"We do actually have a lot of teenagers who come and hang out in our library already and we're glad to see them. But it feels like there is just not enough there. Rather than just being pushed up against the kids section (as they are now), we'd like to give them their own space," says Salem Public Library Foundation's community relations coordinator Sonja Somerville.

Plans for the Teen Center are tentative, but it is hoped the center will be a healthy attraction for Salem teens. The center would contain young adult books, magazines and reference material, as well as resources for gaming and other entertainment. Part of the existing television studio might even be retained for teen use. There has been discussion of a coffee bar in the Center, a feature that focus groups have already indicated would be much appreciated. While accessible from inside the library, the location of the new Teen Center would also have a separate entrance apart from the main building. This would allow for unique hours of operation, allowing teens access at later hours after the main library has closed.
Financially, small gears have already begun to turn. Says Somerville, "We spoke to our library foundation, who recently received a gift in memoriam that was quite substantial and not designated for a project by the donor. So we spoke with our foundation board and gave them the sketch of the idea for the teen center and they have set aside $100,000 toward making the Teen Center a reality."

Even with the idea of the Teen Center not widely known, the library has already received a dozen or so donations apart from the memoriam, all directed toward the development of the Center, and are hoping to accept more. Among other expenses, renovations will be necessary to turn the collection of offices in the studio into a viable recreation and study area.

Although even with the most successful of schedules the Teen Center won't exist for some years, Somerville says now is the time to start planning its advancement.

"We have a long way to go before we have a teen center and an absolute plan, but this is the time to get started thinking about it. We've got to be ready with the plan and money when CCTV vacates the space."

For more information or to make a donation, contact Sonja Somerville at the Salem Public Library (503) 588-6083.