Library’s Teen Advisory Group Holds First Meeting Sept. 29

By DIVYA SUBRAHMANYAM Palisadian-Post Intern The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) at the Palisades Branch Library will begin meeting again next Thursday, September 29 at 5 p.m., after a summer hiatus.’The TAG, its existence unknown to most people, was created in the spring of 2004 by Brad Allen, the teen librarian. The board meets once a month on Thursday afternoon, and more frequently in the weeks leading up to a special program. “I’m looking forward to getting it up and running again,” Allen says, “and I hope to see some new faces.” The town’s teenagers are invited to participate. Allen, who began working at the library in September 2003, says his goal in starting the group (which has equivalents at many other Los Angeles branches) was to “try to meet teens in the Palisades branch who are interested in doing something for the library or getting involved in activities.”‘ Last year’s group set up events such as teen movie nights (featuring “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “The Princess Bride”), and workshops that taught salsa dancing, cartooning, filmmaking, and more.’ Programs are funded partly by Young Adult Services of the L.A. Central Library, and through generous support from our local Friends of the Library. Unfortunately, says Allen, “teen turnout hasn’t been that high.” Some activities, instead of attracting the target teen audience, draw much younger children. TAG member Stephi Magur, a senior at Palisades High, offers an explanation: “We don’t have enough people to think of and plan these activities properly.”‘Publicity is one problem, she says, and “we want more diversity in our opinion” to ensure the events really do appeal to teens. The ideal TAG, says Allen, “would have a core of people to help set up programs and raise attendance” by bringing in their friends and their friends’ friends, and so on.’This year, Stephi wants to “try to bring more of the teens to the library instead of going to the Third Street Promenade or Westwood.” Allen agrees, saying “we need to be providing services that people actually want.”