Rachel Meng
Editorial Intern

   Though traditionally associated as a quiet workspace, the North-East Kansas City Public Library, located on 6000 Wilson Avenue, invites teens every Tuesday to connect and learn with peers through painting. 

   The Kansas City Library Teen Juice ‘n’ Paint is open to ages 12 to 18 and does not require a library card to participate. This weekly event starts at 5:30 p.m. and all materials are provided through the library.

   The most recent Juice ‘n’ Paint on June 2 used bubble painting as the activity, which includes blowing bubbles in a mixture of soap, water and paint, then carefully pouring it on paper. This captures the bubble pattern and when the first layer is dry, the process can be repeated with another color. 

  Ty Johnson, the teen associate for the North-East branch, created this program nearly two-years ago. 

   “I’m an artist, it let me start with my own fresh program. It’s something I like and hopefully there’s kids who also like to do art and want to do something more chill,” said Johnson. 

   Johnson is originally from St. Louis and before moving to the Northeast, worked as an art instructor at Coca Center Creative Arts, a nonprofit of multidisciplinary arts education.

   “I pride our library, especially our studio space, as just being a third space. I have had many teens, who only came one time because they needed a different spot to work on something,” said Johnson. “We have a space where they’re safe, away from anything else and surrounded by all the creativity in the room.” 

   As the teen associate, he creates programs during the year for that age group to engage with the library and peers. There is also a youth associate for the North-East branch which works with kids from 0 to 12. 

   Emyli Garcia, a summer program assistant, grew up in the area and has been helping with running both teen and youth events.

  “This is my community, so being able to do this for the summer, I’m really looking forward to it,” said Garcia. “It’s really fun to do crafts. It’s low commitment but still engaging.” 

   This space is open for more than just events, so as long as the library is open, teens are welcomed to utilize the area. The Juice ‘n’ Paint activity is based on what the associates planned, however the painting is up to the attendee and their creative liberties.

   “I made a materials list because I’ve had kids come work on posters or presentations for their classes. That’s what the space is, for the youth to be able to work on or find new things they like.  That’s what our programs do, is encourage exploration,” said Johnson. 

   The library’s theme for the summer is Read, Roar, Score!, which incorporates dinosaurs, reading and the World Cup. The North-East branch will be holding its Summer Reading Party on Saturday, June 13, which is open for all ages. 

   “We’re trying to keep the space very active, so (we’re) making sure that we have something for them to do at least once a day here at the library,” said Johnson.