Libraries build community.
One of the most important and valuable ways libraries do that is through the services they provide to our youth. There has been considerable public concern about the quantity and quality of afterschool programs available to youth, especially teenagers. Fortunately, many public and school libraries sponsor exceptional afterschool programs for teenagers, including homework centers, tutoring, babysitting training and arts programs, among others. The best of these programs do more than provide a safe place for kids to hang out. The American Library Association believes that a greater public awareness of successful library afterschool programs for teens will encourage more libraries and other organizations to get involved in providing enrichment programs for youth.