Arts provision4”. revealed that the public generally held a very positive view of the arts. The report highlighted Coughlan presented a number of critical points that the value the public placed on Youth Arts. 82% are still very relevant to the Youth Arts sector today. of the public felt that the arts were as important One of the most important points made was the as a science education for young people and danger in conflating ‘Youth Arts’ and ‘community three out of every four people said that ‘as arts’ and directing Youth Arts experiences much importance should be given to providing singularly at young people at risk, thereby arts amenities as is given to providing sports alienating a large constituency of young people. amenities’. The public were asked to cite their top Coughlan also pointed out that engagement will priority for arts spending. Increased spending on only happen if young people see the relevance of services for young people was recorded as being the arts to their lives. The report illuminated the the top priority for the public. This was followed reliance of the local authority arts service on the by increased spending on amateur activity and formal education sector for access to young people increased spending on the socially excluded. The and the need to foster more structured links with report also commented on the increased arts the youth sector. environment:
The Partnership in the Arts Document 2006 – 2008 “The number of arts organisations with specialist provides a framework for supporting the arts and staff, programmes and services and the number specifically established the need to deliver high of arts festivals and events for young people has quality artistic experiences to young people. One increased significantly in the past decade. More and of the goals forwarded was to enhance people’s more local authority arts programmes pay special experiences of the arts, from which the following attention to young people, with some counties objectives grew: having sustained high-quality arts education projects5”. • acknowledge and support the growing role of local authorities Public and the Arts revealed that participation and • create better opportunities for young people to access is highest around popular activities such as experience the arts the cinema and rock concerts, both being the most • recognise and support the important popular venue sites, with art galleries and libraries contribution of voluntary groups and the featuring lower on the list. amateur arts
With regard to Youth Arts, which were granted Points of Alignment priority status in the goals laid out in the policy, it seeks to support programmes that accommodate In 2006, a Special Committee on the Arts and the diverse ‘modes of artistic expression for young Education was established jointly by the Minister people’. for Arts, Sport and Tourism and the Minister for Education and Science in an attempt to align politicians, practitioners and the public around arts provision for young people, the result of which: Points of Alignment, recommends an inter-departmental coordination and focus on arts education and arts-in-education.
4 The Participation of Young People in the Arts in Ireland, The Arts Council, 5 Public and the Arts, 2006, p50 March 2002, p14 Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //15
WEST CORK ARTS CENTRE // CASE STUDY
West Cork Arts Centre Strategy 2007 – 2009
WCAC commissioned research in 2006 to investigate how young people in West Cork experience the arts. West Cork is a largely rural area with many isolated towns and villages. The findings were positive: young people are involved in arts activities but usually with friends or as a solitary activity. Young people primarily find out about events through word-of-mouth, schools, youth clubs and social networking. The report placed a lot of value on the role of local youth organisations, in terms of their skills, networks and outreach programmes and advised WCAC to foster potential partnerships to continue the much-needed outreach in the region. Most vitally, the arts must be seen to be cool and tapped into youth culture – an ambiguous task to execute, but one critical to the engagement of young people.
Some of the key recommendations around staffing, panels, and communication, relevant to Kildare, included the following:
• Employ full time Youth Arts coordinator, representing views of advisory committee, maintaining links with schools and playing a strategic role in developing policy.
• Establish Youth Arts Advisory Committee, containing youth workers, artists and most importantly young people, and develop into an integral part of WCAC structure.
• Drive Communication and Publicity, with a youth friendly website and social networking, links with key teachers, circulates information to student councils, local press for young people.
• Develop links with transition year to undertake work placements, promote inside of schools, and organise events around curriculum6.
6 West Cork Arts Centre - Youth Arts Strategy 2007 – 2009, West Cork Arts Centre, Chris Black and Alison Trim, 2007.
The Youth Advisory Panel received the Youth Arts Development Award, run by NYCI and part funded by the Arts Council, which is offered to ‘further sustainable development of Youth Arts practice at a local level’. 16// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
WICKLOW YOUTH ARTS POLICY // CASE STUDY
Wicklow County Council Arts Office recently produced a Youth Arts Policy. On account of Wicklow being a neighbouring county, and sharing similar programming values, it is interesting to examine this in the context of Kildare’s Youth Arts remit.
The policy states that ‘the role of the young person in being an author in the art making process was central to the experience.’
The policy decided to concentrate on three strands of art practice: film, music and theatre, and within each of these three spheres, promote best practice, develop the policy and develop the programming. It also seeks to increase or strengthen the range of service providers by both creating and growing youth audiences and encouraging youth participation.
Film: Youth Film Programme and Festival, provision of specialist bursary programme Investigate levels of filmmaking Investigate developmental needs of young filmmakers
Music: Research into youth music practice Develop policy and recommendations around music practice in county Appoint appropriate resources to ensure meaningful activity takes place
Theatre: Investigate how Arts Office can assist and develop emerging youth theatre Assess the ongoing needs of the youth theatre development programme in south of county Ensure integration of theatre within artist residency programme7.
7 Wicklow County Council, (2008), Wicklow County Arts Strategy, 2008 – 2012, Wicklow: Wicklow County Arts Office Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //17
3. 1 Kildare County Council Arts Policy and perform at Oxegen Music Festival and to avail of Environment mentoring and recording opportunities at Leixlip Library Recording Studio Kildare County Council Arts Service run a number • Sound Engineering project for Transition Year of programmes throughout the county as detailed students piloted in 2009 with Platform 4 in Making Inroads: Kildare County Council Arts Recording Project in Leixlip Library Recording Development Plan 2006 – 2011. The programmes Studio have evolved from the plan’s guiding policy for • A Hip Hop/ R&B Recording project with young Youth Arts: men in Platform 4 Studio • Continued support for County Kildare Orchestra ‘Kildare County Council will work with key which affords amateur/emerging musicians organisations and agencies to foster and promote the opportunity to train and perform with best practice in Youth Arts’. professional musicians • Film bursary awards open to emerging Kildare County Council Arts Services have filmmakers identified youth leaders, both arts specialists and • Maynooth Film For All: Film Club (MFFA) co- non arts-specialists, as a target group. Guiding best ordinated by the Arts Service and Maynooth practice and professional development of youth Library currently in discussion with Student leaders is a critical objective. Activities Officer, NUIM to explore ways of attracting more students to screenings i.e. Programmes and funding include: promoting the club during Clubs & Societies Day • Through the Omega Club in NUIM (who have • Recognising the number of emerging visual previously screened sci-fi, fantasy and anime artists in the county, the local authority is (Japanese animation) films at an intervarsity examining means of supporting college event, to target potential audience for ‘Horror graduates, with bursary awards and supports for for All’ MFFA’s ‘mini’ Horror Film Festival exhibitions October 2009 • With Riverbank Arts Centre, roll out a • Liaising with NUIM Music Department regarding professional development programme for Youth musical accompaniment to silent film screenings Leaders, including a ‘How to … Direct a Play with • Ongoing support for local theatre and drama Young People’ and ‘How to…Make a Film with groups: Kildare Youth Theatre were Drama Young People in 2009. Residents from 2000 to 2008 in Riverbank Arts • With Riverbank, establish a mentoring Centre and Greise Youth Theatre have received programme for young writers and directors funding for a production in 2009 2009-2010, led by Fishamble Theatre Company • Direct grant aid for the SPACE programme, • Funding of the Cecil Day Lewis Short Story and facilitated by The Performance Corporation, Poetry Competition, with primary and second a theatre company based in Castletown level categories being administered by Athy House. SPACE offers emerging artists from all Heritage Centre disciplines a unique skill sharing opportunity • The biennial Kildare Dance Summer School at • Two bursaries provided to attend the Drama NUI Maynooth offers Youth dance modules for League of Ireland Summer School Youth Leaders, to develop their practice with • KLAS supported the Artastic Street Theatre young people Company in its incubation period by providing • A 3-Year Dance-Artist-in-Residence programme a dedicated workshop space. Artastic engages 2000-2003 a large number of young people as puppeteers, • A Musician-in-Residence programme, Platform costume designers and street performers 1,2,3 providing opportunities for emerging musicians to engage with Irelands leading The total programme budget for the Arts Service musicians at Leixlip Community Library was €223,000 in 2009, (€227,000 in 2008). • A partnership with MCD in 2006 which initiated Within this, funding for children and young adults an annual Battle of the Bands, providing an programmes increased from €52,000 in 2008 opportunity for emerging Kildare bands to to €63,500 in 2009. Furthermore equipment, 18// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
services and furniture were donated to Crooked The recent report, titled Open…For Ideas, employed House Theatre, with a €10,000 start up grant for quantitative and qualitative research methods to establishment of their new studio. A Youth Arts elicit the views of individual users and stakeholders Bursary is being established as part of the annual on the Riverbank Arts Centre. The results clearly arts grant schemes in 2010. indicate the desire to further develop children and Youth Arts programming. The report detailed the Making Inroads acknowledges that ‘the level of artistic interests of research participants, theatre, activity in Youth Arts in the county, across art music and film being widely cited, but also stand- forms is varied and significant’. The plan recognises up comedy and dance. The Open…For Ideas the importance of forging partnerships across report recommended a stronger advertising and key agencies and organisations. Kildare County promotions strategy for Riverbank Arts Centre to Council’s Youth Arts Strategy, published in 2009, engage with the target audience. In conclusion, confirms the continued commitment to young along with a number of recommendations, the people in County Kildare. report suggests a Children’s Arts programme and a Youth Arts programme across all platforms8.
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, NEW YORK // CASE STUDY
“This place is yours, we are going to give you some entry points into it, but it is yours9”
Historically, MoMA have been directing services to teenagers for the past 15 years. The After School programme offers a variety of opportunities for high school students to be creative, to learn important job skills, and to engage with works of art year round. The diverse programming includes art-making classes, science and museum studies workshops, yearlong internships and free Friday- night events.
Nathan Sensal and Marit Dewhurst are the associate educators in the Department of Education’s High School Programme, The programme aims to encourage critical engagement with art, creating a stable of artists, educators, engaged consumers and engendering a positive experience of art for all involved.
“We’re trying to create learning experiences where young people are empowered to guide their own learning and to participate in real-life problems and conversations at professional level activity”.
MoMA After School:
There are four key programmes targeted at teenagers in MoMA After School:
In the Making programme: Art making programme Behind the Scene: museum studies, conservation, internship, youth advisory Teaching Art – professional practising artist, life of artist, how you can make living Free Teen Nights: Weekly drop in artistic programme, with films and artist workshops
MoMA have a website for teens, created by teens and supported by MoMA called Red Studio. The Teen Advisory Committee is taught how to design, upload, manage content and target audiences. This site showcases podcasts, artwork, and interviews with artists by the young people themselves. It also has interactive art-making functions such as the interactive collage and animation competitions. There is a Talk-Back function to encourage young people to express opinions. 9 Comment from Marit Dewhurst, Associate Educator, MoMA
8 ‘Open…For Ideas’, a period of research, review and consultation at Riverbank Arts Centre, Una Collins, 2009 Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //19
“We’ve spent the past 6 months teaching kids about websites and what they can do. They go through the process – this is a page, thinking through the architecture but not writing the actual code”.
The Youth Advisory Committee meets once a week and, alongside critical discussions of MoMA’s collection, they create podcasts and maintain the site. The Committee, as it currently exists, has been running for 3 years and has 18 members split into two groups. The groups participate in all levels but ultimately are asked to recreate their experience for MoMA with others: in effect sharing and becoming the educators themselves. They have an advisory capacity and feedback into the programming organically, but the Committee itself is under review as Dewhurst and Sensal witness the growing capacity of young people:
“As the programme went on, they were happy with programme, so there was no advisory role for them, so what do they do? We are responsive to their needs. Maybe it is time to train them as educators”
All of the programmes are over subscribed, due to the ‘cache’ of MoMA, so the process for the staff is to ‘edit’ and positively discriminate places, by providing a mix of people from those who know they want to pursue a career in art, to those who are simply made apply by teachers, parents or community workers. Dewhurst and Sensal aim for as diverse a group as possible to stimulate discussion, to provide an opportunity for young people to develop and engage with peers outside of the school environment and to learn from each other.
In terms of barriers to participation, Sensal says they try and anticipate every possible obstacle: ‘Everything is free, we provide food, materials, travel money – breaking down boundaries for access. No reason for them not to be able to do it’. They also have excellent and relevant prizes for people – DV cameras for film competitions, art materials for art competitions.
One of the more accessible courses for those not confident with the concept of art or ‘visual art’ was the Text and Image: Fusing Art and Writing. This course explored the world of comics, collage, illustration, performance art and graffiti and the stories and texts that are produced from these images. The animation and film class were also familiar access points for young people, encouraging students to explore the realms of digital animation, film and video art.
“In art I think I am best with Anime. I also enjoy graffiti. In that art class we did many things. We made our own logos, movies, clothing line, and many others10”.
The 2009 film programme is called In Your Dreams and consists of a slate dealing with films, creativity and alternate realities. The programme encompasses recent work, anime, classic narrative cinema and documentary and invites related artists and filmmakers to speak and facilitate workshops.
10 Maurice Mayfield, participant on the Text and Image: Fusing Art and Writing course. 20// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
4. BACKGROUND LIBRARY POLICY “as (a) resource for cultural expression…as agents of cultural inclusion, and as spaces for truly intercultural Ireland through the development National Development Plan 2007-2013 and implementation of cultural programmes and events13”. In the National Development Plan 2007 – 2013, libraries are referred to under the Culture Sub- Branching Out also identified services to teens as Programme. This programme will invest 1,130 one of the top nine priorities in the report: million in Ireland’s cultural infrastructure and Irish language over the period of the plan. “to give greater attention to teenagers and young adults, with the provision of areas in the library ‘In addition to the Irish Language measure, the dedicated to teenagers, which are comfortable Culture Sub-Programme includes the following and teenage–focused and where they can do measures: homework, use the internet, play music, computer games, chess, and socialise after school14”. • Cultural facilities and infrastructure; • A new ACCESS Programme which will aid arts The report called for a more effective and and culture facilities throughout the country; integrative marketing campaign that highlighted • Exhibitions, Outreach and Co-operation; and the relevance of the library to each of the user • Digitisation in the context of education, groups on both a local and national level. research, scholarship, preservation, and North/ South cooperation’. PLUS Survey With regard to the development of public libraries specifically, investment will be made in the The Public Library User Survey (PLUS) published following areas: in 2007 by An Chomhairle Leabharlanna confirmed ‘infrastructure provision, ICT provision, the importance and increasing importance of the improvements in the range and quality of stock and public library. Annual visits were calculated at over improvements in service provision11’. 14 million and 93% of those surveyed said their overall impression of services were either good or very good: 60% of users visited their library at Branching Out/Future Directions least once a fortnight. However, the report also illuminated the under-representation in the 15 – 34 The national policy for library development age-group, which confirms anecdotal evidence that Branching Out/ Future Directions was published late-teens are a falling membership category. in 2008. This report chartered the existing levels of provision for library users and the successful “Libraries are, at any one time, meeting places, development of ancillary services such as ICT and learning resources, and comfortable and relaxing multi-format stock provision. Branching Out then public spaces.” examined a number of key issues that were to be addressed or developed. In terms of the quality of Working Group on Library Services to Children service, one of the crucial factors addressed was and Young People opening hours. The policy aims to: This working group was borne out of discussions “develop innovative solutions to extending opening between the Office of the Minister for Children hours and maximising the availability of the (OMC) and An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, following professional expertise of library staff for users12”. a referral from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. The first meeting Branching Out stressed the continued importance of the group was in January 2008 and the of the library as a nexus of cultural development group contains representatives from a variety of and to advance their potential: agencies involved with young people, including An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, the Department of
11 http://www.ndp.ie/documents/ndp2007-2013/NDP-2007-2013-English.pdf pp 13 Branching Out, 2008, p9 224-228 14 Branching Out, 2008, p54 12 Branching Out, 2008, p51 Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //21
Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Teenage Kicks Conference Office of the Minister for Children, the Arts Council, Children’s Books Ireland, Poetry Ireland and a In 2008 the theme of the Annual Public Library number of county council library services including Conference for local authority library services in Kildare County Council Library Service. Ireland was Teenage Kicks – Improving Services to Young People. A consultation at Cork City The objective of the Working Group is to Libraries was presented, Dublin City Council investigate library services to children and young discussed the proposed plans for Teen Zones, people and present a plan and a set of guidelines Waterford City presented its Manga programming and recommendations around best practice. and refurbished teen space, and the success of the JSCP Demonstration Project was discussed. As an overview of ongoing efforts countrywide around engagement with teens, it is worth detailing a number of case studies as below for the benefit of any future Teen Strategy in County Kildare.
