by Holly Schaffer, Community Relations Manager
On the third Tuesday of every month, Joyner-Green Valley Librarian Lupita Flores can be found at the Amado Youth Center hosting a program teens and tweens. On average, about 15 to 20 youth are in attendance participating in fun activities like making safety pin jewelry, Shrinky Dink keychains, LED lightsaber greeting cards, and more.
On the Tuesday I joined Lupita, they were making container gardens out of egg cartons. Lupita had brought numerous seeds to choose from: Cilantro, Zinnia, Peas, Lettuce, Alyssum, Marigold, Calendula, and Beans—all carefully selected from the Seed Library collection.
As the participants were called in from outside—many enjoying time on the beautiful playground that surrounds the center—they sat down and got ready to pay attention and follow instructions. It was clear they knew they were about to have fun!
Before selecting and planting the seeds, the cartons, of course, had to be decorated. Axel drew characters from One Piece, a Japanese manga series, while his brother Gerardo carefully illustrated his carton with Jeffy.
Don’t know who Jeffy is? Don’t worry – I didn’t either. Fun fact: Jeffy is from the YouTube Puppet Series SuperMarioLogan (SML). He is the adopted son of Marvin (Mario) and Rose (Rosalina). Now, back to the story…
Estrella wanted to create a flower garden. She selected Zinnia, Marigold, Alyssum, and Calendula seeds. As one would imagine, her carton was decorated with bright flowers that she had received help drawing from Madian, another librarian, who sometimes joins Lupita. Another participant, Anthony, chose to plant lettuce and beans. He was excited to try making chili.
As the tweens and teens worked away on the cartons, conversations were had. Cielo Arochi, the Coalition and Prevention Coordinator at the center, and Estrella discussed Calendula and how it can be used in teas, oils, and lotions. Madian and Axel talked about Cilantro.
Madian said, “Some people say it tastes like soap.” Axel didn’t mind… “Eh, that’s ok. I want to try it anyway.”
The conversation wasn’t only about the seeds and cartons. I sat next to Estrella, and we started chatting about the things she likes. She told me she wants to be a nursing assistant when she’s older. She said, “I want to bring people food and their medicine and make sure they get what they need.” She also told me she’s excited to play volleyball next year.
I asked some of the youth what they like about the center and Lupita’s monthly visits. Jorge told me, “I like that we can do fun things like this, and I get to see my older cousin Francisco.” Gerardo and Axel agreed, “We like it here because they do fun stuff. Once we made slime!”
As the craft wrapped up, I got to play my favorite game—UNO—with Valentina and her cousin Juan. I lost every time, but still had fun. After my multiple losses, Valentina and Juan joined the others to eat dinner, play other games, and enjoy the playground again.
The Amado Youth Center is clearly an integral part of the community that brings youth together and helps empower them, and Lupita’s monthly visits demonstrate how 21st century libraries aren’t just about the brick-and-mortar buildings, but building connections where people are.
More info!
Since its Grand Opening on October 21, 2023, the new Amado Youth Center building has been a dream realized. The Amado Youth Center offers programs promoting life skills, academic advancement, and career development. Situated within Kay Stupey Park, adjacent to Sopori Elementary School, the Center welcomes all local youth to the only safe afterschool space in the area.
Maria, another Joyner-Green Valley Library staff member, runs another monthly program for students grades 2 through 5.
