The Teen Forum at Martin Library is creating a Discord server for our teen patrons!
Teen Forum has changed it’s name following our renovations. We welcome you to visit Martin Teens.
The Teen Forum may be physically closed, but we recognize the importance of providing teens with a place to hang out and interact together. After all, we want to connect teens not only to library resources, but to each other. We want teens to work together to make the Teen Forum Discord into their own digital safe space where they can feel free to express themselves and pursue their interests.
The goal of the staff will be to create a safe space where teens can be themselves and to help them pursue new interests and hobbies. We will also be focusing on giving teens leadership opportunities and emphasize self-expression.
That sounds interesting, why is the Teen Forum creating one?
We see the Discord server as an opportunity to take everything that the Teen Forum embodies and expand it to a digital space that teens across the county can access and use. Through Discord, teens will be able to interact with each other, participate in library programs, host their own online events, find resources, and ultimately, build a community.
So what exactly is “Discord”?
Discord is a digital platform for creating communities based on anything from video gaming to education to business administration. Organizations like YCL can establish their own “server,” and the server can be organized into different interest areas (called channels). Once a server is set up, users are added to the server via invitation.
How does this all work?
It all begins with adding teens to the server. We have developed a system for teens to sign up. Once signed up, teens will receive a personalized invitation to the Teen Forum Discord server. There is a host of possibilities available for how teens can then use the server to build their community.
Programs can be organized into different ‘channels’ within the Teen Forum Discord. You can even voice and video chat with other members.
The tools available in the server are incredibly versatile. Staff can pin messages to the top of each channel to help everyone link to resources, keep teens in the loop, inform them of rules, etc. This will help everyone find something that interests them or give them a chance to try something new.
For instance, our Dungeons & Dragons channel will provide links to various guides and character sheets needed to play and learn more about the game.
We hope you’ll join us on Discord!
Interested or have questions? Email us at [email protected]. Teens age 13-18 are welcome to join using their YCL card. If you don’t have a card, the application process includes a link to sign up!
Follow the link below to sign up now!
https://forms.gle/LJuTPpKKMkxin3V68