Open Book with Meg Medina

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2023

In the summer of 2022, Henrico County Public Library (HCPL) held a book discussion series for tweens that turned the traditional author book talk format inside-out. HCPL partnered with award-winning local author Meg Medina to provide open-ended exchanges of ideas around reading and writing where both the author and tween program participants could share their favorite titles, authors, and pieces of writing advice. The program aimed to engage tween library users and offer them opportunities for intellectual stimulation, self-expression, and social connection at a time when virtual learning and isolation had taken a toll on young people’s well-being and learning. Elevating the voices of young people while making a celebrated author accessible on their level, Open Book aimed to empower tweens to explore their identities by sharing their opinions and connecting them with an inclusive reading list of diverse, under-the-radar authors and books. In addition to in-person discussions, interactive book displays and an extensive engagement and promotional campaign encouraged a wider community conversation. With high attendance and participation, the program was a success. It became the basis for Ms. Medina’s national campaign, Cuéntame, as the newly appointed National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature at the Library of Congress.