DUBLIN CITY TEENZONES // CASE STUDY
Dublin City Public Libraries have launched a number of initiatives to engage with children and young people. Research and consultation was carried out on a number of sites to test the feasibility of Teen Zones in libraries. The research involved focus groups with young people and site visits of youth cafes, which resulted in a series of operational suggestions which have been or will be implemented at Ballyfermot, Ballymun and Coolock libraries. Teen Zone programmes will include multimedia, furniture, fit out, branding and two Youth Champions i.e. two librarians to work on Youth Projects. Dublin City Public Libraries also produced a set of guidelines for engaging with young people titled: ‘Valuing Youth: A ‘How to’ Guide for Ensuring Young People’s Participation’.
CORK CITY LIBRARIES // CASE STUDY
Cork City Libraries made a concerted effort to target young people with the introduction of their first Teen Day in 2007. The 777 Challenge was a marathon event encouraging teens to read from their favourite books in the company of local authors. The Unfinished Book - a book of short stories by local teenagers was launched. From the 777 Challenge, three Teen Focus groups evolved with the aim of helping Cork City libraries incorporate the ideas of young people into the planned new Central Library building and provide a better service for the age group. The focus groups included:
• Teen 7 focus group, comprised of library members from each of Cork City Libraries 7 locations • Teens talking to Teens consisting of teens seeking opinions from their peers • Teens Outside incorporating non-users of the library
These three groups worked on creating a teen survey to ascertain attitudes and beliefs held by young people about the library service. It was distributed to many diverse groups including teen parents, Cork Association for the Deaf, Cork Youth Information Centre, and through the library branch network and local schools. The resulting survey provided invaluable information on the needs and wants of young adults in terms of library services and provision for their age-group15.
15 http://www.library.ie/youngpeople/2008/06/17/cork-teenagers-tell-it-how-it-is/#more-28a 22// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
WATERFORD CITY LIBRARIES // CASE STUDY
In Waterford, membership rates for those under 18 has been abolished. A devoted space has been created for young adults and has been furnished with colourful and comfortable seating and décor. Tea and coffee facilities have been provided and listening posts were created. Most importantly, the library launched an extensive Manga collection.
‘Within days frontline staff were reporting issues of the new collection and renewed interest in existing collection. Word of mouth about the new service brought new patrons to the library and lapsed members back again’ Niamh Baldwin
Loans and memberships were monitored in the three months preceding the launch and present startling results:
• Increase of Young Adult Active membership of Central Library from 703 to 1197: an increase of 58.73%
• Increase of issues from Young Adult library from 6591 to 9057: an increase of 35.5%
Children’s Books Ireland children in Ireland. It is clear that all adults and educationalists who are interested and concerned Children’s Books Ireland (CBI) is a voluntary about children’s reading development must take organisation that seeks to engage young people periodical reading seriously. Young people clearly in the creative expression of reading and literature. do”. In terms of reading patterns and book-based events directed at young people, Children’s Books The decision-making process for young people in Ireland have produced a number of very interesting selecting a book was discussed. For the primary studies. school age, the name of the book must sound interesting to them and the blurb must also be “Children’s books, both fiction and non-fiction, can, appealing. For post-primary pupils, the most like other media influence, create a mirror through important factor is the recommendation of a friend. which children make sense of their own lives”. The children’s explanations for these findings were CBI conducted a study called What’s the Story? very revealing. The girls, at all ages from 9 through The reading choices of young people in Ireland, to 15, saw themselves ‘as more mature, more published in 2006 that looked at the reading serious, and, not to put too fine a point on it, more patterns of young people in Ireland. intelligent’. The boys, on the other hand, felt they needed to spend more time outdoors, playing sport The report was positive: the vast majority of young and ‘hanging around’ with friends. They perceived people were engaged in reading of some kind at the girls’ interest in reading as ‘laziness’ or ‘having both primary and secondary level. Most children nothing to do’. have an interest in popular material, especially funny and humorous books. The report also The study also revealed the undeniable link confirmed the prevalence of periodicals in the lives between books in the home environment, of children: ownership of books and an enthusiasm for reading.
“Comics, magazines and newspapers are clearly However, the study reiterated one of the main playing a significant part in the reading of themes of young people’s reading habits and Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //23
library memberships. Primary girls attend libraries on internal budgets to facilitate such events. most frequently, followed by primary boys, then Although the remit of public body agencies is to secondary girls. ‘Over 60% of post-primary boys promote social inclusion, there is a risk that the never or almost never visit their public library. This ‘art-form’ can be perceived as poor quality when figure rises to 67% for boys aged 15 and over’ there is no charge attached. It also observed that libraries rarely access Arts Council monies, despite CBI also conducted a survey entitled Turning the being eligible for the Projects New Work award. Pages – investigating book based events around Another issue discussed was the marketing of the country. In this report, it emerged that there reading events as separate programmes. The report was a distinct lack of programmes created for claimed that reading events are often subsumed teenagers, despite authors willing to work with this into the core functions of library programmes and age group. During 2007 only 5.8% of activity for not presented as distinct and unique events. the 13 and 14 year old age groups, only 5.4% for the 15 plus age groups. The greatest provision (46.9%) “It is possible that external sources of funding were of book-based events was for the 8 – 12 age group. not accessed by libraries as they viewed events primarily as a way to promote library services and The report discussed some of the difficulties engage with library users, rather than as a distinct encountered when directing reading programmes aspect of library programme with a separate and book events at the teenage audience. The identity and strategy”. main concern was reaching a wide audience and ensuring enough participation to warrant the event. Indeed, one of the main recommendations from the report was to ‘attract longer-term investment’ and “Targeting older teenagers is a challenge; they also to encourage more experimentation and risk- are far less interested in participating in library taking at the events by providing opportunities and activities”. environments to test these. Ian McDonagh, Arts Officer, Cork County Council ********** It is prescient at this point to refer to some of the The report encouraged more developmental core functions of the library as set out in the Local work in this area, citing the benefits of long-term Government Act, 2001: residencies and workshops on the development of the reader and the author, as well as the A library authority may, in particular, arrange for opportunity to work towards ‘an impressive final the provision of the following services: piece, or body, of creative work’. • premises and facilities (including mobile “I would like to do less one-off events and more facilities) for the borrowing of and reference to workshops and residencies. You get to know books and other printed matter, tapes and discs the children better – more impact – more job (being audio, video or both), slides, and other satisfaction”. such material, including material available by Oisin McGann, Author means of the use of computers and information technologies, as it consider appropriate; Booksellers were very positive about book-based • activities and events of artistic, linguistic, events, charting increased footfall and sales around educational, cultural, recreational, community or the events. That in turn promoted the profile of the similar interest; bookseller. Sarah Cassidy of Hughes and Hughes • such other information services, including bookseller had this point to make: services available by means of the use of computers and information technologies, as can “Children’s events contribute to our strategy. They in its opinion be supplied in conjunction with its help us to establish ourselves in the community and function as a library authority. we can see a follow up after people have been to events”. All of the aforementioned documents, policies and statutory obligations help inform the delivery The report incisively commented on the reliance of Ideas Matter, the current Library Development 24// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Plan for Kildare County Council 2007 - 2011. Ideas created by participants aged 4 to 8 Matter outlines a commitment to working with • A remit for new builds to include a special space partners and agencies in promoting inclusion and for children’s activities and internal and external involvement with and for the benefit of the youth in play spaces, has been prioritised Kildare. • A remit for new builds to include internal and external play spaces for those with disabilities, has been prioritised. An accessible, multi- 4.1 Kildare County Council Library Policy and purpose garden was launched in Leixlip Library Environment in 2009 • An inclusive, integrated project called Toys, Kildare County Council has 16 community Technology and Training, providing assistive toys library service points, a Library Administrative and technology to parents and children through Headquarters, Kildare Collections and Research a professional partnership between KARE Services Department (encompassing Local Studies, and Kildare County Council Library Service is Archives and Genealogy), a Mobile Library and successfully operating in Athy Library a Schools Library Service. Ideas Matter: Kildare • All new builds include dedicated space County Council Library Services Development for teenagers, as evidenced in Leixlip and Plan 2007 – 2011, details a number of successful Monasterevin Libraries measures and projects achieved by the library • The budget for non-book material has been service to date. increased from €77,239.24 in 2007 to €194,157.63 in 2008. Children’s stock funding increased from Stock provision and rollout throughout the county €110,789.92 to €170,497.48 for children and young people has been both • Successful rollout of ‘Action-Based Marketing’ increased and improved. Reading programmes training to key Library Staff 2006-2009 and bookclubs take place throughout the year, • Delivery of ‘Storytelling Training’ (Beginners; alongside an annual arts and library events Intermediate and Advanced) to frontline Library programme. Projects and programmes include: Staff 2007-2009 • Naas Library managed a research project/survey • Threading Tales - an arts and library based into service provision for the local community reading development initiative with parents facilitated by transition year students as part of from the Curragh Schools. The project was a statistics project highly successful and another programme • A St. Valentines Day marketing initiative was entitled Pictureógs evolved as a result with the directed at commuters in 2 train stations Athy Travellers Group in Leixlip, encompassing and delivered in • The Arts Service has funded themed festivals in conjunction with young people libraries for children around Easter, Summer and • 13 Bookclubs for children and teens supported Halloween, a Spellbound Theatre programme, and facilitated throughout the library network and jointly funds with the Library Service a • Collaborative work with Kildare Education successful Storyteller-in-Residence programme Centre, home-school-community liaison with • Other Arts-in-Libraries and Library programmes teachers, parents groups and library staff are collaboratively delivered for Children and established Teens, such as Screenwriting Workshops; Film-making in libraries, Beauty Bootcamp and These initiatives have achieved a considerable level Graffiti Happenings for Teens of success for Kildare Library Service. Looking at • A strong financial and programming statistical comparisons for 2008 and 2009, issues commitment is maintained year on year for the to young adults have increased 78% in the period of Children’s Book Festival January - June 2009, and young adult membership • Writing workshops including Critique 2000 – a has increased 35% in the same period. reading and writing initiative funded by the National Reading Initiative, Wicked, a collection The plan addresses the need for a Play Specialist in of ghost stories by young writers aged 13 to residence and a Children’s Services Librarian to co- 16 and Anything Goes, resulting in a magazine ordinate and support county-wide programmes. Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //25
Kildare County Council Library Service has Ideas Matter refers to the multi-dimensional implemented a number of refurbishments and learning process of children and strives to provide renovations of library buildings, including the play spaces, a varied book collection, child-friendly launch of the new Monasterevin Library in 2009. furnishing, and artistic programmes. However, Dr. Ann Coughlan initiated consultation with the the successes outlined mainly refer to the child residents of Leixlip in 2003 in advance of a new audience and the development plan primarily library build in that town. Leixlip was one of the concentrates on the needs of this age group. fastest growing towns in the county at that time The creation of a Library Youth Space document and consultation elicited responses on late night in the form of a targeted strategy for teen openings, technology requirements, physical engagement, would undoubtedly help direct space, information and communication and special Kildare Library Service in redressing the balance on educational needs. The resulting building, opened this issue. in 2007, is a state-of-the-art library, equipped with multi-purpose gallery space, teen space, flexible IT Case Studies services and a recording studio with technician-in- residence. International examples of youth-oriented programming and youth engagement are prescient “Congratulations are due to everyone who has to review, demonstrating the practicality, feasibility been involved in the development of this truly and logistics of involving young people as a inclusive civic facility. It is heartening to learn that subgroup, and as part of an overall community the services now being provided here were shaped of users. New York Public Libraries also provides by direct consultation with the community on the an inspiring showcase of the possibility and street. We can see how the needs and aspirations innovations of services for young people. of all sections of that community are mirrored in the broad range of services available16”.
NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARIES // CASE STUDY
“You Name It, We Do It”
New York City library is an example of an extremely dynamic and innovative service to teen users. They have a member of staff dedicated to Teen Programming - Jack Martin, Youth Services Coordinator – who oversees teen programming for all service points in the New York Public Library system. Historically, there has been a grassroots teen library movement in the United States, and approaches to programming are very cutting edge.
According to Martin, the key to penetration of the youth audience is through commitment, consistency and sustainability – Martin talks about the importance of ‘building up a continuum of library services throughout all of the branches’.
As well as delivering needs to an under-served community, concentration on teen audiences provides a powerful dual service:
“By focusing and being committed to the teen user group you can get some really positive outcomes and create lifelong users by working with this audience”.
In terms of developing this audience, Martin advises to start with the teen users in the library – target the young people that are already using the library, build up trust, get them talking, start programming… the organic knock-on effect is word-of-mouth communication: one of the strongest communication tools in this age-group is word of mouth and peer-to-peer.
16 Speech by An Taoiseach http://taoiseach.gov.ie/eng/index. asp?locID=558&docID=3374 26// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
An incentive offered in New York Public Libraries is the waiving of fines. Staff observed that there was a lot of fear, embarrassment and procrastination around renewing membership and unpaid fines - ‘its amazing to see the number of people walking through the doors when you offer something like this…waiving the fines’. The library card is also uniquely marketed as a vital source of identification for young people. The card becomes a very significant milestone.
“That opens up a gateway – you’re teenagers, you don’t have to come with your parents anymore, you can come by yourself, we don’t care who you are. That’s another tool we use”.
Constructing Teen Advisory Panels
Teen advisory panels have become an essential part of the service and are embedded throughout 30 different library sites. Teenagers are approached directly in the library, as well as advertising the Teen Advisory Panel on their website, and then it spreads through word of mouth. The model is very flexible and is focused on the users and their needs and wants, rather than being prescriptive. The panels are conceived as ‘Think Tanks’, young people telling them ‘what’s hot and what’s not’. There are innovative incentives, such as first refusal on new stock coming in, free snacks, and participation can often count as community service for school programmes. Martin says one of the additional results of this mechanism is that a huge culture of community awareness and community empowerment develops. Often, the library space is closed down to accommodate teens. Events include Anti-Prom, an idea prompted by the teens themselves to have an alternative prom night in the library. Now, in its 5th year running, it has won awards and received huge publicity. It is often hosted by famous presenters (this year Tim Dunn from Project Runway) and embraces youth culture themes (Vampire Manga 2009).
New York Public Libraries are very interested in gaming technologies. Last year open-play gaming was rolled out throughout 18 branches, and a dedicated time for teens to come and play games against each other was sanctioned. This was instantly popular with teens but it had the added benefit of increasing reading and membership. One of the teen advisory groups created a podcast about the benefits of gaming:
“If we weren’t playing video games in the library, we’d be sitting at home by ourselves. It’s more fun to play with friends”
“We’re not just playing video games. People come here straight after school. They book it and run out as soon as the bell rings. We have about an hour before it kicks off and we’ll pick up books. Those empty chairs that used to sit vacant are now filled. I picked up an Artemis Fowl which I haven’t read in years and I love that book, so that was cool”.
“They are getting people who would never come into the library in here”.
“Gaming makes you do your homework! I have to get my homework done before I play games, I’ll read before I play games17”.
In conclusion, New York Public Libraries has a well-researched and well attended youth programme and should be looked at as a model for Kildare Library Service. Podcasting, social nights, computer gaming and the creation of a Teen Programming post are all potential avenues of engagement for consideration.
