Library officials in the Williamsburg area are trying to break the stigma that the library is only a mausoleum of books.
A week removed from beginning a discussion about a possible expansion, the Williamsburg Regional Library is launching a program to teach teenagers valuable life skills, such as cooking, fixing a car and renting an apartment.
Beginning on April 4 and ending on April 28, the library will host “Life Hacks” at the Williamsburg Library and the James City County Library.
The programming is free and is targeted for 13-year-olds to 18-year-olds.
“We want people to realize the library is here for all stages of life whether you want to take your baby to storytime or look for help on how to write a resume,” said Rachael Nelson, young adult services librarian for the Williamsburg Regional Library.
Other workshops in the series include seminars on self care and relaxation through yoga.
“One of the things the library is trying to do is provide programming for a wide range of users, and teens are a huge part of that.” — Barry Trott
Nelson said she has seen the series be successful in other cities and thought the timing was perfect since area teens are off for spring break.
Each workshop will feature an expert guest speaker, who will supervise and lead teens through the tutorial.
To register for any of the workshops, call 757-259-4050.
The Williamsburg Library was deemed to be too small for growing demands of library goers, according to RRMM Lukmire Architects.
RRMM Lukmire Architects, a firm based in Arlington, proposed four options to the board during a special meeting in March: renovate the existing library and expand; rebuild a larger library on the existing site; relocate the library across Armistead Drive to a larger site; or, relocate the library to a new location.
“One of the things the library is trying to do is provide programming for a wide range of users, and teens are a huge part of that,” said Barry Trott, Williamsburg Library special projects director. “We think Life Hacks is exciting and will provide life skills that come in handy.”
Full schedule of events:
Basic car maintenance – April 4, 2 p.m., James City County Library
Your first apartment – April 6, 3 p.m., James City County Library
A chef’s culinary hacks – April 7, noon, Williamsburg Library
Teen resume workshop – April 14, 11 a.m., Williamsburg Library
Teen yoga – April 28, 3 p.m., Williamsburg Library
