A new library initiative is helping create a safe, supportive and friendly space for youth in the city.
The Thunder Bay Public Library launched a new drop-in youth program Wednesday that will run at both the Brodie Resource Library and the Mary J.L. Black Branch Library this fall.
The initiative arose out of a need to create space for youth to hang out with their peers.
“Youth are important to the future and the wellbeing of our city,” said at-large Coun. Frank Pullia.
“We are reaching out to the youth through our recreation and culture department and work in collaborative arrangements like this one where the youth feel welcome, safe and where they can be themselves and explore.”
The Youth Move @ Your Library is a four-month pilot project designed to make Thunder Bay safe, vibrant, inclusive and welcoming by supporting youth in an inclusive environment.
The program will provide youth with board games, video games, movie nights, and crafts.
Youth Move @ Your Library will help meet the needs of youth by giving them the opportunity to take part in activities that they choose.
“We want to make sure the youth feel safe and welcome, so they stay out of trouble,” Pullia said.
“By listening to them and what they want is also part of the movement to enrich their lives, so it’s important that we listen to them and provide solutions that are geared to their needs.
Pullia added that this youth movement will make Thunder Bay a better place to live overall.
Support services with children and youth supervisor Maryann Kleynendorst said these programs are proven to benefit not only the youth but to the community.
“The statistics are fairly robust,” Kleynendorst said. “An engaged youth population that’s safe feels empowered in their community, they feel a sense of belonging and they have a sense that adults can be trusted allies.”
These programs lead to better outcomes with school retention, graduation rates, less youth crime and fewer mental health and addictions issues.
The pilot project will run from Sept. 12 to Dec. 23 at the Brodie and Mary J.L. Black library.
