Armena, the Teen Services library associate at Austin Branch, joined Chicago Public Library just a little over six months ago. She arrived with enthusiasm and energy, ready to engage neighborhood teens in all kinds of activities.
Many of Austin's teen workshops focus on art expression. From button making and painting to creating a town out of Legos and garden exploration, teens have an opportunity to express themselves, share their work and bond with their peers.
Armena and her "barbershop" program, The Fades 4 Days series, in which teens can get a haircut by a professional barber, has also already made the news, including Austin Weekly, Austin Talks and the Chicago Sun-Times.
This summer Armena has arranged for artist and photographer Vanessa Stokes to help teens think about their self-identity as well as their role in the neighborhood/society at large. Photos of each teen will be compiled in the branch to create a mural reflecting the future of the Austin community.
Austin Branch is a recipient of a 2018 Teen Summer Challenge: Imagine Doing More! mini-grant made possible through the Chicago Public Library Foundation. #ImagineAtCPL #CPLTeens #NoSmallPlans
