Updates
May 2025, Turner Free Library, Randolph, Massachusetts Young Adult Engagement Manager Joanne Batson applied for a LITT renewal grant to support a teen visual arts internship program. The interns worked closely with local artist, Jamaal Eversley, to create and refine their own designs. In May 2025, their artwork, descriptions, and bios were installed on a gallery wall in the library’s teen room and they celebrated with a festive opening for friends, family, and members of the community.
May 2025, Pollard Memorial Library, Lowell, Massachusetts: Young Adult Librarian Claire Day approached LITT about refreshing the teen space in a historic library building in the old mill town of Lowell. She wanted to replace the long, traditional study tables with furniture that would be comfortable and appealing to teens, and would also encourage collaboration. She solicited input from her regular teen patrons and met with a YA consultant from the state’s Board of Library Commissioners. When she was ready with a plan, LITT provided a grant to help her purchase new movable tables with charging stations, comfy chairs, stools, and display shelves. At the grand opening of the renovated space, thirty-four teens mingled and hung out. Since that time, teens from Lowell have started to make the space their own, showing up during after school hours for drop in arts and crafts, programming, gaming, and more.
October 29, 2024, Waltham Public Library: Read more about
the LITT-sponsored For Freedoms Lawn Sign Project in the Waltham Times.
Waltham Youths Give Voice to What Freedom Means to Them
by WPL’s Teen Department Head, Lauren Flocco