A few teens sit by a room door, eagerly waiting for 5 p.m. to arrive at the Vivian J. Lincoln Library. The reason? Teen DIY, a craft program that meets every other week, is about to begin. Some come for the craft but leave with something more.
As the doors open, youth librarian Megan Gibbs plays soft music to welcome the group. Today’s project is yarn portraits. What starts as a simple art activity quickly turns into a room full of laughter, life updates and deep conversations. Cellphones are set down. For the next hour, these teenagers are just being teenagers.
“One teen told me she doesn’t have many friends, but when she’s here, she feels like she fits,” said Gibbs.
Gibbs works on her own craft right alongside them. She chats with the teens and gently keeps the program on track.
“I quit trying to be so by-the-book with them,” said Gibbs. “It’s like fighting an uphill battle. I give them a breakdown of what we’re going to do and make sure to give them a quick nudge if things stray off.”
To an outsider, this group seems like they’ve known each other for years, but the group is a mix of teens with different backgrounds. Some are regulars while others are new to the group.
The teens find out about the program in a few different ways. Some see flyers around the library. Others get an invite from a friend. Some even get a gentle push from a parent.
“My mom made me come to this, and then I realized I ‘Oh no. I actually like this,’” said another teen.
Teen DIY is one of many programs offered to teens across the Fort Worth Public Library system. From gaming and anime to trivia and sewing, the topics might change, but the purpose stays the same: let teens be teens.
These spaces help young people build self-esteem, social skills and a true sense of community. Keeping teens engaged isn’t always easy, but Gibbs welcomes the challenge.
“There are teens out there who are super excited about being at the library. You just have to be there consistently for them,” said Gibbs.
For many teens, Teen DIY isn’t just a place to make something. It’s a place to belong.
Find your Freemium
Programs like Teen DIY are one example of the quality experiences available through the Library’s Freemium lineup of programs, resources and services.
The Library offers something for every age and interest to turn their “What if” and “If only” into reality.
Discover a new passion at one of its arts and crafts clubs. Level up your career with free access to thousands of Linkedin Learning courses. Dive into Fort Worth’s rich music scene with free concerts and musical programming, not to mention its musical instrument lending library.
Visit FreemiumFortWorth.org to learn more and find your Freemium.