TEEN TECH WEEK
Teen Tech Week begins on the first Sunday in March for the entire week. It is aimed at teens, their parents, educators, and other concerned adults.
Millions of teens do not have access to a home computer and, were it not for libraries, teens, and their families would miss opportunities to gain valuable digital literacy skills. The purpose of Teen Tech Week is to ensure that teens are competent and ethical users of digital media, especially the non-print resources offered through libraries, such as e-books, e-readers, databases, audiobooks, and social media.
Since the annual celebration began in 2007, it has promoted digital resources within libraries that are available for teens and their families. Teens are encouraged to visit their local library and learn about the different technical and digital tools that are available to them.
HOW TO OBSERVE #TeenTechWeek
- Create a puzzle, scavenger hunt, or trivia challenge in which teens must use your library’s digital resources to find answers.
- Have teens take photos around the community and submit them to the library for a community photo album/memory book
- Have teens work together to create their own e-book, zine or newspaper
- Download an ebook or audiobook from your library
- Research and download a new app for your smartphone or tablet – perhaps your library has an app you could try!
- Write a blog post – about a library book or program you enjoyed, a hobby you enjoy, or something else that interests you!
- Try out a book-focused site like GoodReads or LibraryThing.
- Create a soundtrack or book trailer for your favorite book.
- Create an “Animoto” video about your library or a favorite book.
- Add something to an article on “Wikipedia.”
- Write and share instructions for a skill you already know how to do on https://www.instructables.com/
- Read and contribute to a blog about technology
TEEN TECH WEEK HISTORY
Young Adult Library Services Association and the American Library Association created Teen Tech Week in 2007. Their initiative drove responsible, digital literacy skills for teens through libraries and provided resources for parents and educators. In 2018, the Young Adult Library Services Association suspended their sponsorship, and they are focusing their efforts in other areas but encouraging local libraries to carry on the observance.