17 Various members speaking on a podcast created by Teen Advisory Group Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //27
5. YOUTH SERVICES POLICY
“All young people are inherently creative18”
The National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) has been developing and lobbying for Youth Arts for twelve years, focused through the work of the National Youth Arts Programme. Making Youth Arts Work: The Final Report of the National Youth Arts Committee led to the establishment of the National Youth Arts Programme (NYAP), which is a core function of the National Youth Council of Ireland. Arts in Their Lives – a policy on young people and the arts, produced by NYCI in 2003, strongly advises practitioners to distinguish between Youth Arts and Youth Work:
“It is an important and valid art form in its own right and no longer seen as a recreational tool used to achieve specific youth work goals”.
The artistic expression of young people is multi- faceted and the media are dictated through the rapidly regenerating nature of youth culture. NYCI emphasise the importance of making the arts relevant to young people’s lives and stress the holistic importance of youth development. In their policy, NYCI recommend that youth organisations ‘develop long-term integrated youth arts programmes’.
18 NYCI (2003a) Art in their lives: A policy on young people and the arts. Dublin: National Youth Council of Ireland 28// Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
KILDARE YOUTH SERVICES // CASE STUDY
Kildare Youth Services (KYS) was founded in the 1970s, originally named Kildare Federation of Youth Clubs. The service evolved in the eighties with the development of special youth project work. KYS is affiliated with Youth Work Ireland, a national organisation with a remit to promote quality youth work.
“Youth Work Ireland has, since 1962 sought to give voice to the needs and aspirations of young people, to support and encourage trained volunteers and staff and ultimately, to improve the quality of life for young people in the context of community based youth services19”.
Kildare Youth Services runs Community Youth Projects in Naas, Athy, Leixlip, Kildare town, Celbridge and Clane. The service also provides a counselling service and a Youth Information Centre in Naas. KYS has successfully run Youth Cafés in the Curragh and Athy managed by trained youth workers and it is hoped that this model will be rolled out throughout Kildare. The service provides support for early school leavers and peer leadership training programmes for young people and supports young people in Comhairle na nÓg participation. In partnership with the Health Service Executive, KYS manages the Naas Child and Family Project which provides a community based family support service in Naas, Co. Kildare. The project was established under the Department of Health and Children Springboard Initiative in 1999. This service aims to strengthen family relationships and has a child-centred approach, promoting the welfare of the child and the family. It is a partnership of volunteers, staff and young people that:
“respond to the emerging and changing needs of young people, their families and communities20”.
Many of the youth projects aspire to use creative methodologies and artistic forms of expression to engage with young people. Naas Town Project is one of the localised projects of Kildare Youth Services. It works with a number of youth groups that focus on different methodologies, but include art, crafts, music, computers and games. The project provides outreach into local, marginalized communities and encourages participation through a number of youth-friendly groups and teams such as the Bunny Legends (female group between 14 and 18 years) and the Fantabolous 5 (mixed, 1st and 2nd year students from second level education). Kildare Youth Services conducted a very important piece of research in 2006 titled Our Views: Anybody Listening: researching the views and needs of young people in Co. Kildare. The report probed a variety of issues and themes for young people in Kildare and demonstrates the potential worthiness of collaboration for Kildare Library and Arts Services. Direct channels of communication with teens in Kildare have been opened by KYS, and these could and should be utilised as a gateway for KLAS engagement with that age group.
19 http://www.youthworkireland.ie/welcome.asp 20 http://www.kys.ie/about Chapter 2 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //29 30// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //31
Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
There were a number of groups identified for the purposes of the research. The research parameters were between 0 and 18 years. After preliminary investigation, it was realised that the focus of the research might be diluted for such a large population. There was evidence to suggest that the teen audience were under-represented in terms of library membership and arts participation. The research concentrated on the 13-18 age group.
The population was divided into three age categories, 0-4, 5-12 and 13-18. Focus groups were conducted with a Parent and Toddler Group, a primary school group, two secondary school groups and a youth services group. One-on-one interviews were conducted with a range of young people ranging from age 5 to 20. Both the focus groups and the interviews with young people were filmed. Targeted surveys were designed for primary schools, secondary schools and youth services separately. Two additional surveys were designed for both Kildare County Council library and artsstaff and for Arts practitioners used by Kildare County Council Arts Service as Arts facilitators. In-depth interviews were also conducted with key stakeholders, practitioners and policy makers, a list of whom is provided at the end of this document.
FOCUS GROUP ANALYSIS
The focus groups took place on site in libraries, Next, they were asked to prioritise five images schools and community centres. The sessions and create a photo-journal piece for a fictional were filmed and lasted over an hour. A number of ‘Young People News Report’. Participants created creative methodologies were employed to generate appropriate captions that highlighted some of the discussion for the focus groups with children and needs of young people. young adults. The Parent and Toddler session evolved as an unstructured conversation. Below Activity 3// Positives and Negatives are the activities that were conducted during the session. The group sat in a circle and played a ball game. The ball was thrown randomly at a person, followed Activity 1// Pick an Object by a positive statement about the library. Every time the ball was thrown, an opposing statement Participants picked from a random selection of was made - positive, negative, positive, negative… objects (designed to elicit responses…headphones, The idea being to discuss libraries ‘in general’ and a globe, art book, football gloves etc). The not to refer to a specific library. object had to be important in some way and the participants had to explain the connection. Activity 5// My Dream Library and Arts Space
Activity 2// Photos A blank library floor plan was used by the group to create their ‘dream library and arts space’ through Participants were asked to take pictures with a collage. Participants were encouraged to use their disposable camera prior to the session. The brief imagination, but to be aware of the other users in was to document what ‘being young’ means, as the library. The group were asked to think about well as what ‘the library’ and ‘arts’ mean. These the library structure and environment, and also were stuck up on the wall and the images were programming and stock and multiple usage of the discussed. space. 32// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
GROUP NO OF PARTICIPANTS ACTIVITY FINDINGS
Test Group Six females Library Positive: Relaxing, Study, Research, ICT facilities, Perception Exhibition space. Age: 16-17 Negative: Unwelcoming atmosphere, Dark, Outdated. Location: Eadestown Objects Interests: Fashion, Music, Travelling, Sport, Cinema, Performing well in school, Socialising, ‘Hanging Out’. Background: Sallins, Naas, Dream Bright, airy, colourful space Carbury, Library & Arts Artwork on walls Eadestown Space Comfortable, funky furniture More study space Programming gigs, comedy, open-mic nights Film screenings with diverse material Music libraries Refreshments, vending machines, cafes
First Year Four females, Library Positive: Computers, Modern space at Leixlip, Students one male, one male Perception Relaxing, No membership fee, 8 book allowance. cancelled. Negative: Perception of restricted opening hours, Leixlip Book selection could be improved. Community College Objects Interests: Singing, Dancing, Music, Computer Games, Board Games, Reading, Family. Age: 13-14 Photographs Friends, family, forests, playgrounds, music classes, Location: art classes, Ipods, CD players, instruments, concert Leixlip Library posters, sports, sweets.
Background: Newspaper “Kids need a space to practice their instruments” Leixlip, Dublin Report “Young people need a space to go to other than school” “Young people need space to create” “Not just adults drink tea” “Homework is boring, lets make it interesting”
Dream Better DVD collections Library & Arts Large screens for films Space Lounge area Venue for drama classes, talent shows, Youth Art, open-mic nights. Dedicated staff member for Young People Rental Toy System Children’s Room Vending Machine, snacks Multi-purpose room for study sessions, meetings, instrument practice Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //33
GROUP NO OF PARTICIPANTS ACTIVITY FINDINGS
Student Reps Five females, two Library Positive: Study, Research, Good book selection, male, three males Perception ordering books St. Mary’s, cancelled Negative: Rules, regulations, boring (rather go to Naas, CBS, cinema), too associated with study Naas Objects Interests: Drama, Singing, Musicals, Fashion, Style, Age: 14-18 Politics, Art, Photography, Films.
Location: Naas Photographs Spaces to ‘hang out’: Fast-food Restaurants, Library Bookstores, Local Cinema, school, canal, Skateboarding, music shops. Background: Naas Newspaper “Girls have more confidence with make-up” Report “Young people do get involved in good things!” “Phones should be cheaper for young people” “Cinemas – Neglecting Students!” “Sports should be compulsory” “Youth need more spaces for gigs” “Young people do get involved in good things” “Is this pile of books getting bigger?”
Dream Sound proof music room (unaware of Leixlip Library Library & Arts Studio) Space Student-led exhibitions
Primary Four females, one Library Student-led exhibitions School male, one male absent Perception Graffiti Wall Improved décor Scoil Bhride Community Objects Positive: Diverse books, staff, books in foreign School, Naas languages, art Negative: Rules, no comic section, children making Age: 10-12 noise, not enough space for homework
Location: Scoil Photographs Interests: Music, Playing Instruments, Singing, Bhride Fashion, Making Jewellery, Films, Games, Nature, friends, canal, trees, games consoles, PC, books, Background: sports, TV, jewellery, CDs, films. Moldova, Poland, Newspaper Not enough time to complete Romania, Brazil Report
Dream Healthy food café Library & Arts Goody bags for children Space Separate room for older children Bigger comic & magazine selection Listen to music out loud Room for dance, gymnastics, workshops Indoor basketball hoop 34// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
GROUP NO OF PARTICIPANTS ACTIVITY FINDINGS
Kildare Youth Five females, one Library Positive: Study space, reading & art competitions, Services male, two females Perception local exhibitions, information arrived late Negative: Old, dull, dreary, boring, no space for Age: 13-18 young people
Location: Objects Interests: Music, Dance, Singing, Films, Gaming, KYS, Canal Anime, Manga, Graphic Novels Stores, Naas Photographs Cinema*, Ipods, CDs, clothes**, homes, KYS building, Background: canal, computers, family. Naas Newspaper “Home is where the heart is” Report “Fashion is inspiration” “Young people need safe places to hang out” “Don’t be a busy bee. Walk normal” “Cinema should be closer to people”
Dream Cinema Library & Arts Music Venue Space Distinct space for different age groups Outdoor library Organic garden Games room Music room
*All of the participants commented on the expense of the cinema, the awkward location and the limited film selection **Many of the girls liked to shop go to Newbridge or Dublin City to shop or ‘window-shop’.
Parent & Five mothers Library Busy Road; No parking Toddler Group Perception Only open 11 hours p/w
Tir na nÓg Postive: Valuable Resource Parent & Encourage children to read Toddler Group Storytelling an excellent resource Desire to use library for Parent & Toddler sessions Location: Negative: Children must be kept quiet Castledermot Try to be as quick as possible Community Parents collect books for children rather than bring Centre them into the library Need more activities for children Background: Prefer to use the library in Carlow as it is equally Castledermot accessible, has better facilities and parking. Opening hours are considered restrictive. Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //35
ONE-ON-ONE INTERVIEW ANALYSIS
The interviews outlined below were organised informally through word of mouth and through Kildare Youth Theatre in Newbridge. The age profile ranged from 5 to 20. The process was organic and adopted a conversational style. Topic of questions included hobbies, library habits, leisure pursuits and arts interests.
Age 5 – 12
In this age group seven females were interviewed and four males. All were confident readers, except one male who ‘had no need for reading anymore’. The females were typically interested in performance: writing stories, acting, singing, Age 13 – 20 dancing, and listening to music. Art was also cited as important: painting, drawing, scrap-booking, At this age, the importance of spending time with collage. All of the interviewees were able to recount friends was reaffirmed quite emphatically. Issues favourite books and talked about the stories they around spaces to ‘hang out’ and attitudes towards liked to write. They enjoyed the library, the relaxing teenagers were discussed: atmosphere and the excitement of picking out books. Any suggested improvements focused on “You may have had a bad experience with a group reading: having separate male and female book of teenagers before but don’t judge a book by a selections, help for readers, colour-coordinated cover and don’t tar us all with the same feather!” seating. This group would like to have more art classes and also use the space in the library for Music was mentioned repeatedly and the gymnastics and dance classes. proliferation of young music bands in Kildare is The males were interested in the practical noted in this research. Creativity in this field, be aspects of building, creating and inventing. They it writing lyrics, writing songs, playing multiple appreciated the history and science selection in the instruments, event managing gigs is often library but would like to see more material geared under-valued as a ‘creative’ act by young adults towards archaeology. There was a suggestion for themselves. In the survey responses, participants model building (building 3-D models from kits) to frequently cited music as one of their interests and take place in the library or model renting (renting yet the same respondents struggled to list creative the model making kits). Fantasy and crime books activities they were engaged in. Males suggested were very popular and comics and Manga graphic that the library could be a space to be inspired by novels were areas of interest, alongside books on music books, music collections, music posters and cars. It would appear that the males were unaware a rental instrument system was suggested. of certain stock available in the library, but were enthusiastic about what they know. In this group Both males and females discussed competing time from age ten upwards, males tended to display a pressures. For those still in school, participants more focused interest in music, often taking up experienced pressure around study and exam instruments, writing lyrics and developing identities expectations. Females suggested devising more through musical genres. Music was acknowledged creative approaches to study and learning. Many as a resource they would like to see more of in the of the participants reported sport and grinds library. commitments, but it is also prescient to note the importance of sleep for this age group at the weekend. All of the teenagers described their ‘ideal’ weekend as one that incorporated a lot of sleep, rest and relaxation. 36// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
The KYT members enthusiastically discussed the rarely go and some people use the library without value of drama, with both males and females membership. Children may use a family card to expounding the confidence building and team- take out books or rely on parents. The majority of building ethos of drama. It was commented that respondents were Irish, although some were from there was a great social mix to the membership, Eastern Europe, Africa, England and one was from with people coming from diverse socio-economic America. and geographical backgrounds and that the group meetings provided opportunity for young people to mix more freely than they might at school. Some of the females noted that one of the greatest challenges facing young teenagers in Kildare today was the peer pressure to conform into social groups. Discussion moved onto how people can get easily labelled into a group or a ‘clique’ from an early age and may not participate in activities outside of group norms, regardless of how much they might want to engage in something. Participants equally noted that when young people are typecast, they can be excluded from certain activities based on identity stereotyping and presumptions of taste.
