The Heart of a Small Town: The World of Teen Programming at The Jenks Library
By: Aubrey Hovenga
This month’s dedicated story genre was “Personal Experience,” I really struggled with finding something to try for the first time that would be fun and useful for both me and the Jenks student body to read and write about. Obviously, I could write about doing a workout class, or listening to an album for the first time, but I wanted something that was equally as relevant to the reader as it was interesting to me.
This past Saturday morning at 10 a.m., I visited the Jenks Library for the very first time. Tucked into the heart of the community, the building was calm and welcoming as I stepped inside, not quite sure what to expect. I have grown up going to the Hardesty and a few other Tulsa City County libraries with my grandma on weekends but since my family's move to Jenks, I hadn’t gone to visit our library here. I had come for a tour led by Jenks Librarian, Ellen Nole, curious about what the library had to offer—especially for teens like me. What I found was a colorful, small but well-organized space full of opportunities, friendly staff, tons of personality, and resources specifically designed for high school students.
What I found was that teens in Jenks have more than just books waiting for them at the local library. The Jenks Library, part of the Tulsa City-County Library system, offers a wide range of programs and resources designed specifically for students—providing a space where creativity, learning, and community can come together. From hands-on workshops like creative writing and school clubs to volunteer opportunities through the Teen Team program, the library encourages young people to explore their interests while developing valuable skills.
“We want the library to be a place where teens feel welcome and supported,” says Ellen.
In addition to events and clubs, the library also offers free access to tutoring services, college prep resources, and a constantly growing collection of young adult books and graphic novels. Whether students are looking to get involved, catch up on homework, or just hang out in a safe, relaxed environment, the Jenks Library has something to offer every teen. Something that I found thoughtful was a provided feminine hygiene product station to accommodate the needs of the public. Granted, the section was methodically situated in a corner and relatively discrete to ensure that teens feel comfortable selecting products from it. All you have to do is grab a pre-packed pencil bag and leave. It’s the little things like this that made The Jenks Library feel teen accessible.
A small handwritten note inside of each free to take pouch.
A poster in the library raising awareness for Poetry Month.
During the tour, Ellen explained to me that the month of April is “National Poetry Month.” To celebrate this, there is a novelty bubble gum dispenser located in the library's entrance that dispenses poems and is free to the public. While I didn’t dispense a poem myself I was given one complementary with my tour.
“I have to tell you, there are times when the sun strikes me like a gong, and I remember everything, even your ears.” -I have to tell you by Dorothea Grossman.
The Children's Poetry dispenser for Poetry Month.
If you are looking for a place to study, there is room for that at the library. You can rent out a private room to study with a group or you can study at the provided seating and computers.
Some of the provided study seating that is available to students.
Another part of their programming for April was the “Litter Walk Kit,” this was a free kit that provided the user with all of the supplies needed to go out into the community and pick up trash from the ground in a safe and sanitary manner.
“These kits have been very popular, we can barely keep any in stock” said Ellen.
The sign informing the public over "Litter Walk Kits."
Additionally the library’s 2025 Summer Reading Program for teens will run from June to August. Participants between the ages of 13 and 18 can register online or at the front desk to receive a reading log. For me, I always was excited about this as a kid and am looking forward to participating this summer. The big prize for teens this year is a coupon book and an axolotl toy.
Some of the small details that make up the Jenks library like the DVD section, the children's book shelves, and the book drop.
For an article dedicated to reviewing the study facilities at many of the Tulsa City County Libraries, go check out Olivia Cannon’s story: https://www.jenkstrojantorch.com/thestories/where-to-study-or-not-rating-the-tulsa-public-libraries?rq=library.
