Library Teen Advisory Groups by Diane P. Tuccillo

Author:Diane P. Tuccillo [Tuccillo, Diane P.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers
Published: 2018-03-28T00:00:00+00:00

Tomsu added, “If you are lucky to have a kitchen in your library or your city’s community center for using the program as outreach, we also recommend the following supplies:”

1 medium pan with lid

1 set of cookie sheets

1 cupcake tin

1 pizza pan

She further noted, “It is also helpful to have paper plates, silverware, and napkins so the teens can divvy up their baked goods and enjoy them!”16

The TAB at La Vista Public Library is not the only teen group taking on baking! Even if your library does not have a fully functioning kitchen or access to one, you might still be able to add this activity. The next example shows you how.

Young Adult Librarian Tara Ferretti at the Somers Public Library in Somers, New York, said:

We started a “Teen Foodie Club.” In our library, we have a staff kitchen with a refrigerator, a large toaster oven, and a microwave. I brought in my waffle maker and a teen brought in a panini maker. I purchased a small induction cook top and brought my own pot to use with it, plus got an electric fry pan, an immersion blender, kitchen utensils, and some basic spices, which cost about $175.

At the first meeting, I talked to the teens about food allergies and, thankfully, no one is allergic to anything. We also had a discussion about washing our hands before and during cooking, safety issues about cooking meat, and safety using knives and heat. At the end of each meeting, we plan our menu for the following meeting.”

The teens have made such delicacies as grilled cheese using a waffle maker with homemade creamy tomato soup; ham-and-Swiss-cheese paninis; pre-purchased cake cups filled with fruit and homemade whipped cream; super nachos; and Pillsbury churros.17

Ferretti added:

While the teens are enjoying what they have made, we discuss what we will be making at our next meeting. We have a budget of $20-$25 for each meeting for food and we have been able to stay within that budget. When we start our meetings, everyone comes in, washes their hands, and then they get to their jobs. Usually, I have a list prepared of the jobs that need doing and in an approximate order of when we need them. But when I didn’t have time to prepare a list, it has still worked out fine. Because we have a small staff kitchen, I need to limit club membership to 8 teens at a time.18

A baking or cooking club teaches teens many skills they need for the real world. Teens especially enjoy making good-tasting treats as well as nourishing meals, and such a club is a way to connect that interest to researching and exploring the library. After all, what better place could teens be but in a library to access cookbooks, online recipes, and other cooking resources? If your TAG teens have a similar curiosity about running a baking or cooking club, be sure to check library policy and to get permission, and, if approved, go for it!

Now let’s see what other TAG and TAG-like experiences are out there to consider.

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