Age 13 – 18 SURVEY RESULTS At second level, the Senior Cycle was grouped as Surveys were disseminated in hard copy format 16 – 18 years old and the Junior Cycle was grouped to 1st, 3rd and 6th years in Leixlip Community as 13 – 15 years old. The main reason cited for College, St. Mary’s Secondary Naas, Christian visiting the library at senior level for both male and Brothers School Naas, and in online format to Athy female was for studying, closely followed by book Community College and Kildare Youth Services. usage. The senior cycle age-group appreciated Surveys were filled out during class time. the silence, the study space and the range and availability of books. Conversely, this group felt Surveys were disseminated in hard copy format there was not enough study space, that it was too to 1st, 3rd and 6th class students in Rathmore noisy, too quiet, too warm or too cold. Some of this National School Eadestown, and to the entire age group appreciated the welcoming atmosphere, pupil population in Halverstown Primary School, and others in the group felt it to be unwelcoming. Kilcullen. They were accompanied by letters of These contradicting opinions and attitudes feature consent and instructed parents to assist in the significantly throughout the results and the most survey process. The total number of completed important point to highlight is that personal taste second level surveys was 282. The 11 online surveys and perceptions can only be used as a guide. were collated separately and failed to produce meaningful results on account of the small uptake, The book selection was considered equally ‘good’ although they repeated the same trends evident and ‘bad’ throughout the second level statistics, in the main body of surveys. The total number affirming the significance of tastes in these of completed primary level surveys was 65. In results. Many respondents who were not presently Rathmore, 15 parents declined to complete the members of the library voted on the book selection survey. negatively, which implies that many young people rely on childhood memories of the library. Of those surveyed, 55% of second-level and 57% of primary-level students were members of a library. Most of the participants did not know of events There are a considerable number of factors to happening in the library: events that were attended consider in these results. Many are members, but consisted primarily of exhibitions, followed by Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //37
film and game events for the males, and talks The junior females surveyed were interested in the and workshops for the females. These were not idea of a theatre primarily as a venue to host arts always identified as an ‘event’ that happened in the programming, followed by the youth club and the library, merely something the library ‘does’, and arts centre. The junior males surveyed were again so this again could point to the need to re-brand interested in the youth club as a venue, followed by and distinctly launch programmes in community a hotel, then school. libraries. Female participants were generally more open If young people were in charge of a library, to the concept of an arts centre. The high predictably all groups said that they would create interest rate in a theatre venue could possibly a specific space for their age group – a place that be attributed to familiarity with the space: many was relaxing, had eating facilities and where they second level students would have attended plays could hang out comfortably. The exam years also on the curriculum, performed in a school play, specified increased study space, away from the or may be part of a drama group or musical main library and Leaving Certificate-oriented society. The positive association of the youth events. A better selection of music was also club for male participants should be noted and emphasised, with suggestions for music libraries it would be valuable to examine levels of youth and music exhibitions. club membership in future studies. This positive association with a youth club presents a strong Generally, the most attended arts events by those case for the need to collaborate more with youth surveyed in County Kildare were plays, gigs and services and examine their model for engaging exhibitions, with males participating more than with young people. females. Individual experiences of events varied greatly and it would be valuable to conduct further The results also indicate the untapped potential research into the variables that can impact upon a of the library as a space for young people and young persons experience at a cultural event. the need to emphasise and market the library as such. The results would suggest that many young The activities and services young people surveyed people in Kildare, specifically those living outside of wanted to have more access to were music, Newbridge, are not familiar with the Riverbank Arts photography, film, dancing, acting, gaming, sports, Centre. animation, Flash software and IT related activities. This makes a strong case for the continued A potential barrier for young people attending importance of ICT services in libraries. Many of cultural events is the perception of the event as the interests aligned along gender - games and boring, which was frequently cited as a deterrent. sport were listed repeatedly among males and ‘A lack of information’ was the least-cited barrier performance (drama, music, singing etc) and to participation. Price followed as a barrier for fashion featured among the females. young people attending a cultural event, but again, this may be the perception and not the reality Participants were asked about preferred venue as most Kildare County Council library and arts spaces and given a list of generic venue options programmes are delivered free of charge. Time to select from, including an arts centre, theatre, restrictions and competing demands were then youth club, library, school, hotel and café. The most rated as the next barrier, with second level students popular venue to host arts events or programming having very full timetables. This is an issue for for senior females surveyed was the concept of an both young people and library and arts service arts centre, followed by the concept of a theatre providers, although participation in artistic activity and the concept of a youth club. For the males needs to be presented as an equally valuable way surveyed, the most popular venue was the youth to spend time. club, followed by the theatre, then a school venue. The concept of library and the arts centre as a In terms of how young people receive information venue for activities that would be of interest to about events, respondents were informed through young people did not appeal to the senior males peer-networks first, followed by the Internet, then surveyed. posters and flyers. School featured as a significant 38// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
vehicle for information dissemination. All age- storytelling, more books, and more foreign material. groups surveyed were extremely interested in Controversially, participants would get a TV, have texting as a form of communication, as well as a kids-only computer, more music and newer CDs. social networking. Printed advertising, posters and Participants would have a talking area for people flyers were all listed highly by respondents as a to use mobile phones, but also a special quiet form of information, and should not be relegated to room with strict rules about noise levels. This age make way for digital forms of communication. group were concerned about the books as objects. Participants wanted to organise the books better, A line of questioning probed the idea of young prevent the books from being damaged and have a people being in charge of a space for young high turnover of new stock, in addition to keeping people. Respondents suggested more sport and the space as clean as possible. music-related events, pool tables, gaming and more up-to-date stock. Female respondents were With regard to arts attendance, the most more conscientious about keeping events and frequented events attended in County Kildare were activities low cost and ensuring adequate transport music events, plays, readings and dance events. facilities. Ultimately, respondents wanted the space to be a comfortable, relaxing and inviting place for In terms of the amount of time spent doing certain young people to hang out. activities, sport and ‘hanging around with friends’ featured highly for the males surveyed, followed The biggest issues facing young people in by music for senior males surveyed and computer Kildare were drug and alcohol abuse according games/TV/DVD for junior males surveyed. Junior to respondents. Boredom was also presented as males surveyed liked trips, making things (arts and a serious issue by the respondents: ‘What is the crafts) and then drama. Senior males surveyed liked biggest issue facing young people in Kildare?’ to make things, music, painting, trips, drama and ‘Boredom, nothing to do, nowhere to go’. singing. Participants felt that the only way to overcome these issues was by providing more facilities, For the females surveyed, the activity they more events targeted at young people and better engaged in most per week was spending time transport services. This view was unanimous across with friends, followed by reading for junior females all age groups that took part in the survey. and sport for senior females. When asked about the creative activity they liked doing best, females responded with dance, drama, making things, Age 7 – 12 playing music, singing and trips. Respondents found out about events largely For the primary level surveys, the Senior Level through friends and parents, followed by teachers. was grouped as age 10 – 12 and the Junior Level The power and value of word-of-mouth appears to was grouped as age 7 - 9. For the primary level be a hugely motivating factor in participation for survey, respondents were overwhelmingly positive this age profile. about the library. The library was associated with reading, relaxing, getting books and meeting If the respondents were in charge of a space for friends. The library was considered a fun space, and young people participants would have sporting and the book selection was highly valued. Storytelling reading events, games, films and organised trips, was considered ‘one of the best things about the as well as concerts, quizzes, indoor and outdoor library’. This age group were conscious of the activities. Respondents would also have art classes restricted opening hours, and the perceived strict and cooking classes, comfortable seating, talent atmosphere and found it noisy and sometimes competitions, food, drink, late opening hours and a boring, but overall perception of the library was Jacuzzi! positive in this age group.
The group were much more vociferous about what they would do if they were in charge of a library. If children were in charge they would have more Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //39
Pull-out poster >> 40// Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //41 42// Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
<< Pull-out poster Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //43
LIBRARY STAFF SURVEY ANALYSIS
An online survey was disseminated to 75 library staff, with a response rate of 31. Participating service points included Library Headquarters, Naas Library, Newbridge Library, Athy Library, Celbridge Library, Castledermot Library, Leixlip Library, Mobile Library Services, Corporate Library and the Reader Services Department. The purpose of the survey was to ascertain perceptions about barriers and opportunities. The survey covered questions about membership rates, staff roles, training, marketing, budget allocation, stock decision, space and programming.
The following results reflect the opinions of the 31 library staff who responded to the survey. Conflicting information in responses given could point to organisational communication barriers and the need for a centralised library strategy or policy on Children and Youth Services. The results represent general themes and are presented on a question-by-question basis.
Overall there was agreed consensus among respondents that stock budgets and stock selection was excellent, but communicating the resources to children and young adults was a problem. The lack of dedicated staff, time, training and resources were all perceived barriers to developing children and young adult services, but there was a genuine desire to accommodate this usership.
Do you have a dedicated staff member for training opportunities more effectively. Kildare Children and Youth Services? Library Service is currently participating in a 3-year online training initiative called Frontline, It is at the staffs’ discretion in each individual specifically designed for frontline library staff service point to concentrate efforts at this and delivered by www.openingthebook.com. membership, and staff rotation ensures that Rolled out as a cascade form of training dealing most library staff engage with children and with development in all areas of library work, young adults at some stage. A number of the it is telling that no respondent mentioned the respondents felt a specialised staff member programme as an in-house training opportunity. would greatly enhance services, but agreed that this was not possible in the present economic The National Youth Council of Ireland and the climate. Ark: A Cultural Centre for Children provide a number of training opportunities around Is there training for staff in dealing with creative engagement that could be of interest Children and Young Adults? to staff working with children and young adults. Staff should be encouraged to utilise 82.1% of the staff surveyed were unaware of any creative methodologies when working with specialised training. Training for stock selection young people. Staff might also benefit from and customer service was an embedded part courses in managing anti-social behaviour or of the role of the librarian and applicable to managing groups to equip librarians with skills all user groups. 25% of those surveyed said and confidence in approaching groups of young they had participated in training in some people. These courses would also serve to de- form, but this was ‘irregular and voluntary’. mystify perceived aggression or intimidation Training included storytelling, courses with associated with groups of teenagers. the Library Association of Ireland, Children’s Books Ireland and a seminar organised by An How much of the Stock, Programming and PR Comhairle Leabharlanna around primary school Budget is dedicated to Children and Young curriculum and book display. These results Adults? would suggest the need to emphasise the importance of training and the need to highlight The budgets vary across the service points 44// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
based on population demographics, but there is suggestions. The suggestions from the surveys a very healthy budget for stock – 42.5% of total and the panel were mainly audiovisual requests, book fund is spent on children and Young Adults which the library was in fact providing. The materials according to the Reader Services Panel illustrates two very important points: Executive Librarian. consultation is vital, but perhaps needs to be incentivised in a manner that engages time-poor The programming budgets vary, again for teenagers. the same reasons. Naas Library directs 70% of its programming budget toward youth Secondly, The Panel requested material that programming, but the Mobile Library does Maynooth library actually already had in stock. not necessarily have the space or hours to The profile of the library clearly needs to be accommodate such programming. Some re-branded to appeal to young people and branches have very developed events and information needs to be communicated in activities for young people, while other branches a youth-oriented manner. The Panel will be direct programming at other user groups. Much reinstated in Maynooth in 2009 and will present of the programming appears to be concentrated an opportunity for libraries across Kildare to around the Children’s Book Festival in October replicate this model and share information and and Children’s Books Ireland events, although ideas about how to sustain the interest and funds are directed towards reading programmes, enthusiasm of young people. book clubs and holiday events aswell. Consultation with schools is a necessary What is the decision making process for strategy, but it might be skewered to curriculum deciding on stock? demands, reinforcing stereotypes about the library as a figure of authority and place of The decision making process for book selection study. Relationships with teaching staff should is user and non-user focused, in that branches be strengthened to encourage more innovative respond specifically to their local population involvement of young people. This relationship demographic and consult schools and could be utilised to promote word of mouth community groups on selection. The library information about activities, events, and the staff that responded are aware of current modern stock. trends and popular culture and follow up on recommendations and requests in an effort What are the specific library objectives for to keep up to date with current trends and Children and Young Adults? fashions. However, there is scope to involve young people at this stage, perhaps in the form The objectives listed by respondents are in line of Expert Reader Panels. This would ensure with the Kildare Library Development Plan: meaningful consultation, expert insight and Ideas Matter - to increase library usage in this encourage young readers to take ownership in audience, ensure their needs are met ‘culturally their local library. and educationally’, and to provide a space for young people ‘to widen their knowledge and Maynooth Library have a Young Adult Review increase their skills’, whilst offering a balance Group initiated in 2008, called The Panel. The between ‘work and play’. aim of the consultation is to gather feedback on stock and general opinions and suggestions. The The remit of the Mobile Library to offer a service process required one meeting about budgets to children and young adults in rural areas, was and a second meeting to elicit suggestions, listed. One respondent listed consultation and which was problematic. The librarian managing evaluation of programmes and activities as the group felt that the teenagers had no interest important objectives. in attending meetings, although they facilitated surveys with peers and provided a list of stock Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //45
“Encouraging children to join their library - and off events, such as the More to Explore initiative retaining them as members, particularly when rolled out in Athy and Leixlip libraries. More to they get to secondary school level, which seems Explore was a strategy aimed at new parents to be a point at which many of them drift away”. and their children starting school in the towns of Athy and Leixlip. Every child going into Is there physical space in your library for junior infants received a pack of reading books Children and Young Adults? including a sensory book, a book in Irish and a book without words to encourage parents to According to the survey responses, almost read with their children and to join the library. 60% of branches have dedicated space for The success of More to Explore, for example, children and young adults. The question did translated into real, increased membership, so not distinguish if that space was for children, there is ample opportunity to develop this idea for young adults or for both children and young further. adults combined. 23.8% of those surveyed had Confidence in rolling out viral and text marketing no space at that time and 19% of those surveyed would also boost marketing goals. There is were in the planning stages of creating a space. acknowledgement among the staff surveyed that ‘the library needs to be packaged and sold It was noted that all future capital builds will in a different way to teenagers’. The success of aim to host an indoor and outdoor dedicated past marketing plans and the understanding space, budgets and sites allowing, with a garden of the need to communicate more effectively already rolled out in Leixlip Library and one with young people all confirm the importance of in construction stage for Naas Library. Leixlip marketing as a priority. Library houses a contained multi-sensory outdoor garden, with sculptures, sensory Many of the library staff surveyed pointed out landscaping and seating, with opportunity to that the problem in reaching this age group host activities, readings and clubs. Spaces in was due to a lack of awareness about facilities other library sites will be costed in preparation and resources and this was cited as a marketing to ‘retrospectively upgrade older buildings’. issue. In Athy Library there is a dedicated space for children but staff feel the service desperately “I think the issue is that young people are needs a separate dedicated space for young unaware of the full range of our facilities” adults. In Castledermot Library, despite allocated space, the branch is manned by one person and What do you think young people find most/ opens for 11 hours per week, prohibiting space least appealing about the library? utilisation. The roll out of a garden and outdoor space is potentially an opportunity to counteract This was a very difficult category to gauge. chronic space shortages in the medium term, for Some of the libraries that participated in the part-time libraries such as Castledermot. survey had recently been renovated, some were based in rural communities and some were operating out of older buildings. Unfortunately, What is the Marketing Strategy for Children there was a problem in ticking multiple and Young Adults? categories in the online survey, so responses were skewed in that some categories might 63.6% of library staff surveyed said that there have been given equal rating. Ultimately, it was was no official marketing strategy for children the comments that demonstrated best the and young adults in their library and there is conflicting opinions of the staff. no countywide marketing strategy, although this will be informed by the research. Local 41.7% of staff surveyed found the stock to be community libraries develop their own informal the least appealing factor about the library for and appropriate tactics, generally around once- young people, whilst 45.9% found the stock to 46// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
be most appealing for young people. 20% of or rolling out computer games clubs to all the those surveyed found staff to be least appealing, branches, as there has been high take-up on this whilst 45% of those surveyed found staff to be in Leixlip Library. Many of the clubs vary from most appealing. Programming was generally library to library and an individual rather than an found adequate. ICT was considered by those overarching policy channels the direction and surveyed to be the most attractive thing for creativity behind the clubs. young people in the library. However, one librarian made a good point: Maynooth Library introduced a Teen Queen Beauty Bootcamp in May 2009. Suzanne Walsh “(I) don’t think the availability of IT in libraries from RTE’s The Afternoon Show visited the is as big a draw as it might once have been, library to facilitate a workshop about make-up, as children have access to IT at home and in skincare and clothing. The Bootcamp event school”. was highly popular and the first workshop was over-subscribed. The Bootcamp is an exemplary Overall, structure, décor and atmosphere were model of an event that is relevant, youth- considered by the library staff surveyed to be oriented and original. It could be easily adopted unattractive to young people – 73.3% cited décor as a model throughout the Kildare library and 50% cited structure to be most problematic. network. Naas Library cited the need for ‘more funky décor and groovy furniture’ and that ‘they What facilities would you like to see for (teens) want and deserve their own attractive Children and Young Adults? and appropriate area’. The differing décor in each branch was pointed out: This question asked library staff about the facilities they would like to see extended to the “Depending on location I believe atmosphere, different age groups. décor and staff make huge impacts on the “appeal factor” of (a) library and can differ from 0 – 4 branch to branch”. For this age group, almost universally, the staff surveyed wanted to see Parent and Toddler What type of clubs do you run for Children and Groups accommodated more, including Young Adults? changing facilities, café for parents, parenting talks and a space for toddlers to play and make “I try to target what teens are interested in and noise. Staff surveyed also wanted a higher I always try to challenge perceptions of what a circulation of stock for this age group and library should be” regular storytelling sessions. Toys, singsongs, better display, soft seating, soft play spaces Out of the choice selection of book, games, and trained staff were also mentioned in the film, homework and chess clubs, book clubs responses. were the most common clubs run for young people in the libraries surveyed, followed by 5 – 12 film and homework clubs, according to the Professional storytelling was also requested library staff surveyed. There were also chess, for this group by the staff surveyed, as well craft and scrabble clubs and music song as drama workshops, children’s book club, writing workshops in the libraries surveyed. literacy aids and trained staff to deliver them. A One respondent commented that film clubs to dedicated Children’s Librarian was mentioned in date have attracted a mainly older crowd. Song the responses and increased arts programming writing is open to all ages, but the chess club is to encourage reading was mentioned also. A working very well with young adults, according Saturday afternoon film club was suggested, to another library staff member surveyed of along with a dedicated computer space and Athy Library. There is a lot of interest in starting brightly coloured desks. Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //47
13 – 18 What do you think are barriers for staff in The overwhelming response for this category targeting young people? was space: an ‘area where they can sit and chat and listen to music’. In that space, music One respondent commented that there was listening stations, ipod download facilities, better ‘little communication between the two (staff display and increased space for stock, more and young people)…we need more mediation games and a café facility were recommended. to get their views’. Opening hours again were One of the more interesting suggestions was for considered by the library staff surveyed to ‘late opening to midnight and security controlled prohibit engagement, especially with older by technology or staffed by youth leaders’. age groups and the perceived unwelcoming Workshops in areas of interest to young people, atmosphere was also noted. Another librarian such as music and website design were also surveyed put it quite succinctly: ‘lack of training, mentioned, along with expansion of ICT services. lack of market research, lack of interest of young people in libraries, negative view of this age What do you think are barriers for young group socially’. Also a staff fear around young people using library facilities? adults was evident in some responses given, some relating to a negative experience or an Many of the answers here reiterated the incident of anti-social behaviour. Again, age responses from teenagers themselves – the was considered an issue: ‘staff are older and pervasive image of the library as a quiet, boring unable to communicate effectively with youth’. place of study. One librarian stated that the Some of the responses mentioned that requiring library is ‘Not ‘cool’ enough!’ Existing stereotypes consent and proof of address for membership of libraries and librarians generally were noted was a challenge in attracting new membership and time constraints were highlighted in this age group. Another valid point, although one that is perhaps historically perceived, is “Too busy with school and study to read for that it is ‘difficult to source external facilitators pleasure”. for this age group and quite expensive’. The lack of marketing initiatives directed at young “Inappropriate opening hours” people was considered an issue also and ‘staff perceptions of what young people may/may not “Competing time pressures with school and like may lead to less effective targeting of young sport” people’.
