When Melody Peters joined the staff of Perry Memorial Library back in July 2022, she was faced with the challenge of drawing teens back through the library doors. Story times are great for little ones, and older patrons were clamoring to return after the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, but teenagers?
What’s a youth services director to do?
So, she created a “Life Hack” series and a “Survival Skills” series.
If you’re just hearing this now at 5 p.m., you’ve still got a little time to race down to the library on Breckenridge St. to participate in a resume building session. NC Works and Vance-Granville Community College reps are on hand until about 6 p.m. to help understand the importance of resumes, and to walk through mock interviews.
The Survival Skills continues next week with a shirt-making session. Last time, the group – which Peters said included 6 guys and 4 girls – made themselves mittens out of fleece.
“I’m hoping that same group comes back – and brings some friends,” she told Bill Harris during Tuesday’s recurring library update on The Local Skinny!
Participants can either make a tank top or bring in a favorite shirt that may need some mending.
If the mitten-making workshop is any indication, the shirt workshop will be a success. “They seemed to be really enjoying the task,” Peters said of the mitten exercise.
“When you see it complete, you can feel proud of yourself,” she said.
Other upcoming events at the library geared for youth in the community include:
Saturday, Mar. 11
11 a.m. to 12 noon – FAFSA info session. Parents, bring your high school students who may be ready to complete the FAFSA document, an online document that colleges and universities use to determine financial aid eligibility.
“It can be overwhelming,” Peters said, “but you can do it.”
Tuesday, Mar. 21
4:30 p.m. Kids Connect
Local artist and Vance County Arts Council member Alice Clark will do art activities with the kids.
CLICK PLAY!