May 8, 2026
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The New Orleans Public Library and Junior League of New Orleans partner to provide monthly period supply kits for free.
Teen Voices: Aiden on Exploring Creativity
K'Sean Clark
K'sean Clark is the Library's 2025 YouthForce NOLA Intern.
Aiden Meriweather is an 18-year-old young artist who has been using his local libraries since around 2018 as a place to express and grow his creative freedom. He creates both digital and traditional art pieces, usually inspired by anime and other artists. Aiden first started to visit the Library because it was close to his house and now comes back frequently because of the welcoming environment.
Aiden recently sat down with K’sean, the Library’s summer teen intern, to talk about his experiences in the Library as a place of peace, creativity and welcoming where he can connect with others and feel supported.
Check out their conversation — which has been edited for length and clarity — below:
Q: Tell me about your Library experience?
A: I go in there and actually read books and hang out in the teen space. I would also talk to the staff members and that’s my favorite part. Just talking to the staff. The staff was always kind and helpful. I felt more confident. It’s very nice knowing someone’s not just going to run up on you. It’s peaceful and safe.
Q: What was your experience like at the Teens Create Market?
A: The opportunity was great. They gave us free tables to set up on, and bring our stuff to sell. But some things were a little last minute, and I think there’s room for improvement. It would’ve been helpful to have signs downstairs directing people upstairs, but it was still a good opportunity.
Q: How was your experience at the Best Buy Teen Tech Center?
A: I use the Teen Tech Center a lot. I really like using the laser cutter and the sticker machine, Cricut. I’d say it’s a pretty fun experience. Everyone’s really helpful, all the staff members. They provide a lot of resources with the machines and all the paper and things.
Q: What’s one thing you would want other teens to know about the Library?
A: The Teen Tech Center. It’s very underrated. I like showing them the things I’ll make at the Tech Center and they’re like, ‘Oh, that’s cool. I didn’t know you could make that.’ I’m like, ‘I’ve been telling you this for like two years.’ People don’t take advantage of it enough.
Aiden’s story shows the impact of libraries to young teens. Aiden first started going to the Library because it was close to home, but it was the awesome programs and the helpful staff that kept Aiden coming back. For Aiden, the Library became a place to make art, meet other artists and feel safe and welcomed.
Aiden’s story highlights the programs and events that the Library offers for teens that aren’t well known. Overall, Aiden’s story proves that libraries can be a good place for teens to hangout, learn and create things.
To explore the Library’s programming calendar, visit events.nolalibrary.org or download the NOLALibrary app. For more information about the Best Buy Teen Tech Center, stop by the second floor of Main Library between 1 and 5:30pm, Tuesdays-Thursdays or from noon to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Or, visit their website, bbttc.nolalibrary.org.
May 4, 2026
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Since 1957, the Friends of the New Orleans Public Library have been standing up for the Library’s mission through sponsorship, fundraising, and advocacy work.
May 1, 2026
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May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to celebrate, we’re taking a look through our City Archives & Special Collections to honor the history and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the New Orleans area.