Why Teens Love to Hang Out at the Library

Why Teens Love to Hang Out at the Library

From MindShift Podcast by KQED

September 23, 2025 · 15 min

About this episode

The episode explores how transformed public libraries are creating supportive spaces for teens post-pandemic.

Host Ki Sung takes listeners inside some of the public libraries that have made significant transformations to better serve community needs. Inspired by Chicago’s pioneering YOUmedia model, similar teen-centered library programs are now thriving in cities like New York and San Francisco. These teen spaces support not just digital learning and creativity, but also emotional well-being and community-building after the isolation of the pandemic. Listeners will hear directly from students, and librarians about how these innovative programs are helping teens flourish, proving that libraries can be much more than just places for books—they can be places to belong.

People in this episode

Host: Ki Sung

Topics covered

  • teen spaces
  • libraries
  • community-building
  • digital learning
  • emotional well-being

Keywords

  • libraries
  • teens
  • community
  • YOUmedia
  • digital learning
  • emotional well-being
  • public libraries

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chicago, YOUmedia, New York, San Francisco

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