Teen-friendly school library spaces and services

CHICAGO —Published by the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) and ALA Editions, “Growing Teen Engagement: Strategies to Captivate Secondary Learners” is your essential resource for transforming your secondary school library into a thriving, learner-centered community. You can ensure that your school library is a place where teens feel seen, heard, and inspired. Whether you’re looking to inspire creativity, encourage teamwork, or build emotional resilience, Jessica Fitzpatrick’s book gives you the tools to create a school library that supports the full spectrum of teen development. Inside, you’ll discover:

• the ways in which welcoming, magnetic, and engaging programming for teens can align developmental needs with the AASL Standards;
• actionable strategies in each chapter that demonstrate how to promote creativity, self-definition, positive social interaction, physical activity, and more;
• a myriad of ready-to-use collaborative lessons, passive and active programs, and community outreach ideas; and
• an adaptable programming calendar.

Fitzpatrick is a Houston-based educator with over a decade of teaching and library experience. With a bachelor's in education from the University of Houston and a master's in library science from the University of North Texas, she's been recognized for her innovation. Awards include the 2022 Library Journal Mover & Shaker and the Texas Library Association (TLA) Media Virtual Presence Award. She has also received grants and awards from organizations such as AASL and YALSA, demonstrating her commitment to promoting literacy and programming. Connect with her on Instagram: @librarian_fitz.

The American Association of School Librarians (AASL), a division of the American Library Association (ALA), empowers leaders to transform teaching and learning.

ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.