The perceived lack of interest was also stated What is the most important growth area for and there appears to be much disappointment Children and Young Adults? around unsuccessful events – ‘too much effort with too few results.’ “We constantly try and strike a balance between having all the new gizmos while trying to There are also a number of extenuating promote reading”. circumstances influencing perceptions: many Gaming was cited as the most important branches have little or no parking, some larger growth area by 36% of the library staff surveyed, branch libraries do not open on a Saturday – followed by the Internet at 24%, music at 20% these issues conflate notions that the library and clubs at 12%. Club suggestions from the is not serving the needs of young adults and respondents included film, Internet, gaming, children or that the library has nothing to offer music, comics and books. Graphic novels them. The supervision of younger children was and animation were considered very relevant flagged as an issue, as was the lack of young by those surveyed. The core function of the staff and the lack of awareness of what the library was also pointed out – “Let’s not library has to offer. forget about books!” The Kildare Research Services Department viewed the Internet as 48// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
an excellent opportunity to assist students weekends free: ‘teenagers finish school at four innovatively, providing their “excellent eServices and most branches only open until eight two to 5th and 6th years.” Grinds and information evenings per week’. It was noted by staff, that to study sessions were also mentioned by those achieve later opening hours, ‘funding will have surveyed, as well as study areas being a growth to be re-directed from one area to another’. area. Respondents suggested that computer The withdrawal of funding for the Schools games be prioritised more, as young people Library Service in 2009 by the Department of have abundant access to electronic music and Education and Science was considered hugely DVD downloads. disappointing by staff. Leixlip Library staff observed the importance of sustainability, How do you in your role support services to being concerned about the years ahead – ‘so Children and Young Adults? much work needs to be done continuously – a drip feed approach’. However, there was still an The librarian occupies a valuable role in optimistic tone: delivering services to children and young adults. He/she ensures the provision of stock, study “Things are going to get tight, but that’s our space, workshop space and information and chance to be imaginative. We can actually do a of course the budgets to execute these things. lot with the resources we already have”. Staff surveyed were driving initiatives with young people, running workshops and providing support and advice. The library staff surveyed prided themselves on being up-to-date with reading trends – ‘sometimes to engage with Young Adults you need to read the stock!’ The staff surveyed showed commitment in creating awareness about the library and all its services in an effort to foster good relations where they can with this audience - “by paying constructive attention to them”. A number of staff mentioned that they would like to be more involved with children and young adult services.
Do you feel you would have the necessary resources to increase services?
The staff were asked if they would have the necessary resources to increase services to young people. 65.2% of library staff surveyed felt they would not have the necessary resource or facilities to increase services to young adults, on account of the economic climate in 2009. Staff shortage was cited by the respondents as the most problematic issue in delivering services. Genealogy would like to offer more in the way of talks and information presentations, but lack the time. The Mobile Library, and some of the branches, particularly Naas and staff at Library Headquarters commented on restricted opening hours, being cognisant of the fact that teenagers often only have evenings and Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //49
ARTS SURVEY ANALYSIS youth arts organisations or experienced practitioners, however it was felt that it could have Surveys were disseminated to the Kildare County a positive impact for all age groups. Council Arts Services team and to local arts practitioners. The Arts Services team returned the Barriers for young people engaging in an arts surveys but there were no returns from local arts experience included transport issues, lack of practitioners and organisations despite a number of awareness, lack of information about the event drives to engage with local practitioners and artists. and the competing interests of this age group. For this section it is more useful to provide a brief Accessing young people and keeping up-to-date synopsis of the comments made on the completed with new technologies were considered barriers for surveys. adults working with this age group.
The participants engaged with young people Respondents felt that the most valuable form from a management and facilitation level, guiding of communication was direct contact, followed policy or administering projects. The Arts Services closely by the Internet. Word-of-mouth and team delivers programmes to people through printed material was also deemed important, as Comhairle na nÓg, If I had an Artist for a Day, Arts well as communicating with parents and guardians in Libraries and the Platform 4 Music Development directly. The biggest challenges facing adults Programme, amongst others. The Battle of the working with young people were articulated Bands was cited as a positive experience working succinctly in one of the responses: with young people. The partnership between MCD and Kildare County Council enabled emerging “Creating relevant programmes that appeal to local bands to perform live at the Oxegen young people. Particularly in relation to the work festival – it engendered huge interest from local of a local authority ... Who is your target group? musicians as well as building up a profile for the All young people in the County? Those from a event itself and a contact base of young people. particular-socio economic/ cultural/ geographical The Magic of Dance series in libraries was also background? From an arts service perspective .... referenced as a programme that was received Those interested in a particular arts genre? Which very well by both children and their parents. one? How do you decide? Can/ is some other Young people are targeted through all avenues agency doing it better? Can we learn from other – through schools, local groups, youth services, agencies? Can they learn from us?” directly through posters, flyers and the Internet. No official evaluation process was conducted, The acute pressure on young people in today’s although informally young people were asked society was cited by the respondents as one of the to give feedback and interest levels were noted. biggest challenges facing young people in Kildare Leaders and participants are asked to fill out a and perceived as a threat to creative life. standard evaluation form. Those surveyed felt that participants would get involved again and had a “Young people need to be given a chance to positive experience. Consultation usually occurs express themselves from where they are and with local agencies who have a more focused remit services should be provided for them that help on children and young adults. them do this”.
“We would usually liaise with other agencies with more specific responsibility for young people, rather than directly with young people themselves. The exception to this is young musicians, who have no difficulty in contacting us. This could be because of the profile of the Oxegen Battle of the Bands competition.”
The respondents felt that consultation was not always necessary and more useful for established 50// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
INTERVIEW ANALYSIS WITH LIBRARY AND ARTS • Victoria Durrer, Youth Coordinator: South Dublin STAKEHOLDERS County Council Arts Service
Value of the Arts to Young People Interviews were conducted with a number of key staff, local practitioners and national stakeholders. All of the interviewees remarked on the intrinsic Topics discussed include: value of the arts and the impact it can have on the lives of young people, practically, emotionally • value of the arts to young people and psychologically. Many of those interviewed • barriers for young people accessing an arts embedded artistic practice as a strategic aim within experience their organisation or methodology. However this • barriers for facilitators working with young sentiment was shared by professionals working people in different sectors, such as Siobhan O’Rourke of • challenges to the sector Comhairle na nÓg or Nicole Dryssen from KARE, • opportunities for partnership who try to deliver or promote an artistic aspect in • training their practice. • consultation with young people • role of technology Gaye Tanham, Head of Team for Young People, Children and Education in the Arts Council pointed Interviewees: to the Public and the Arts Survey, in which 80% of the public agreed that an arts education was as • Siobhán O’Rourke, Coordinator Comhairle na valuable as a science education. Avril Ryan, General nÓg: Community and Enterprise, Kildare County Manager of The Ark, Cultural Centre for Children, Council stated that the arts provide ‘such a rich experience • Breda Hassett, Children and Young Adult for young people. It expands their Imagination, Librarian: Cork City Libraries broadens their horizons’. Eoghan Doyle, Assistant • Patrician Looney, Children and Young Adult Arts Officer for Kildare County Council spoke about Librarian: Cork City Libraries how the arts can benefit in later life: • Liz O’Sullivan, Director: Kildare Youth Services • Marit Dewhurst, Associate Educator: Museum of “the skills people get through working in the arts Moden Art, New York aren’t just artistic – social skills, problem solving, • Nathan Sensal, Associate Educator: Museum of relevant to any type of work they are going into – Moden Art, New York the way they engage with a group, the ways they • Avril Ryan, General Manager: The Ark, A Cultural offer opinions.” Centre for Young People • Anne O’Gorman, Senior Project Officer, Youth Although Speech and Language Therapist Nicole Arts: National Youth Council of Ireland Dryssen from KARE (an organisation promoting • Emmet Sheerin, Project Officer, Youth Arts: services to people with intellectual disabilities National Youth Council of Ireland throughout Kildare, East Offally and West • Eimear McGinn, Senior Executive Librarian: Wicklow), admits that they do not use creative Kildare County Council Library Service therapy as much as they would like to, there is a • Eoghan Doyle, Assistant Arts Officer: Kildare definite need to explore this area: County Council Arts Service • Lucina Russell, Arts Officer: Kildare County “Our children are so often pushed Council Arts Service • Mags Walsh, Director: Children’s Books Ireland to be literate…the ‘abc’ is pushed • Nicole Dryssen, Speech and Language Therapist: down their throats for far longer than KARE, is necessary. I think art is a fabulous • Gaye Tanham, Head of Team for Young People, opportunity for people to express Children and Education : The Arts Council • Brendan Teeling, Assistant Director: An themselves, who can’t in a literate Chomhairle Leabharlanna manner”. Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //51
The importance of books and reading was “I felt like I really needed more discussion with emphasised by Mags Walsh from Children’s Books young people. For example, young people didn’t Ireland. Walsh points out that: know what ‘arts’ meant – I used creativity instead”.
“the beauty of books is that they are Young people are often engaging in artistic activity, but not labelling it as such. As Eoghan Doyle (KCC) the most portable, most available, points out, traditionally the view of arts has been most shareable, most common arts quite linear and prescriptive. Doyle is emphatic experience of any child”. about the multi-faceted nature of the creative experience and the importance of recognising that Siobhan O’Rourke is the coordinator of Comhairle it can be an activity conducted alone or in a group na nÓg, Kildare – a junior council that aims to setting, both formally and informally: provide a platform for young people to speak out on issues that affect them and represents “Scribbling on a magazine. How is that not creative? at Dail na nÓg. They work to an annual agenda You are creating something from nothing using and extrapolate key themes. O’Rourke believes your imagination. Strumming away on a guitar, that the culture and management of the training writing a joke, a funny story, posting something for Comhairle should be as creative as possible. on YouTube of you and your mates. We need to Art, drama, film and media are routinely used as say ‘yes that’s creative, yes that’s valid and yes you platforms to explore and discuss ideas. O’Rourke should be honoured for it’ ”. discusses the annual training day in 2007, in which participants used film as a medium to explore the Emmet Sheerin of the National Youth Council of set topics by making a series of short films, which Ireland confirms this point also: were conceived and finished on the day: “Young people who engage in arts “We could run it, as I’m sure some counties do, practice may not give credit to the fact by bringing them in and talking at them and you would fulfil the criteria, and you’ve had your day. that they are. People jamming out – But I would be very much of the idea that people might not be an ensemble, might not learn much more easily through creativity. The be what we necessarily term as ‘Youth amount of information and creativity that came out of two-hour workshops could take weeks. To Arts’. But they are engaged in the make a documentary – these were made, scripted, creative process”. written, produced, directed and delivered then in two hours”. Brendan Teeling of An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, discusses the image of a librarian being a middle- Barriers for Young People Accessing an Arts aged woman with glasses, pearls and a bun in her Experience hair. This image is so strong and so pervasive, it can be difficult to move away from it. New York Public • Language / Understanding Libraries actually eliminated the word ‘library’ from some of their youth focused marketing material. An interesting issue identified by arts practitioners, mirrored in discussion with library professionals, is • Identity the negative association of language used. Tanham noted that one of the biggest issues facing young An interesting thread that appeared throughout people accessing an arts experience, is the manner all the interviews was the issue of identity. What is which art and ‘the arts’ are discussed, a topic that is ‘Youth Arts’? What is the role of the library in a the Arts Council are attempting to address in their changing culture? These are pertinent questions Points of Alignment document. Victoria Durrer, that relate to conflicting expectations around both Youth Arts Coordinator with South Dublin County library and arts services to children and young Council talks about her experiences developing adults. their teen website, NOIZE: 52// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Anne O’Gorman, Senior Project Officer, Youth Arts user groups with a remit for children and young and Emmet Sheerin, Project Officer, Youth Arts of adults also. Nicole Dryssen from KARE reaffirms the National Youth Council of Ireland introduced this point: Youth Arts through the NYCI Youth Arts Policy, Arts in Their Lives: “I’m sure they (libraries) offer a lot, but we don’t know what it is. I think people would get very NYCI’s definition is that Youth Arts ‘can be broadly excited knowing about a place that had a lot of defined as young people taking part voluntarily in resources”. creative, cultural or expressive activity outside of the formal education process. It can encompass Many of the practitioners interviewed agreed that participation and appreciation, as well as word-of-mouth and peer-to-peer communication engagement with arts work specifically created by, is extremely important for engaging with young with or for young people’. people. Kildare Youth Theatre operates mainly through word-of-mouth communication and the Arts in Their Lives (NYCI’s Youth Arts Policy strength of their reputation. The second avenue is 2003-2007) to communicate with them on their level, as a peer, and this introduces the online space. Avril Ryan of Lucina Russell noted that ‘Youth Arts’ is largely the Ark: A Cultural Centre for Young People, found defined as activity that takes place outside of the introduction of the blog to their website to the school walls. She noted that the Youth Arts be really important. The blog is managed by staff Strategy for Kildare County Council listed schools but the blog format enables staff to create a more as a useful means to access young people in accessible tone to entice young people, than could the county, listing the TY Sound Engineering be achieved with the traditional structure of the programme as an example of this. website.
