When you walk into a library, what do you expect to see? Some dusty old books? A stressed-out student? Maybe a few outdated PCs?
What if we told you that the Dr. Martin Luther King Library in downtown San Jose is filled with teenagers? That these teens are using space to create new technologies, podcasts, and even their own studio albums?
Welcome to TeenHQ. As part of our partnership with San Jose Public Library (SJPL), we’ve been working with the library for over a year to help them design a space where teens can explore and create. With a new recording studio and makerspace, we’re looking to make sure San Jose’s teenagers know they are capable of creating whatever they can imagine.
TeenHQ’s recording studio is set to bring in local artists to run workshops and build programs, but teens are welcome to use the space and its equipment however they see fit. In fact, SJPL’s staff and one of its teen members have already recorded their first track. And the new makerspace is a maker’s dream: for the first time in Bay Area library history, teens can use a 3D printer, vinyl cutter, sewing machines, serger, desktop CNC, laser cutter (to arrive soon), full electronics station, and assorted hand tools at TeenHQ — all they need is a parental waiver and a few quick trainings.
We’re excited to see SJPL give teens a space where they can have the freedom to make what’s in their imaginations. We can’t wait to see these students succeed!
Want to learn more about TeenHQ? Follow @SJPLTeenHQ on Twitter or use the hashtag #SJPLTeenHQ.
