CURRENT POSITION Senior Librarian, San José Public Library, CA  DEGREE MLS, University of Maryland, 2012 FOLLOW sjpl.org/teenhq; sjpl.org/youthcommission Photo by Moises Moreno

What Teens Need

As someone with dyslexia, Lizzie Nolan never dreamed of a library career. Now, as senior librarian at San José Public Library, Nolan manages programs, collections, and outreach for both the Children’s Room and teen space known as TeenHQ and has executed and evaluated yearlong literacy programs for the entire 26-branch system.

In 2021, Nolan was tasked with leading San José’s Youth Commission (YC), the official youth advisory group to the mayor and city council. She coordinated meetings, town halls, trainings, work plans, and special events, and developed branding and swag with city commissioners and the library marketing team. Nolan, the TeenHQ team, and the YC conducted a survey of teen demographics and priorities. More than 1,000 youth in grades 6–12—representing all 10 city council districts, more than 29 zip codes, and 110 schools—responded to the survey. Forty percent of respondents identified as first-generation Americans and 20 percent described themselves as a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.

Teens expressed interest in mental health, the environment, and equity resources. Based on this feedback, Nolan says, “Library staff implemented a range of social-emotional aspects into existing programs, such as mental health check-ins during teen volunteer meetings and programs. This helps create supportive library environments that encourage teens to express themselves, build relationships, and explore their identities.” TeenHQ staff created new programs, including art for mental health needs, African Art courses, creative writing courses, and a self-confidence workshop, supported with $20,000 from the American Rescue Plan.

In her spare time? Performing improv comedy. “I found that my improv skills come in handy every day at the library,” Nolan says, “allowing me to think on my feet, be inventive, and adapt quickly to changes.”