.png)
Teens continue to take over the Elgin Public Library with their own brand of creativity, organizing themselves and inviting peers to join in on their customized events and Dungeons & Dragons campaigns.
Twice a month, when the library doors close, the Teen Established Elgin Neighbor Society gathers in its annex for a custom-tailored and ever-changing evening of games, crafts and socialization.
The library’s teen program, spearheaded by Kelley McEwen, provides the young adults with space and funding but allows for them to have their own autonomy.
“This group is the hardest to target,” said McEwen.
Organizers claim the program promotes life skills development, leadership, public speaking and teamwork.
While staff chooses a theme for the second Friday of every month, the fourth Friday is decided by the teens. They organize themselves and assign a month for each member, allowing individuals to plan the affair and share their own interests with each other.
Their calendar is booked through December.
The team’s most recent theme was “cosplay night.” Attendees hand crafted costumes and masks for their D&D campaign the following day.
D&D is a tabletop role-playing and storytelling game that has gone through a massive surge in popularity recently, according to gamers. McEwen credits this boom to Stranger Things, a television series that features the game and its themes extensively.
The TEENS host their D&D gatherings every Saturday in the library, from 9 a.m. through 2 p.m. They have character sheets already prepared for newcomers and “one shot” stories planned out as good introduction campaigns.
Teen takeovers are growing in popularity, added McEwen. She hopes it can sustain itself in the future.
“It feels nice that people are showing up. We just have fun here,” said McEwen.
The library provides snacks and drinks, with events starting at 6 p.m. every other Friday.
The TEENS program and group game sessions are open to all fellow teenagers.
