I'm Elise Martinez and I'm the Teen Services Specialist at the Zion-Benton Public Library in the north Chicago suburb area. I have been working with teens in public libraries for two years. During this time I have been able to co-create a teen services department from scratch as a department of two and implement a programming and services model for our department. I am passionate about enhancing connected learning within libraries, turning teens into creators, and focusing on expanding the technology literacy of the teens that I serve.
Education:
- Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature with a specialization in Creative Writing from Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
- Completed a 2-week course on Teen Services Fundamentals with Infopeople.
- Completed a 4-week course on Collaborating with Teens to Build Better Library Programs with the American Library Association.
- LACONI-RASS Strategic Planning for Teens
- Full-time program coordinator for teens and tweens.
- Created focus group to measure need for a teen room at the Zion-Benton Public Library. This initiative, in conjunction with our director's support, led to the planning, creation, and implementation of a new teen room, The Hive, for the teens in the Zion-Benton community.
- Recipient of the Illinois State Library's Project Next Generation grant (2014-2015).
- Implemented the library's first STEM-based Minecraft Club that meets monthly.
- Created a recurring program series that encouraged teen production and engagement with new media as inspired by the HOMAGO (Hang Out, Mess Around, Geek Out) learning format.
- Member of American Library Association (ALA) and Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA)
- Blogger for YALSA's YALSAblog
Dislikes: elevators. overly cynical people. closed mindedness. stubbornness. snakes. people touching my feet. talking on the phone. people who laugh at enthusiasm. talking about money. slow drivers.
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