By: Aaliyah Collins, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist
BRIDGETON, NJ — The teenage years mark a period of drastic change. This is the time where their style, interests, bodies, emotions, and friends might change. Overall, most are just trying to survive middle and high school.
Having a free place to unwind, connect with others, and explore new things can be very beneficial at this age. A place where they can feel safe from judgement.
At the Cumberland County Library in Bridgeton, teenagers have a designated area where they can sit, chit-chat, read, and relax.
Further, every Tuesday evening, the library hosts an event for teens from ages 13-18 years old. At these events, they are introduced to something new, mostly centered around volunteering and arts and crafts.
“I’m just really glad to be a part of it and it’s really a highlight of my day,” said Gianna Martinez, 16, library volunteer and participant. “Without it, I genuinely wouldn’t be doing all of this stuff. And I feel like I wouldn’t be as social and get out as much. It’s definitely an escape for me.”
Last Tuesday, the theme was Make a Mini Zen Garden.
Tressie Neuber, 25, Library Assistant, started the evening with a brief slideshow. She explained what a zen garden is, its purpose, and a bit about its history. They were then invited to grab as many supplies they wanted or needed in order to build their ideal zen garden.
Not only was this a great opportunity for participants to talk to one another, but it allowed their minds to “de-stress”.
“I really want teens to take away that it’s okay to try new things or it’s okay to not know how to do something and maybe be bad at something,” said Neuber.
Hear what the teens have to say about there space in the library in the video below.
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