Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
News Release
(Thursday, June 5, 2014) - The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County and the Friends & Foundation of the Rochester Public Library cordially invite the public to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony announcing a new and exciting library initiative called, “ImagineYOU.” ImagineYOU is an innovative, 21st century digital learning space just for teens.
The ceremony will take place on Monday, June 9, 2014 at 4 p.m. at Teen Central, Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County. Teen Central is located on the lower level of the Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, 115 South Avenue.
After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests will be given a tour of the ImagineYOU lab and will be invited to attend a multi-media presentation in the Kate Gleason Auditorium produced by teens featuring live music, dance and video projects. ImagineYOU was created to connect young adults, books, media, mentors and institutions throughout the City of Rochester in one dynamic space designed to inspire collaboration and creativity. This project was made possible by the generous support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
ImagineYOU has generated excitement and discussion not only among the teens who use the space but among educators, policymakers, librarians, and parents as well. Library administrators also see this project as one more important step in motivating young people to learn and prepare for a career in a globally competitive marketplace. High school and middle school age students engaged with ImagineYOU can access, laptops and desktop computers, and a variety of media creation tools and software, all of which allow them to stretch their imaginations and develop their digital media skills. By working both in teams and individually, students have an opportunity to engage in projects that promote critical thinking, creativity, and skills-based learning.
Central Library staff and youth mentors lead workshops and provide one-on-one work sessions to help teens build their skills and create digital projects-- from songs to videos to photography to podcasts.
Teens learn how to use a variety of state-of-the-art technology and digital equipment, including still and video cameras, drawing tablets, and video and photo editing software. ImagineYOU at the Central Library also provide an in-house recording studio featuring keyboards and a sound mixing board. For more information about ImagineYOU or programs and services at Teen Central, call the library at 428-8450.
News Media: For more information, contact Tonia Burton, Youth Services Consultant at 428-8150.