The lack of a concrete definition has resulted • Role in misconceptions about the role, training and expectation of the artist and the understanding, The role of both the arts services and library enthusiasm and expectation of the young person. services is something else to consider, linked into both sustainability and identity. In the Frame of Out • Communication of the Picture, published in 2008 by the ESRI, refers to the principal issue of awareness of the arts office Communication presents an issue in terms of and the arts centre. With regard to arts offices, 20% both communicating information about services of the general public are aware of them, this figure and programming to youth audiences and doubling for those with third level qualifications. communicating the profile and the perception of Awareness of arts centres stands at 43%; those the library and arts services. Eimear McGinn, Senior with incomes of over €30,000 are more aware. Executive Librarian of Kildare County Council This would suggest that there are low levels of Library Service, talks about the importance of awareness of the local authority arts office for the updating stock and matching it to users needs. general public (Kelly and Lunn). Confusion over the Library staff talked about the increasingly up-to- role of the Arts Office becomes more pronounced date stock and the relevance of the material in the for those working in the arts sector locally. Lucina surveys. Russell, Arts Officer for Kildare County Council and Eoghan Doyle, Assistant Arts Officer for Kildare However, many young people that took part in County Council both referred to the importance the research perceived the stock collection to be of clarifying the role of the arts office within the adequate or poor, and many more were unaware of county. programming in the library or arts activities around the county. The real problem here is that the quality “I see our role in youth arts as more agency with of the stock selection, the relevance of the material an expertise…that we should try to nudge other and the diversity of the programming are not being organisations to use best practice…that’s the communicated effectively. This impacts upon other biggest challenge for us”. Doyle confirms this, ‘we Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //53 54// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
don’t have the resources to deliver a county-wide “We see this place as very different programme’. from the school environment or family Peter Hussey from Kildare Youth Theatre has a – they can hang out here and behave differing perspective: ‘ for local authority arts in different ways. It’s an alternate services I really think its role is to keep that going, realm for them. We’ve seen kids do keep the environment going…one of the things the art service can do best is campaign for funding. It’s that, behave in a different way – a little hard to see where the local authority can help us more self aware, they feel comfortable except for financial’. exploring themselves”.
Mags Walsh, (CBI) refers to the essential role of the Kildare County Council worked on the development library – the remit to promote books and reading. of separate playgrounds for children, teenagers She advises not to forget that the library ‘can’t be and adults in Maynooth town. The playground all things to all people’. The library and arts service designated to teenage use is called a Teenage cannot dilute their remit by attempting to address Activity Centre and features the standard individual needs and beliefs. playground facilities alongside space to ‘hang out’ and a basketball court. Kildare County Council is • Transport also investigating the possibility of a Teen Café with Tesco Shopping Centre in Maynooth and Eoghan Doyle admits that often transport to and a Youth Club in a new community centre. Cllr. from events could be one of the more formidable John McGinley in interview acknowledged the factors to overcome in Kildare. Children and importance of acknowledging and providing Young Adults rely on relatives for transportation that separate physical space for teenagers. There and the public transport system in Kildare is not was discussion around sharing the space with as developed as it needs to be for a growing senior citizens but as Cllr. McGinley pointed out population. Participation for some young people ‘the teens would disappear. They need their own, is dependent on their proximity to an activity or a distinct space’. Cllr. McGinley also talked about the relative having both a vehicle and the time to drop consultation process and how a young people’s someone to an event or activity. In terms of space, committee radically transformed the look and Liz O’ Sullivan from Kildare Youth Services talks design of the playground when they were invited to about the need for young people to ‘hang out’: review.
“It is so important for young people to hang out – on a corner, at a shop, at the back of the school Barriers for facilitators working with young – part of their own development – away from people parents…they need these opportunities or else they are less developed”. • Competing Demands
• Space Lucina Russell, Kildare County Council Arts Officer, discussed the challenges for Youth Arts within the Physical space impacts considerably on local authority arts structure: the limited budget, services to young people – can it adequately commitments to different artforms, geographical accommodate young people, meet health and remit, working with older people, younger people. safety requirements, host facilities for music and One of the most challenging barriers is simply other artistic activity. The emotional space and accessing young people: this was a sentiment atmosphere is equally important. Marit Dewhurst repeated in the surveys and throughout all of the and Natahan Sensal, Education Officers at the interviews. Peter Hussey (KYT) and Eoghan Doyle Museum of Modern Art, New York, discuss the (KCC) both refer to the levels of goodwill required importance of distinguishing the environment at to support youth services: much of it operates on MoMA from other familiar environments: volunteering and the free time practitioners donate. Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //55
• Sustainability • Fear of promotion of excellence
Sustainability presents another issue for facilitators It was also emphasised in the interviews that best working with young people. Funding, resources, practice is synonymous with ‘Youth Arts’ and that venues, interest levels, experience and profile can ‘Youth Arts’ must be promoted as an authentic art determine programmes. Anne O’Gorman (NYCI) form in itself. Anne talked about the fear around perceives this to be critical with ‘projects often excellence. reeling from fund to fund.’ “We believe that young people are entitled to Time, inextricably linked to sustainability, is experiences, practitioners and practices that are probably the most critical challenge to staff. Doyle authentic and high quality, and to participate in, says that ‘to create a lasting relationship, you enjoy and be proud of the resulting outcomes. NYCI need to put in an awful lot of time’. Kildare Youth defines best arts practice with young people, as Theatre provides training courses for participants espousing of both the process, and the outcomes of to develop their teaching skills. The training this process and which could include performances, courses are not yet officially accredited and Artistic exhibitions, publications etc. Director, Peter Hussey, had this to say: These outcomes afford the young person the “It’s voluntary and we are working very well opportunity to participate in a public forum and – but it’s hard to get all the information (for to experience the self confidence, team building accreditation), the correct stuff and follow up on it.” and positive memories which can result from this experience. Playing a match is the logical The opening hours of libraries was a topic that conclusion to regular sports training, and an emerged throughout the research. Some libraries inherent and inextricable part of the experience. have extended hours, but this is not countywide. Likewise, the creation of an exhibition, theatre Eimear McGinn (KCC) talks about addressing piece, film, choral work, musical performance etc opening hours in the libraries: ‘there is scope, but is the ultimate conclusion of a sustained period of citizens could lose hours from one place in order to engagement or creative endeavour and should be open later/earlier/longer in another place’. valued”.
The underlying issue is staff – staffing levels and Mags Walsh (CBI) refers to the fact that although training. There is an embargo on public service improving literacy is an important aim, Children’s recruitment at the moment and the solution to Books Ireland is trying to promote the book as an staff shortages is ‘realignment’ and as McGinn art form to be celebrated - ‘A lot to be said around points out “it is not unworkable, all libraries have literacy…but an awful lot to be said for literature.’ experience of budgetary and staffing constraints.” This flexibility is crucial but there will be severe Lucina Russell (KCC) also refers to the haphazard challenges in trying to introduce new programming standards of practice that are often termed ‘youth or policy without compromising an existing service. arts’ and the need to professionalise these arts The Library Service is conscious that all resources experiences: will need to be realigned in times of economic constraint, but the real challenge will come in “I’ve seen examples and I’m pretty disappointed prioritising client groups such as teenagers and with what is being labelled as Youth Arts. I don’t their associated services, over the needs of other think an art competition where for example users. There is a tension between providing as secondary school teachers take things from many services as possible and maintaining the students’ folders and submit them as a competition quality of those services and the Library Service piece can be called Youth Arts”. is not willing to compromise on that quality or breadth of service. As McGinn states: ‘Quality • Role of Technology work needs to emanate from public services at all times, but particularly in times when citizens of all Technology is repeatedly cited as an integral part backgrounds need us most’. of youth culture. Social networking and digital 56// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
technologies are used as tools and methodologies creating and maintaining Teen Panels: to engage with young people. NOIZE is a website aimed at teenagers in the South County Dublin “Funny role for them to play and we were struggling area. Victoria Durrer, Young Adult Coordinator in with creating a worthwhile experience for them. South Dublin County Council, and manager of the Where they are gaining something and we’re not NOIZE website warns about this: just like ‘so, what do you think?’ So we’re not just exploiting them. It’s more of a collaborative thing “Kids can be good at downloading… – what are we really trying to get them to do in advising us? What if they were teaching, what if they but not the rest. Kids don’t have were designing the resources? They are like junior emails, they are not as savvy as you colleagues. Every little decision is in their hands”. think. Loads of people on site might use the actual page, but then won’t be O’Rourke (KCC) talks about the development of the Discussion Forum that evolved from a Comhairle able to access any of the information na nÓg session two years ago. The forum was that is sent around on email”. established as a point of direct contact between young people in Kildare and Kildare County Council Nathan Sensal from MoMa points out the slow and to encourage young people to communicate uptake on blogging: directly with local representatives on issues. The forum has been successful and relatively easy to “They know the blog is there, but the connection manage, but it is difficult to maintain the interest between knowing its there and actually using it. of the users as the process for facilitating change is Huge range of skill online, some are super-savvy, slow. some are like ‘I’ve never used a mac, where’s the right click?’” “The problem is that young people want immediate gratification. The political process and the local • Consultation with young people authority process is a much slower process. It’s nobody’s fault. Difficult to keep interest of young There was consensus that the value of consultation people long term as they have short term goals and and meaningful engagement was paramount. short term thinking and want short term results”. Walsh (CBI) aspires to having two boards of governance – one composed of adults and one of • Training young people. The aim is to involve young people in the running of the organisation, but starting off As Brendan Teeling (An Chomhairle Leabharlanna) in a way that is manageable. The engagement must points out, it’s ‘not a simple manner of ‘having’ be genuine and realistic. As Walsh points out, it’s these panels. Staff need to be trained in facilitation not possible to be 100% child focused: – how to conduct panels, how to get information out of them’. “A lot of the mediation around children’s books is through adults. If you can resource them and arm Another issue is confidence – staff need to be them effectively, then you have an army of adults”. trained to deal with and communicate with young people. Certainly, there are still librarians who may Avril Ryan describes the consultation process in be reluctant to embrace a younger demographic. the Ark as organic and programme based rather Teeling says: than structured and formal. The Ark invites school groups in as test audiences ‘that help us to develop “Let’s be frank about this, I have been in libraries our project’ and refers to the piece ‘No Messing where the staff have not had a tolerant attitude to With Monkeys,’ (a play commissioned by the young people, particularly teenagers”. Ark for young people) in which children actually designed the set with artist Ciaran McNulty. Often, negative perceptions about teenagers are embedded in the adult world and tackling these Dewhurst (MoMa) talks about the challenges of stereotypes requires confidence. Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //57
‘you may be able to target young Anne O’Gorman (NYCI) talks about the conflicting people, but it’s the intensive expectations around facilitators working with young people. engagement with the hard-to-reach people that is difficult’. “Some issues that can arise are having unrealistic expectations of a project, or not considering the Sensal talks about outreach at MoMA: young people as active collaborators in the process. Both the youth worker and the artist are experts in “We started extending to different community their field, both have a vital contribution to make to centres. What is interesting about that – listening a project”. from feedback from youth leaders in community centres. We try to make the application process as Avril Ryan (The Ark) talks about artists that have easy and non intimidating a process as possible. a fear about working with young people. This is When doing outreach we do it as a workshop on overcome by providing training, support, skills how to do an application. Someone will go out to and back up until the artist is comfortable and a community centre – how do you get a letter of confident. recommendation, does this question make sense, Breda Hassett and Patrician Looney from Cork City how do you answer this question?” Libraries discussed the importance and the impact of creating a dedicated post for Children and Siobhan O’Rourke (KCC) offers each secondary Youth Services. Staff upgrading happened in 2006, school in Kildare four places on Comhairle na nÓg, after a long wait, and the shared post of Children and then works through the VEC’s and Youthreach and Young Adult Librarian was created. Looney to access young people. Young people from maintains that ‘the only way an area gets priority ethnic minorities or with disabilities are positively and gets funding is if there is a specific post created discriminated against, with space always being for it’. Hassett, Children and Young Adult Librarian created to encourage their participation. However, agrees ‘you can go on about how important O’Rourke notes the difficulty including young children are but unless you make the post…it’s an people with physical disabilities, an issue that came important statement’. up at the time of the focus groups.
“It is more difficult to get young people with Challenges for the Sector disabilities involved with Comhairle, they appear to be more shy about coming forward.” • How to promote outreach Even though the support groups are always Peter Hussey (KYT) observes that often times more contacted and the facilities are always provided, marginalized communities do not have a historical O’Rourke feels that there is a fear around the high affinity with the arts; it might not be entrenched in proportion of able-bodied young people at the the family or community identity. Brendan Teeling events, as well as the social mix. In fact, the social (An Chomhairle Leabharlanna) emphasised the mix can be daunting for all involved: importance of consistent and almost exhaustive engagement from the ground up. He refers to the “It is a significant learning curve for all young example of the Westside Library in Galway, situated people who attend as they get to meet young on a large local authority estate, where interaction people from totally different backgrounds other started simply from knocking on peoples doors than their own.” and working up from there. However, it must be acknowledged, as Teeling points out 58// Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
• Capturing the Middle Class “A lot of our work is around social inclusion, so we don’t often think of these people. Not to exclude The negative association of youth clubs was people who aren’t marginalized and then people discussed. Outreach can sometimes lead to who are marginalized because of their geography the ghettoisation of ‘Youth Arts’ projects. Anne and not because of financial reasons”. O’Gorman (NYCI) observes that: Interestingly O’Rourke (KCC) notes that schools “disadvantaged young people with a higher proportion of disadvantaged young people are more willing to be involved, and the sometimes have more access to youth more affluent schools are less likely or need more arts because organisations in areas of encouragement: disadvantage can access the necessary funds. NYCI promotes the right of all “A special effort is made to include young people from disadvantaged areas and they respond very young people to participate in artistic well”. activity and expression. Also, much cultural activity in Ireland (such as • Opportunities for Partnership access to National Cultural Institutions, Nicole Dryssen in KARE is aware that equipment municipal galleries, programmes of for young people with intellectual disabilities if publicly funded arts organisations very expensive and often restricted to private and local authority programmes etc) ownership. With a diminished stock budget, it could be an idea to pool resources around is free so it is possible that some equipment and technology learning in a more barriers are around perceptions consistent manner. The Toys, Technology and of the arts and around creating Training project was piloted in Athy library after networks and relationships between KARE approached KLAS about creating a lending service of specialised toys and assistive learning relevant personnel in arts and youth technologies. organisations. The lack of transport for both structured and unstructured Funding was accessed through the Kildare County recreation (i.e. organised activities and Council Disability Strategy Fund. This proved to be an invaluable demonstration of the importance of free time) is an issue that is particularly partnership, and plans are in progress to roll-out a acute for young people living in rural similar programming partnership in Leixlip Library. areas and for young people with When talking about integration and inclusion, disabilities”. Dryssen points out ‘they are our kids doing our thing in our school. It would be better if our kids Peter Hussey (KYT) talks about all the social could do something more integrative to help them benefits of drama – problem solving, expressing grow and develop”. Dryssen notes that the library opinions, collaboration, decision making, ‘ultimately and KARE share similar objectives – the promotion autonomy for your own life’ and that some of these of lifelong-learning, and this is where partnership is techniques are learned in certain communities at a logical. younger age, whereas the middle class ‘are often out at sea and lost when it comes to these things’. With regard to the library, Kildare Youth Services ‘would like to be involved in the consultation Lucina Russell (KCC) also acknowledged that with process more’ and feels that there are opportunities a county-wide remit for social inclusion, often those to integrate with the arts programme more: who aren’t financially marginalized can still be culturally excluded. “Huge opportunities to collaborate with arts services. Especially youth projects targeted at high Chapter 3 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //59
risk – young people at risk are just not engaged – • Sponsorship we can use fun and creativity to draw them in”. As the budget and economic constraints were Mags Walsh (CBI) talks about some of the repeatedly pointed out, the concept of sponsorship challenges facing reading – the presumption that was examined. Within the library world, there were someone is doing it with the child. “Everyone no national sponsorship strategies at present, but presumes someone else along the line is doing at local level there were cases of one-off, event- it – teachers presuming parents and vice versa, driven sponsorship. Teeling was quite optimistic libraries presuming arts and vice versa”. This clearly about the potential, but wary of expectations and emphasises the need to maintain and develop abilities. concrete, coherent lines of communication across the agencies – arts, libraries, schools, youth reach. “You’d have to be sensible about how you do it – clear rules about what you would and wouldn’t do. The NOIZE website provide another opportunity That raises issues about staff negotiating these to share resources and knowledge. Durrer (SDCC) things, have they ever done it, they probably need is open to sharing ideas and linking in with other training for that”. county council sites. Hussey mentioned that Kildare Youth Theatre should try and network through the However, if it was negotiated in a sensitive manner, library system more, to reach members from all it could be a realistic solution to budgetary over the county. A library space utilised as a venue issues for libraries. Nationally, the trend of arts space offers distinct possibilities, particularly for sponsorships has been developed and nurtured to Outreach workshops. Terms of use would need to quite an extent. Gaye Tanham noted that the Arts be examined. Council are enthusiastic about arts organisation cultivating sponsorships. It requires serious skill and administrative support but it could be a prospective long-term goal. Kildare Library Services have historically negotiated successful sponsorship deals with local businesses such as Wyeth, HP, Intel and McDonalds and the Arts Office has an excellent partnership relationship with MCD regarding Oxegen and Battle of the Bands. However, financial sponsorship will be more difficult to extract in an economic downturn, and more creative ‘in kind’ sponsorships will have to be realised. 60// Chapter 4 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Chapter 4
CONCLUSION
Have the objectives of the research been met?
