Many consider libraries to be immutable institutions, deeply entrenched in the past, full of dusty tomes and musty staff. In truth, libraries are and historically have been sites of innovation and disruption. Originally presented at the Library History Seminar XII: Libraries: Traditions and Innovations, this collection of essays offers examples of the enduring and evolving aspects of libraries and librarianship. Whether belonging to a Caliph in 10th-century Spain, built for 19th-century mechanics, or intended for the segregated Southern United States, libraries serve as both a reflection and a contestation of their context. These essays illustrate that libraries are places of turmoil, where real social and cultural controversies are explored and resolved, where invention takes place, and where identities are challenged and defined, reinforcing tradition and commanding innovation.

Based on proven theory and real-life experience, this guidebook provides a one-stop resource for educators, librarians, and storytellers looking to introduce storytelling programs for young adults. Storytelling is often associated with storytime and library services to young children, but effective storytelling speaks to all ages—including teens. Engaging Teens with Story: How to Inspire and Educate Youth with Storytelling offers an in-depth look at storytelling for young adults that explains the benefits of storytelling with this audience, what current practices are, and storytelling opportunities to explore with youth. It provides a unique source of expert guidance that youth services librarians, professional storytellers, and middle and high school teachers will appreciate. Readers will learn how to find stories for teens, apply proven techniques for successful telling of tales to teens, use traditional literature as a basis for creative writing, and establish a teen storytelling club or troupe. The guide also covers how teens can create their own stories with digital media; the connections between traditional folk and fairy tales and today's film, television, books, and online media; and how storytelling can be successfully used with at-risk youth.