Youth Services Corner | Library Spotlight: Aarhus Public Library

Library Spotlight: Aarhus Public Library

The Main Library in Aarhus, Denmark has created a unique user-driven approach to getting youth involved at the library. Called Project YOUng, a group of six 16-21-year-olds (Mindspotters) works with library staff (Mindkeepers) to brainstorm and develop programs and spaces for 14-20-year-olds. The end product is called Mindspot. The project aims to make the library ‘focus on the young peoples’ needs for the library instead of the library’s needs for young people.’

(via Mindspot)

The initiative has resulted in a dedicated space in the current library, plans for the city’s new library, events like gaming, concerts and film marathons, and a really cool-looking mobile library called the Spotmobile.

The Mindspot Spotmobile

(via Mindspot)

The Spotmobile is a converted caravan trailer decorated in bright colors. The library sends the Spotmobile to public squares, the beach and various outdoor festivals and brings different materials, depending on the subject of the festival. The set-up usually includes Wii, beanbag chairs, mobile laptops, books, magazines and a visitor book for signing in. The service is run by the Mindkeepers to keep it teen-oriented and not obviously branded as being from the library.

Find more information about the project in the English section of the project’s site. The Reflection Report is especially insightful and worth a look.

(via The Shifted Librarian)