Teen Loft

PPL’s Teen Services Department aims to:

• Support teen growth and development
• Build relationships and community through communication and understanding
• Create quality learning experiences and environments where teens can explore personal and academic interests
• Encourage and provide opportunities for teens to take on leadership roles within the library and the community
• Practice cultural humility and embrace diversity
• Ensure equitable access to library materials and resources
• Promote and advocate for teens in the library and the community

Welcome to the Teen Loft in the Providence Public Library! We are so glad you’re here. If you need anything, please ask, and remember that you are always welcome here.

In order to create a safe and fun environment for everyone, please keep the following in mind:

• Respect the Teen Loft space along with everyone and everything in it.
• Respect library property and the property of others.
• Please help keep the Teen Loft an open and accepting place for all; we’re all different, let’s celebrate it!
• Food and drinks with spill proof lids are allowed, but remember to clean up any food and drink you bring into the Teen Loft.
• You’re encouraged to use any available materials in the Teen Loft. Please put things back when you’re done.
• Always use headphones for audio. We have plenty of headphones for you to borrow.
• If you need to make a phone call, please step out into the hallway.
• Please let us know if there is anything we can do to make the space more comfortable and accessible for you. (Suggestions can be made in person or via suggestion box.)
• Although we want the Teen Loft to be a place of rest, please refrain from sleeping.
• When you venture out to the greater library, please continue reflecting the norms listed above.

In further interest of creating a safe environment for you, the following will not be tolerated in the Teen Loft:

• Bullying, abuse, or harassment of any kind
• Physical or verbal fighting
• Possession of weapons of any kind
• Selling or use of drugs and/or alcohol
• Vandalism, graffiti, or intentional damage to library or personal property
• Inappropriate use of technology
• Invasion of others’ personal space

PPL Teen Services staff believes in the use of restorative practices to help build community and manage conflict. First-time offenses involving unsafe behaviors will result in a verbal warning and discussion with Teen Services staff, except for behaviors that endanger the safety and wellbeing of others. These behaviors will result in temporary removal from the Teen Loft until restorative justice healing practices can be used to repair harm.

The Teen Loft Norms were created with input from youth from Youth in Action, Providence Student Union, Young Voices, and PPL. This is a living document and will evolve to meet the needs of and feedback from Rhode Island youth.

Last revised June 2021

The Providence Public Library is committed to providing an inviting and safe space for teen patrons to engage in individual and group activities. The Teen Loft is meant to centralize the information and recreation resources of teens while offering them a safe, supportive, positive, and inclusive space that is uniquely their own. While using the Teen Loft, a teen’s right to privacy will be respected at all times. We are committed to honoring the diverse lives, experiences, and needs of all teens.

The Teen Loft is for use by youth ages 13 to 19 only. Other individuals are welcome to visit the Teen Loft briefly to retrieve library materials or to request assistance from staff working in that space. However, the Teen Loft is intended for use by teens, and adults other than staff should not remain in the Teen Loft. (Exceptions made for caregivers or support staff of youth with special needs.)

The Teen Services staff reserves the right to utilize the Teen Loft for scheduled teen programs, events, and activities.

All materials and equipment necessary to participate in Teen Loft activities will be provided. Equipment in the Teen Loft is reserved for the use of teens ages 13 to 19 only.

The Teen Work Space, a work room within the larger Teen Loft, is available for teen use on a first-come first-served basis. At times, the room may be reserved in advance for use by teen groups. Teens ages 13 to 19 may reserve the Teen Work Space for group use by completing this form.

Adults tutoring teens are not allowed in the Teen Loft. Adult tutors who are looking for space to meet with students may find other public work spaces throughout the library.

The Teen Loft is an area of the library that is governed by the library’s general Code of Conduct. PPL Teen Services staff believes in the use of restorative practices to help build community and manage conflict. The Teen Loft Norms detail behavioral expectations and rules of the Teen Loft.

PPL Teen Services is committed to building a diverse and inclusive collection with input from all teens.

Last revised June 2021