FAIRHOPE, Ala.– Not only is a library a place to archive the history of older generations, but it is also a place for
younger generations to make history. Celebrating its anniversary on April 22, the Fairhope Public Library hosted a ceremony to commemorate its history and unveil its brand new teen space, designed to encourage sociability and creativity for years to come.
In the early 1900s, the Fairhope Public Library existed as a simple collection of books in founder Marie Howland’s home. Since its humble beginnings, the library has only grown in popularity, size and quality. The library today encompasses roughly 27,000 square feet and hosts individual sections for adults, teens and children. A volunteer group centered around the library, Friends of the Library, aided in the ceremonial activities.
“One hundred twenty five years is a significant milestone for a library to be operating at the level this one has, every year getting better, getting more, changing with the times and literally taking a leadership role in the information and knowledge of a whole community and meeting the needs of a whole community,” said Savan Wilson, Library Friend.
Although the ceremony unveiled the new teen area on April 22, it began operating a month prior, with several local teenagers already going to the space for connection and fun. The new and improved area not only contains books, but a lounge area, board games, crafts and computers. A highlight of the space is the Video Tree, a pillar of screens that teens can connect gaming consoles into to play with friends or communally watch videos on.
“The teen center, the maker space… I was a librarian years ago, and if you’d told me there would be maker spaces, I wouldn’t believe you, and they’re changing with what teens need, what teens want, what the technology offers… and they still have books,” Wilson said. “And they still have a variety of resources in different genres and formats that meet the needs of the community.”
Local teen Samantha Jenson said the teen center is great to “commune where we’re not downstairs in the way of the people studying,” and Ainsley Cook, another teen, added that “a lot of places don’t like teens loitering around,” meaning the space provides more opportunities for their peer group.
“Places that are available to teens have gotten smaller over time so this gives a good place to come and just unwind, study and hang out,” Cook said.
More than just a space to connect, however, the teen area also serves as a space for young people to feel safe and secure. The library provides support in a judgement-free space for teenagers already going through a tumultuous period of life.
Recently, funding for the library was restricted by the state of Alabama after it refused to comply with book bannings, specifically for books in their teen section discussing topics such as the LGBTQ+ community. In deciding to disobey the ban despite funding, the library seeks to create an inclusive environment that doesn’t restrict education.
“When you come into the library in general, you’re not expected to pay a certain fee, or dress a certain way, or think certain thoughts… They don’t have to do anything specific to be in this space or exist in this space,” said Casey Henderson, Youth Department Head.
Not only does the new teen space provide information, but a necessary space for teens: a Third Space. Third spaces are places outside of a teen’s home or school where they can go to relax and hang out with friends.
“They [teenagers] just have to be teens, and they can be teens however they want to be teens,” said Allyson Russell, Teen Services Librarian.
Third spaces are dwindling, however, as most recreational activities for teens today have price barriers. In having a space with free games, computers and craft supplies, the new teen section gives young people a place to have fun, free
of charge.
“It gives them a safe place to be. I think it means a lot that you can come and make new friends and learn new skills,” Wilson said. “It gives them their space, a third space where anybody can come and everybody is welcome. Any teen that may not fit in everywhere or may not be the most popular kid in school can come to the same space and be welcomed.”
Ironically, in celebrating its history, the Fairhope Public Library is moving into its future by opening the new teen section. The new area is set to be a mainstay in the Fairhope community and provide friendship, fun and games, free of charge for all young people. Local teens are already flocking to the new area to connect and relax with peers. It is clear that the new space is here to stay.
