A highlight of the newly remodeled Jerome Public Library has to be the new teen area. The library now has a dedicated space for teens, something that was lacking before the expansion. This area has a new “sound dome” where teens can select--by remote control-- from among  300 CDs and enjoy listening to their choices under the dome where the sound stays put.

The photo at the right shows (left to right) me and Erin McCusker along with Tina Cherry, Jerome Public Library’s Teen Advisor, posing as young adults under the sound dome. How cool is that? The library’s teen advisory group funded the sound dome and other improvements in the new space, including a light-up reader board and new displays and posters.

Tina reports that the space-age, silver platinum-colored bar height bistro is pretty cool. The hydraulic, adjustable scoop stools sit around the table under the "parabolic sound dome". The music is isolated as it is directed down through a speaker under the dome. Traditional headphones tend to get lost or broken and the sound dome just looks fun. The local Optimist Club is donating some money to help the teens buy more music for the 300-CD changer sound system. They are also actively looking for other donations, so download your CDs onto your iPod or MP3 and send them your CDs. They like old stuff too (or they gladly accept checks).

The teens and staff are working to add a fibor optic night sky to give the impression of a space skylight and are raising funds for a new sign for the area dubbed "The Flight Deck" to match their space-age feel.

I'd love to see more photos and ideas for teen spaces from other libraries!