Library Anime Clubs in School

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

The Fairfield Area Library, part of Henrico County Public Library in Henrico, VA, opened in 2019 with an expanded Teen Services Department that sought to connect with local schools to engage students with the library’s new resources and amenities for teens. After Fairfield Library staff connected with nearby Highland Springs High School, school librarians at Highland Springs approached Fairfield staff about the possibility of bringing the library’s Anime Club program directly to students, by hosting meetings in the school. Fairfield Library’s resident anime expert worked with her team and the school librarians to plan two meetings per month with a variety of activities related to anime, including streaming video, book discussions, arts and crafts activities, and cosplay. The program was an immediate success, with 70 attendees at the first meeting, a number that has grown to over 90 attendees per meeting. This model for public library-school library collaboration allows public librarians to meet teens where they are, in their community, while providing direct outreach and access to library resources to young people who might not otherwise visit the library. The program benefits the teens, library, and school in equal measure through the provision of a high-interest and high-impact learning experience.