The following announcement was provided by the City of Watertown:
The Watertown Free Public Library Teen Department is helping to ensure that the voices of Watertown teens in grades 6–12 are heard this election season. Inspired by the artist-led organization For Freedoms, library staff will work with local young people to create over 100 yard signs to be installed in the Library’s front lawn in October.
The goals of the project are threefold: 1.) To help teens articulate their stories and their vision for the community they want to live in. 2.) To amplify teen voice in the community. 3.) To inform influencers and decision makers about teens’ experiences and their vision for the future.
“This project is important because teens’ voices and opinions can sometimes be minimized by adults” says Watertown Free Public Library Teen Services Supervisor Carey Conkey-Finn. “They have an obvious stake in the game because they will soon be inheriting a world that, for the most part, has been created, for better or worse, by adults. The sign-making process will help them clarify and articulate what they value and hope for themselves and those they care about.”
Inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “Four Freedoms” — freedom of speech, freedom to worship, freedom from want, freedom from fear — the For Freedoms project is designed to encourage teens to think deeply and express what values are important to them. Each sign represents one young person’s viewpoint, not a partisan stance or a candidate endorsement.
In September and October, the Library will host sign-making events with snacks open to grades 6 – 12 in the Library Teen Room. Registration is not required.
Mondays September 9, 16, 23, 30 & October 7 | 3 PM
Wednesdays September 4, 11, 18, 25, & October 2, 9 | 3 PM
Thursdays September 5, 12, 19, 26 & October 3, 10 | 6 PM
Throughout the fall, Library staff will also be visiting area schools and other city agencies that serve youth to invite young people to participate.
To learn more and participate, please visit watertownlib.org/forfreedoms or contact the Teen Department: libraryteendepartment@watertown-ma.gov
About WFPL
The Watertown Free Public Library provides access to a wide variety of popular materials, resources, services, and programs that fulfill the informational, cultural, and recreational needs of Watertown and surrounding communities. Our Library works to create an environment that attracts and welcomes users of all ages and abilities. watertownlib.org
I just drove by the library on the way to work and saw the signs. It makes quite the commentary about what teens are experiencing, feeing and seeing. People should sit and read the signs. Someone should document photographically for archives.
What a wonderful thing! More important not than ever.