Laptops, Graphic Tablets, Video Games, Anime & More
A library card is a powerful thing. If you’re in middle or high school, you have some unique library opportunities that require nothing more than your card. As part of a “Tweens and Teens” grant that was awarded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners,
Beebe Library has a number of new and innovative services for young adults. Continue »

Hey kids, ever wonder why anyone uses Twitter? Maybe you’ve thought, “It seems interesting, but what would I do with it? Why should I try this instead of Facebook?” If you’re curious about the microblogging world of Twitter, come to the Twitter for Teens Workshop! Tuesday, December 7 at 3pm in the Program Room.

This program is for kids in grades 5 and up, and registration is required. To register for this program, click here.
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The Winter 1 session of Story Time that begins in November is currently filled. Patrons are encouraged to apply for the Winter 2 classes at this time. Winter 2 sessions run from January 11 through February 18. Register online, or view a complete schedule.
YA Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday, November 17 at 3 p.m. in the Program Room. This group suggests and plans library activities for kids in middle school as part of the Tweens and Teens grant from the Institute for Museum and Library Services, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. New members are welcome. Stop in for soda and cookies.
Manga Swap will take place on Tuesday, November 16, 2:30-3:30 p.m. in the Lecture Hall. Bring your lightly used manga favorites to swap and trade with other kids. Soda and cookies provided.
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For kids in grades 5 & up
In August, as part of the Summer Reading Program, kids were taught to use graphic tablets and Photoshop to create their own digital art.

In September, two more workshops will be taking place, taught by Peter Simeti of Painted Heroes. Classes will be taking place on September 9 from 3-5 pm, and September 11 from 2-4 pm, and are for kids in grades 5 and up. Sign up for either session here.

In addition to these workshops, young adults can check out the graphic tablets for two hours at a time with their library cards for use at any of the computers in the Youth Room. All computers on the lower level are equipped with Adobe Photoshop Elements and Premier Elements, and can be used with the tablets to edit photos, create movies, or paint and draw.

Last Spring, Wakefield teens participated in a video game creation program using the Scratch game creation language. Their games are now available on the Young Adults section of Beebe Library’s website, and are free to play.

From the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Lucius Beebe Memorial Library has won a $20,000 LSTA (Library Services and Technology Act) grant from the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services, awarded by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

To be used over a period of two years, the grant will enhance library services to ‘Tweens and Teens – primarily kids of middle and high school age. Funds will buy new technology and print materials, improve the furniture and appearance of the Young Adults’ room, update the Homework Center, and provide programs.
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EqualAccess Grant helps library serve middle school kids
Over the summer, the library conducted a number of focus groups to determine how the library can best serve middle school students over the coming year. With the help of an EqualAccess grant through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, administered by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, the library solicited input not only from the community, but also from a number of young adults (teens) who have agreed to serve on the Young Adult Advisory Board. This board is responsible for advising library staff about library activities for teens. And they’ve been very hard at work since October.
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