Objective 1 Kildare County Council Arts Service had a very successful Music Outreach programme (with many Examine the current provision of Kildare County schools continuing music tuition independently), Council library and arts facilities for young people a Storytelling Residency (in conjunction with the in Kildare. library service for children of primary school age), and an ‘If I had an Artist for a Day ….’ programme. The provision of facilities for young people in Music outreach (was) and ‘If I had an Artist for Kildare is quite strong in parts and this must be a Day’ programme (is) offered to every primary acknowledged. Kildare County Council Library and school in the county. These programmes involve Arts Services display a commitment to children artists working directly with young people. and young adult services, however there are definite challenges around the provision of physical At another level, capacity building of youth leaders space in libraries across the county. This is being and promotion of best practice takes place through addressed through implementation of the Ideas supports provided for local youth theatre groups Matter development plan, in terms of ensuring and with Comhairle na nÓg. Mentoring and dedicated children’s and teen space in all new professional development of emerging artists is library builds and refurbishments of older buildings. provided for individual emerging artists, particularly The commissioning of the Not Only Adults film makers, musicians and visual artists. Drink Tea... research project as a response to the Teenspace document displays a clear indication of While the arts service provides a county wide the desire to engage with young people in Kildare. programme, it does not usually operate from dedicated arts space, often hosting programmes in With regard to Kildare County Council Library other locations, such as schools, NUI Maynooth, or Service, the existing level of provisions for young providing grant aid for projects that take place in people is to be commended. The stock selection venues used by a group. is diverse and well funded throughout the county, staff are genuinely interested and willing to engage with children and young adults and there have Objective 2 been some interesting programming and marketing initiatives explored already. Whilst programming for Assess how young people in Kildare engage with children is well organised and attended, new focus library and arts facilities. needs to be brought to teen programming in the (Achieved through focus group sessions, targeted libraries of Kildare. The over-riding issues are staff surveys and interactive blogging) and time constraints, which cannot be resolved immediately in the current economic climate. There The analysis suggests that teenagers in Kildare are however a number of perceived obstacles use the library much less frequently as they relating to space, atmosphere and décor that can get older, except for information gathering and be overcome. A teen-friendly environment should assistance and learning support at exam time. It be the unique selling point to platform a youth- is evident that traditional modes of engagement friendly information and awareness marketing around learning and education are working – the campaign. Kildare Research Services department provides Chapter 4 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //61
a very successful service to Leaving Certificate for young people in Kildare. Young people listen students. There is a considerable level of activity to, play, make and share music. Young people as regards engagement, specifically in theatre and surveyed want more gigs, more venue spaces and music: attending plays and gigs were the most more support for music making. Film was also very common form of arts participation, but there popular, with cinema being the most common is also a considerable lack of awareness of arts activity at the weekends: going to a commercial opportunities for teens. cinema, renting DVDs with friends or downloading films. Throughout focus groups, surveys and This research has evidenced a wealth of creativity interviews with young people in Kildare, there was in young people in the county: from doodling in a general lack of awareness about film selections in school notebooks, to creating music playlists for libraries, and yet there was a thirst to see ‘edgier’ parties, from styling an outfit to documenting a non-commercial films and the library as a potential night out with photographs, from singing in the venue was enthusiastically discussed. school musical to singing karaoke at home. Despite evidence of falling membership rates in libraries, The importance of sport cannot be ignored, young people are still reading. The young people especially for young males. There is ample surveyed are reading the popular bestsellers, opportunity to engage with young males through music magazines and autobiographies. Those sport-related programming, be it a sport-themed surveyed are borrowing books from friends and exhibition, more sport-related stock or an artistic are exploring the world of photography, music and programme that references sport in some way. sport through manuals. A challenge for libraries There are young people out there who may not be generally and including Kildare is in moving away affiliated to an organisation, who may not attend from the traditional image of the library as a place workshops, who may not engage with arts services, of study and research alone: a symbol of ‘authority’ but who enjoy making art, painting, designing and not a recreational or cultural destination. The websites, juggling and dancing. These are people author suggests using ICT innovations such as ready to participate. interactive blogs and a MySpace presence as an accessible tool, easily employed to break away from Ultimately ‘hanging out’ was the top priority for traditional perceptions and attract young people. young people: with friends, alone, catching up on sleep, relaxing. Teenagers need recognition of this Alongside the obvious and easily countered issues fact. of marketing and communication, capacity building is a priority issue – a system of ‘outreach’ to all Lack of space was frequently cited as the social groups needs to be cultivated, whether biggest issue for teenagers in Kildare, but if the informally or through structured programming. space within libraries is properly managed and The Local Studies Librarian engages successfully communicated, the library has the potential to through outreach with secondary school become the space that teenagers so desperately students but the service could benefit from a more need. sustainable approach. Targeted staff training could assist in channelling staff ideas to help formulate a structured and prioritised outreach programme. Objective 4
Provide a contextual framework for KLAS on both a Objective 3 national and international level. (Through data and policy analysis combined with Explore the recreational and leisure pursuits of interviews) young people in Kildare. (Achieved through focus group sessions, targeted There is a momentum propelling youth issues onto surveys and interactive blogging) the national agenda. Government is providing a political platform; youth services are providing Overwhelmingly, and in line with national studies, a community dimension. The arts and library music is the most popular form of recreation structures are directing policy at young people and 62// Chapter 4 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
recognising young people as a priority category. Objective 5 The local authority has been repeatedly highlighted as a huge driving force in Youth Arts. With this Provide a body of research to inform a Play and overarching framework of positive discrimination, Learn Policy for Kildare County Council and a there is excellent opportunity for KLAS to maintain Library Services Youth Space Policy. and expand their remit to young people in Kildare. This research shall help inform both the Play Potential challenges include staffing, resources and and Learn Policy for Kildare County Council and budgets. It must be acknowledged that despite the Youth Space Policy for Kildare County Council the current economic climate, there are funding Library Services. The research has been delivered structures under-utilised and as Public and the through means of surveys, focus groups, interviews, Arts pointed out, 70% of people think the arts blogging, film and mixed media. should be safeguarded in a recession. Economic constraints also allow for more imaginative lateral thinking and force the sharing of resources and Objective 6: open up new avenues of inter-agency partnerships. This is a key issue for KLAS in moving forward. Present findings and recommendations in multi- format report. The similar objectives of youth services and Youth (Written report form, alongside film, poster and art Arts provide opportunity to collaborate. Space exhibition) challenges are issues for every community group and collaboration allows for increased profile, This document is accompanied by two short programming, training and venues. The changing films, focus group material for presentation role of the library has been widely accepted and as an exhibition, a flyer and poster and a blog the library’s potential is huge, but of course the (BeingYoung.wordpress.com) core functions of the library can not be sidestepped in the move to accommodate young people. CHALLENGES: ENCOUNTERED Equally the issue of sustainability and longevity cannot be compromised in order to be all things to all people. Local models that are working Focus Group Challenges successfully need to be developed further and there are small but effective measures that can The disposable camera activity, although be taken to engage younger audiences, but it is worthwhile, was difficult to administer, expensive important not to dilute the programmes that are to produce and sometimes unreliable. However, it already successfully working. There is a strong gave participants a greater sense of purpose and case here for inter-agency collaboration, with was extremely useful in generating conversation. the sharing of venue space, staff and skill-sets. An Chomhairle Leabharlanna Working Group Trying to coordinate a group of people with on Services for Young People is a good example disabilities through Enable Kildare proved of such interagency collaboration. Such concerted efforts for the benefit of library services nationally should be continued past achieving current objectives, as a communication tool and way of keeping the priority of youth services on the agenda of key decision makers.
Chapter 4 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //63
unsuccessful. Staff at Enable Kildare decided to disseminate an email to members detailing the purpose of the research and the structure of the focus groups, directing members to the research. There was no uptake. This outcome chimes with Siobhan O’Rourke’s observations on Comhairle na nÓg and the reluctance of young people with physical disabilities to engage in activities perceived to be dominated by able-bodied young people. Nicole Dryssen from KARE also pointed out that some of her schools could be isolated and segregated from the community, sometimes a result of self-exclusion. This suggests the need for an extra level of outreach to occur here among Survey Challenges communities of young people with disabilities. The surveys were extremely time-consuming A focus group with Kildare Traveller Action had and administration heavy, with sometimes little been coordinated at the start of the research, return. With regard to the second level surveys, the but unfortunately this session did not go ahead. majority were filled out in class time during school. However, Kildare Traveller Action expressed Unfortunately this embedded the association a definite desire to participate in the research of the library with the authority of the school. and the research presents an avenue to initiate Not all of the surveys were taken seriously and dialogue between the travelling community a considerable amount had to be removed from and Kildare County Council Library and Arts the total, especially for male returns. However, Services. Following the success of Kildare County it was felt that it was more time-effective in the Council Library Service initiatives with the travelling context of the breadth of this research to conduct community such as Can’t Lose CANT; Threading through schools. Kildare Youth Services and Athy Tales and Pictureógs the author believes the scope Community College specifically requested online for consultation with young people from this versions for students to complete during computer community is such that it deserves its own separate class, but again, there were disappointing results. research. There were only six responses from both groups.
With each of the focus groups there was a low Primary school surveys were disseminated turnout of male participants. The groups were through Rathmore National School, Eadestown constructed with a gender-balanced quota, but and Halverstown Primary School, Kilcullen. Both more males cancelled than females. Those who were mixed schools and Rathmore was a middle- participated were very vocal and interested, but it sized school and Halverstown was a very small is interesting that there was a higher female uptake. school with under 30 pupils. A number of parents Anecdotally library staff have encountered similar at Rathmore declined to take the survey with no issues with male uptake of programming, so explanation and just over half of Halverstown there is strong awareness of this issue. Some staff responded. surveyed, have already taken part in a training course ‘Boys & Reading’ as delivered by CILIP. With regard to the staff surveys, 31 library staff of This research highlights the need to continue this 75 responded, all arts staff responded and only commitment in ‘upskilling’ staff and tackling head 4 arts practitioners completed the survey. The on staff perceptions around teen behaviours and information extracted from the surveys was very interests. It is noteworthy that An Chomhairle useful, but can only be used as a guide in the Leabharlanna is following up on this important context of this research. area by providing a course entitled ‘Supporting Teenagers in Public Libraries’ in 2009, and the The blog provided a good opportunity for engaging author would advocate Kildare library staff availing with young people and could be maintained and of all such innovative training opportunities. utilised as a communication tool moving forward. 64// Chapter 5 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
CHAPTER 5
RECOMMENDATIONS
These recommendations have evolved from intensive discussion with young people between the ages of 0 and 18 years in Kildare, alongside Kildare County Council Library and Arts Staff and relevant stakeholders. The recommendations represent the findings and discussions that emerged from the period of research.
• Devise a similar ‘Youth Arts’ marketing strategy to emphasise the value of creativity for young people and re-define youth perception of ‘art’ e.g. A campaign that challenges traditional notions of art, breaking down ‘high’ and ‘low’ barriers and celebrates new, emerging forms of art and creativity.
• Develop KLAS ICT engagement with young people. In line with survey responses, the medium of texting needs to be utilised more for the teenage audience.
• Initiate discussions with youth services and community groups around collaboration Short Term Goals: 2009 opportunities to share resources and programming. • Remove guardian consent and proof of address for under 18s and market the library card as • The use of the library as a venue space should an aspirational form of identity. Design and be ‘sold’ more to local groups and this should distribute different cards for teenagers. be exploited to increase membership by directing appropriate professional displays and • Décor and furniture should be upgraded or information at user groups. modified in all library service points where not already done, to reflect the visual aesthetics of a • Expand and develop the social networking younger demographic. efforts platformed by this research, including blog (BeingYoung.wordpress.com) Bebo and • Gaming consoles, as one of the major growth MySpace sites. areas, should be rolled out throughout the Kildare library network. • Make services for young people highly visible on both the library service website www.kildare. • Devise a creative and integrative countywide ie/library and the arts service website www. ‘Youth Library’ marketing strategy to present kildare.ie/artsservice library services and stock in a different light, using viral, text and print campaigns. Involve • Use this research to inform some aspects of young people in design and dissemination of the anticipated Kildare County Council Library marketing material, through graphic design Service Youth Space Policy. competitions and with appropriate incentives. Chapter 5 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //65
• Use this research to inform some aspects of the Long Term Goals: 2009 - 2011 anticipated Kildare County Council Play and Learn Policy. • Continue commitment to interagency collaboration work on a national platform through contributions on pertinent steering Medium Term Goals: 2009 – 2010 committees and working groups for the benefit of library and arts services in Co. Kildare. • Progress focused research with the client groups that the author was unable to engage • Encourage more staff training around youth meaningfully with for Not Only Adults Drink services. Tap into diverse training available Tea...…..Use contacts already made to progress through the Arts Council, An Chomhairle consultation specifically with Young Adults with Leabharlanna and National Youth Council disabilities and Young Adults from the Travelling of Ireland around facilitation and creative Community. engagement.
• Use case studies as presented in this research as • Continue sponsorship partnerships with local models to help inform achievable objectives in businesses. Another form of revenue should KLAS Business Plan 2010 onwards. lessen the pressure of staff and space shortages and create new programming opportunities. • Develop links with Kildare Youth Services and Ensure staff training is delivered to this end. pilot a youth service workshop in a library service point. • Develop more formal relationships with schools through student councils. Explore the idea of • Establish local teen panels to tap into ‘expert’ student library and arts representatives, elected programming skills. In line with survey responses within schools, to liaise between library and arts and focus group analysis, film and music appear services and the student body. to be the most universally consumed art forms for young people in Kildare – it would be • Continue to liaise and encourage organisations prescient to concentrate on these two mediums to engage in Youth Arts programming and to initially. Use Maynooth Young Adult Reading utilise library and arts spaces. Panel as a model to roll out throughout the Kildare library network. • Prioritise services and outreach to all young people countywide from Management level • Explore opportunities to introduce vending down throughout the organisation. machines and tea and coffee making facilities into libraries and arts spaces. • Increase presence and visibility of services for young people in the new Library Development • Re-examine feasibility of internship programme/ Plan due in 2012, and the new Arts Development volunteerism for Kildare County Council Library and Plan 2012. Arts Services with the dual purpose of providing professional apprenticeships and building formal relations with young adult audiences.
• Promote at senior level the creation of a post that deals specifically with Children and Teen Library Services.
• Develop Kildare Library and Arts Services websites with involvement of young people.
• Continue to prioritise funding for children’s and teen library and arts spaces in all new projects. 66// Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Appendix 1 Q. 8 What do you do in the library?
