YALSA: The Library is NOT a Supermarket

There's a great post on the YALSA blog today about teen perception and needs about/from libraries. It reminds me of a lot of the things we talk about in regards to the Teen Project, so it's worth a read:

What makes a library more than a supermarket for teens? Is it:

• Hours that go beyond the traditional 9 to 5 or 9 to 9 model? Do successful hangout places for teens open early and stay open late?
• Staff across library departments that is welcoming, interested, and willing to build relationships?
• Flexible furniture that is easy to move around and that promotes sitting and talking with friends and peers?
• Space that actually has space for moving around, standing and talking, and even sitting on the floor?
• More than a collection of books and what’s in the collection (books, media, technology, etc.) is of interest to teens 2009/2010 and not just favorites of current or past librarians, staff, parents, etc.?
• A place where teens know their ideas are welcome, supported, and even acted upon?

Some of that sounds pretty similar to the service models we've been talking about, doesn't it?