Teen Library Websites

1. Title: TeenLink: For Teen Readers, Writers and Dreamers

Library: New York Public Library - New York, New York

Resources:

• Search library catalogue, e-resources and photo collection
• Listen Up! (Hear audiobook samples online)
• Live Homework Help
• Wordsmiths (Teens submit writing samples to be published on the webspage)
• New Book notices
• Live author chats and transcripts (ex. Ann M. Martin, Avi, Judy Blume, etc.)
• Book cover design contests
• Library teen event notices
• TeenLife links (jobs, health, hotlines, relationahips, etc.)
• Link-O-Rama (Author websites, Book and magazine lists, NYC teen-related websites)

Comments: This website is eye-catching and colourful. It's not too cluttered, it contains lots of useful content, and it is easy to read. The booklists they have created not only list the title and the author, but they give short summaries of the books, along with cover shots. I thought this was a really great idea. The NYPL has a lot more money to spend than the average library, but it is obvious from this website that they are spending it well.

Address: http://teenlink.nypl.org

Age Level: 12+

2. Title: the mezz CAN

Library: Red Deer Public Library - Red Deer, Alberta

Resources:

• Catalogue Search, Library Information, Get a Card, etc.
• Web Poll
• Announcements
• Pictures and information about the redesigned teen section of the library
• Links grouped into categories of Arts & Culture, Books & Stuff, Entertainment, Get Involved, Jobs/Careers, School Stuff, Sport & Fitness, Talk 2 Teens and Teen Topics

Comments: I think the design of this site is excellent. It is colourful without making your eyes feel like they're going to burn out of your head, it is well organized, and it is uncluttered. The text is nice and big so teens with visual impairments or old people who are in denial about being old can read it easily. The content needs a little something extra though. The categories the library has for its links are excellent. There is a good number and variety of them, and the links all seem to be working, but the site needs more than just links. Some suggestions would be to allow teens to submit writing samples or artwork. Create a message board. Offer live homework help. Have something that will make teens want to stay at the site instead of passing through it to other places. As a final point, what's up with titling their announcement section "Wassup?" Is that still in?

Address: http://www.rdpl.org/the-mezz

Age Level: 12+