What is Grammar and Games for Teens?
04/01/23
Hi! My name is Eili and I am a '22 English Creative Writing graduate. When I was in high school, I had zero time to make it to my local library. I had a summer job, was heavily involved in varsity swimming and had hours of work to do each day.
But, when I went to college, I did all my work at our college library. I’d wake up, text friends to let them know when I’d be there and wait for their replies.
Often, two out of three of them would speed-walk through the doors, sweaty and breathless, ice rattling in clear-ish coffee that’d already been watered down from the walk across the quad. The library was always 5 to 6 degrees above what most would consider a comfortable temperature, so that iced beverage was not long for this world in the first place.
Needless to say, we got a lot of stuff done in that library. I always knew the library was a safe space; I could get help from library advisors, find a quiet corner with a great view or find a familiar face no matter the time of day.
A year later I came to work at the Main Library in Frisco and quickly realized that few Summit County’s teenagers used the library, much like myself at their age. While Frisco is not a college library, we do have 3 free study rooms. Many patrons tell us what a wonderful place it is to get studying and professional work done (plus, the building is a much more comfortable temperature than my alma mater).
So, I had an idea. I wanted to create a program that gives teens ages 12 to 18 an excuse to do work in the library’s spaces. However, while developing the program, I quickly re-learned why not many high schoolers are at the library: they simply don’t have the time. Lots of our students are busy with sports, extracurriculars or jobs. Therefore, I had to come up with a way to make it worth their while.
That’s when I came up with Grammar and Games, a program that not only holds space for high school students in the library, but also offers them help with writing, homework and even career development skills.
When and Where:
Grammar and Games is held on Tuesdays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. in the Main Library’s young adult room. Snacks are provided, and students can bring assignments they may need assistance with. As a former journalist with a Creative Writing and Journalism degree, I can offer my professional advice.
Register Here
So while those busy schedules may keep students from the library, the least I can do is make sure the library can support them from afar, and ensure students know the library is a safe space with plenty of resources to help them inside – and outside of – school.