%
STATISTIC RESULTS
The following statistical results are the product of a
Read Music Relax Study Books printed questionnaire distributed to targeted primary Friends Internet and secondary schools and youth services during the research period. Some questions and responses have Photocopy/CV been omitted depending on age category and statistical relevance. >>44% went for multiple uses of the library Questions 1 – 3 on the senior cycle were designed to ascertain gender, age and nationality. There were three >>32% did not use any respondents from Africa, four from Eastern Europe, one from America and one from England. service
• Music: 5.88% SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL FEMALES (T: 50) • Friends: 11.76% Age 16 – 18 years • Photocopy/CV: 2.94% • Read: 20.58% Q. 4 Do you have a part-time job? • Relax: 2.94% • Study: 76.47% • Books: 58.82% >>20% of those surveyed had • Internet: 32.35% a part-time job Q. 9 What do you think of when you think of ‘library’?:
Q. 5 Are you a member of a library? • Books • Quietness • Small number said boring
Q. 10 What do you like about the library?
• Variety and availability of books • Research material • Silence for studying • Selection of books
Q. 6 If not, why not? Q. 11 What do you not like about the library?
Ranges of answers varied from: • Not enough study space • Not interested • Study space segregated from main library…too many • Don’t have time kids distracting them • Never been a member • Too cold/too warm • Library in school • Too quiet • Don’t like reading • Small perception of strict atmosphere
Q. 7 How often do you go to the library? >>36% never go >>14% go weekly Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //67
Q. 12 Rate the book selection Q. 16 Have you attended any of the following in Kildare?
% %
Gigs Plays
Readings
Exhibitions Workshops
• Excellent: 5% Talks/Presentations • Good: 47.5% Most attended event were plays, followed by exhibitions • Average: 42.5% and then gigs. • Terrible: 5%
Q. 13 Do you attend any events in the library? >>60% thought gigs were good, 40% bad – room for >>74% never attend improvement here!
Q. 18 How much time do you spend on the following activities?
Time Spent (hrs) 0 0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20+ Activity % Gaming 36 62 2 0 0 0 Friends 4 16 30 16 14 20 Q. 14 Did you know there were events on in the Homework 6 36 18 20 8 12 library? Internet 6 46 30 16 2 0 Music 8 28 26 22 10 6 Physical Activity 10 56 26 4 4 0 Reading 10 54 22 10 4 0 Shopping 6 66 22 4 2 0 55% - No 45% - Yes TV 6 34 38 14 6 2
Q. 19 Type of events you would like to have access to:
Q. 15 If you were in charge of a library, what would • Photography workshops you do? • Discos/ under 18 clubs • Dancing workshops • Have food/tea or coffee • Music workshops • Better selection of books • Events around LC programme • Bigger study area • Literature and creative writing workshops • Material/programming around leaving certificate • Open everyday • More computers 68// Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Q. 20 Most popular venue: Q. 24 How would you like to be informed about events?
%
Text Post Email
Website
Poster/flyer
Social networking Q. 21 Rate in order of preference the activities you Don’t want to know most like doing: Q. 25 If you were in charge of a space for young 1. Music people, what would you do? 2. Reading 3. Drawing • Provide food/drink 4. Film • Have music/gigs 5. Sports • Provide somewhere to hang out 6. Acting/dancing • Make it fun for young people • Better access to events for young people Q. 22 What turns you off about arts/cultural events? Q. 26 Describe the perfect weekend:
• Hanging with friends • Gigs/parties • Relaxing
% • DVD/TV • Cinema • Shopping
Q. 27 What do you think are the biggest issues facing teenagers in Kildare? Q. 23 How do you find out about events? • Nothing to do and nowhere to go • Drugs/alcohol • Boredom • Exam stress % Q. 28 How do you think these issues can be overcome?
TV Text • Have places for youth to go Radio Family School Library Internet • Low cost Magazines
Newspapers Posters/flyers • Organise events aimed at young people Word of mouth • Organise Leaving Certificate so that exams are spread throughout the year Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //69
SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL MALES (T: 39) Q. 9 What do you think of when you think of ‘library’? Age 16 – 18 years • Study • Books Q. 4 Do you have a part-time job? • Boring • Quiet >>23% of those surveyed have • Curiosity a part-time job Q. 10 What do you like about the library? • Late opening hours Q. 5 Are you a member of a library? • Quiet • Comfortable/relaxing atmosphere • Information • Away from distractions • Staff • Books • Nothing
Q. 11 What do you not like about the library?
• Layout of books • Opening hours >>Of those that are, 33% • Boring • Everything, no room never go, 19% go weekly. • Lack of choice • Don’t like reading Q. 8 What do you do in the library? • Children and noise • Space for study • Too far away
Q. 12 Rate the book selection:
• Study: 70% • Internet: 33% • Music: 11% • Friends: 7% • Excellent: 6% • Photocopy: 4% • Very Good: 42% • Pleasure/Read: 4% • Average: 32% • Books: 30% • Poor: 19% 21% did not answer >>24% use none of the services, while 24% use more than one service 70// Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Q. 13 Do you attend any events in the library?
87% never attend, of those that did, people went to exhibitions, readings and finally games clubs.
Q. 18 How much time do you spend on the following activities?
Time Spent (hrs) 0 0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20+ Q.15 If you were in charge of a library, what would you do? Activity % Gaming 18 62 18 3 • More interesting books/better selection Friends 15 36 15 21 13 • Wider selection of music • More LC oriented events Homework 8 26 15 23 26 3 • More study space Internet 5 49 31 5 5 5 • Separate study space Music 5 41 26 13 3 13 • More space to hang out and more sociable atmosphere Physical Activity 8 28 33 23 5 3 • Music exhibitions Reading 21 59 13 5 3 0 • Films Shopping 15 74 8 3 0 0 • Open later everyday TV 5 28 31 26 5 8 Q. 16 Have you attended any of the following (plays, exhibitions, gigs, workshops, talks/presentations, Other activities mentioned: readings) in Kildare? • Boxing Club • Sleeping • Acting >>33% attended nothing Q.19 What type of events would you like to have Most attended was a play, followed by gigs, followed by access to? talks, workshops and readings last. • Photography Q. 17 How did you rate the experience? • Music/gigs/live bands/ musical instruments • Comedy • Art exhibitions • Fire-breathing • Acting/musicals/plays • Study skills/woodwork • Films • Book clubs • Sports Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //71
Q.20 Most popular venue: Q. 24 How would you like to be informed about events?
Q.21 Rate in order of preference the arts activities you Q. 25 If you were in charge of a space for young most like doing: people, what would you do?
1. Music • Put on more sports events 2. Sport/gym • Have somewhere to relax 3. Photography • Have parties 4. Art – drawing/painting • Music events • Gaming/pool tables Q.22 What turns you off about arts/cultural events? Q. 26 Describe the perfect weekend:
• Socialising • Relaxing • Sports • Gaming • Cinema • Music – playing/going to gigs etc
Q .27 What do you think are the biggest issues facing teenagers in Kildare?
• Boredom Q.23 How do you find out about events? • Lack of facilities • Peer pressure • Alcohol
Q. 28 How do you think these can be overcome?
• Sports • Organised events • More youth facilities • Better transport • Talks 72// Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL FEMALES (T: 72) Q.10 What do you like about the library? Age 13 – 15 years • Quietness/relaxing/calm atmosphere Q. 4 Do you have a part-time job? • Availability of books • Internet >>5.5% of those surveyed have a part-time job Q.11 What do you not like about the library? • Boring Q. 5 Are you a member of a library? • Location • Difficulty in finding books
Q. 12 Rate the book selection: 31% - No 69% - Yes
Q. 7 How often do you visit the library? >>14% never go • Excellent: 2.77% >>2% go weekly • Very Good: 34.72% • Average: 38.88% Q.8 What do you do in the library? • Poor: 8.33% 15% did not answer
Q.13 Do you attend events in the library?
• Books: 54.1% • Internet: 30.55% • Study: 20.83% • Read: 19.44% • Photocopy/CV: 2.77% • Music: 5.55% >>30% attend >>35% used the library for >>70% never attend Q. 14 Did you know there were events on in the multiple reasons library? >>17% did not answer
Q.9 What do you think of when you think of ‘library’? >>46% knew there were
• Books events in the library • Silence • Boredom Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //73
Q.15 If you were in charge of a library, what would you Q. 18 How much time do you spend on the following do? activities?
• Create a more relaxed atmosphere Time Spent (hrs) 0 0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20+ • Improve selection of books/ more modern books • Opening café/allowing food Activity % • Additional seating Gaming 13 79 6 1 1 0 Friends 6 11 34 17 17 14 Q.16 Have you attended any of the following in Kildare? Homework 15 57 20 6 3 3 Internet 15 56 26 4 4 4 Music 4 41 20 20 7 7 Physical Activity 9 33 33 11 11 4 Reading 6 54 23 11 3 3 Shopping 1 51 36 4 1 6 TV 11 39 26 17 4 3
Most attended was a play, followed by a gig. Q. 19 What type of events would you like to have Q.17 How did you rate the experience? access to?
• Dance • Music • Photography • Fashion shows • Drama
Q.20 Where do you think these activities should take place?
Q. 21 Rate in order of preference the arts activity you most like to do:
1. Music 2. Dance 3. Drawing % 4. Photography/art 5. Acting 74// Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Q. 22 What turns you off about arts/cultural events? Q. 27 What do you think are the biggest issues facing teenagers in Kildare?
• Boredom • Drugs • Lack of information about events
Q. 28 How do you think these can be overcome?
• Build better facilities • Create a space for young people to use
Q. 23 How do you find out about events?
Q.24 How would you like to be informed about events?
Q.25 If you were in charge of a space for young people, what would you do?
• Youth café • Music/gigs etc/ youth discos • More relaxed atmosphere • Classes/workshops • Subsidised food
Q.26 Describe the perfect weekend:
• Hanging out • Relaxing • Cinema • Classes – drama/photography • Sports • Reading • Eating out • Play/ drama/ theatre Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //75
JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL MALES (T: 87) Q.10 What do you like about the library? Age 13 – 15 years • Quietness/relaxing/calm atmosphere Q.4 Do you have a part-time job? • Book selection • Internet >>4.5% of those surveyed • Nothing have a part-time job Q.11 What do you not like about the library? • Boring Q. 5 Are you a member of a library? • Strict atmosphere • Rules and regulations • Everything • No food allowed • Difficulty finding books • Bad music selection 57% - No 43% - Yes
Q. 12 Rate the book selection:
Q. 7 How often do you visit the library? % >>48% never go >>15% go weekly • Brilliant: 6% Q.8 What do you do in the library? • Good: 44% • Average: 25% • Poor: 15% Not Answered: 10%
% Q.13 Do you attend events in the library? >>21% attend
Music Books
Internet Reading Relaxing Studying >>79% never attend
Photocopy/CV Meeting friends
• Music: 23% • Net: 29% • Book: 35% • Reading: 23% % • Net: 27% • Study: 23% • Relax: 12%
19% did not use any of the services in the library. Film Talks
Games Reading
Bookclubs Exhibitions Q.9 What do you think of when you think of ‘library’? Workshops
• Books • Silence • Boredom 76// Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Q.14 Did you know there were events on in the Q.20 Where do you think arts/cultural activities library? should take place? >>30% knew events were on in the library
Q.15 If you were in charge of a library, what would you do?
• Make space for youth events • Sports related activities • Games consoles • More relaxed atmosphere Q.21 Rate in order of preference the arts activity you • Serve/allow food most like doing:
Q. 18 How much time do you spend on activities? 1. Music 2. Animation/ Illustration 3. Photography Time Spent (hrs) 0 0-5 5-10 10-15 15-20 20+ 4. Sport/ Motor-cross/ Snooker Activity % 5. Fire-poi/Juggling Gaming 5 45 25 12 8 5 Q.22 What turns you off about arts/cultural events? Friends 3 14 38 23 12 9 Homework 2 57 20 12 5 5 Internet 9 62 15 12 0 2 Music 12 48 17 9 5 9 Physical Activity 14 32 29 17 3 5 Reading 17 60 9 8 2 3 Shopping 17 74 8 2 0 0 TV 9 31 29 15 8 8
Other activities mentioned: Q. 23 How do you find out about events? • Relaxing • Fire Poi • Motor-cross • Mountain-biking
Q. 19 What type of events would you like to have access to?: • Music events and classes, practice room, lessons • Workshops school subjects/IT/ Woodwork • Football clubs • Photography Classes • Exhibitions around science/history Q. 24 How would you like to be informed about events? Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //77
Q. 25 If you were in charge of a space for young PRIMARY SCHOOL COMBINED (T: 65) people, what would you do? Age 7 – 12 years
• Subsidised food Questions 1 – 3 on the primary school survey were • Snooker and pool tables designed to ascertain gender, age and nationality. There • Gaming was one person from Eastern Europe, one from England, • Youth-oriented activities the remainder were Irish.
Q. 26 Describe the perfect weekend: Q. 4 Are you a member of a library?
• Hanging out with mates • Sports/ training • Cinema • Sleeping/ Relaxing • Eating • Gaming
Q. 27 What do you think are the biggest issues facing teenagers in Kildare?
• Boredom • Lack of facilities/ events aimed at young people • Alcohol/ drugs/ smoking
Q. 28 How do you think these can be overcome?
• More youth clubs • More sport • More activities aimed at young people • Can’t be overcome
• Senior Boys = Age 10 -12 years • Senior Girls = Age 10 -12 years • Junior Boys = Age 7- 9 years • Junior Girls = Age 7- 9 years
Q. 5 If not a member, why not?
• No time, often the parents don’t have time • Parents not members • Content and satisfied with school library • Have books to home, receive books as presents • Not interested, don’t like books, don’t like reading • “I think they are very dull places”
Q. 6 How often do you go to the library? 78// Appendix 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Q. 7 Who brings you to the library? Q.13 What events have you attended in the library? >>100% go with a parent, although 8% also go with a sibling, friend or childminder.
Q. 8 What do you do in the library?
Q.14 Did you know there were events in the library?
Q. 9 What do you think of when you hear the word ‘library’? Q. 15 If you were in charge of a library, what would • Books you do? • Reading • Boredom • More storytelling • Fun • Purchase TV • Nice atmosphere • Make sure none of the books were damaged • Homework • More books for foreign readers • Relaxing • More fun • Quiet room Q. 10 What do you like about the library? • Organise more events – parties, games, book clubs • Organise books better • Computers • Keep library cleaner • Book selection • Try attract younger crowd • Fun • Learning games on computers • Storytelling • Close the library down • ‘Kids only’ computer/ less strict, faster internet Q.11 What do you not like about the library? • Sell sweets • Play music • Reading • Talking area • Opening hours • Themed weeks ‘e.g. Golf’ • Bad atmosphere Q. 16 Have you attended any of the following? Q.12 Rate the book selection: Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //79
Q. 17 How did you rate the event? • Looking after babies • Computer games • Drama • Fashion • Holidays • Books • “Eating profiteroles” / baking • Dancing/ hip hop • Phone/camera • Crafts/ drawing/ painting • Chess • Playing outside • Milk/ apples/chocolate • Maltesers • TV/DVD/cinema
Q. 20 What do you like doing best?
Q. 22 What turns you off about arts/cultural events?
Q. 23 How do you find out about events?
Q. 18 What are your favourite things in the world?
• Sports • Family/friends • Music/singing/piano • Food/sweets 80// Chapter 1 | Not Only Adults Drink Tea...
Q. 24 If you were in charge of a space for young people, what would you do?
• Sporting and reading events • Films • Organise trips and talent competitions • Games • Fun events, competitions and quizzes • Arts and crafts • Karaoke • Parties • Have a space to read • Indoor and outdoor activities • Comfortable seating • Cooking classes
Q.25 Describe your perfect weekend:
• Games • Reading • Playing with friends • Family dinners • Films/Cinema • Go for walks/fishing/play sport • Relaxing
Q. 26 What is the worst thing about being young?
• Being small • Rules • Can’t vote • Can’t drive • Lack of freedom • Not being tall enough to go on big rides • Not being taken seriously • Not allowed to watch scary movies
Q. 27 What is the best thing about being young?
• No responsibilities • Lots of free time • No bills • No worries • Making friends • Birthday parties • Ability to run fast • Getting away with stuff Bibliography | Not Only Adults Drink Tea... //81
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