Touch of Love Outreach recently hosted a workshop aimed at empowering minority ethnic young people in Aberdeen. Key speakers from the Aberdeen City Library & Communication Learning Team introduced our youth to the social hubs within the Aberdeen City Library. This workshop is part of Touch of Love's ongoing efforts to engage New Scots and young Scots with community resources that enhance learning, exploration, and connection.
The workshop focused on the vibrant role that social hubs within the library play. These hubs are dynamic environments where young people can engage in a variety of activities, from collaborative learning to creative projects. For many young people, this was their first in-depth introduction to the resources available at Aberdeen City Library, and it sparked a new interest in how these spaces can be utilized to support their personal and academic growth.
Participants engaged in several activities designed to explore what makes a library social hub effective and welcoming. They discussed what they would like to see more of in these spaces, offering suggestions that ranged from more technology-driven resources to dedicated areas for youth-led initiatives. This was a valuable opportunity for minority ethnic young persons in Aberdeen to voice their opinions and contribute directly to the development of library services that reflect their needs and interests.
Aberdeen City Library’s commitment to evolving its services for young people fits perfectly with the goals of local charities, youth groups, and community organizations in Aberdeen. By providing social hubs that cater to the diverse needs of young people, the library is positioned as a critical resource in their development. It offers a space where youth can gather, share ideas, and gain valuable experiences that are directly applicable to their futures.
With 73 young people in attendance, the workshop provided a strong platform for youth engagement. Our young people expressed a strong sense of ownership and pride in having a platform to voice their opinions. One young achiever shared, "It feels great to know that our ideas are actually being heard and that we can help shape something as important as the library. It makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger." They appreciated that their input was valued and that it would have a direct impact on shaping the future of library services in Aberdeen. This feedback underscores the importance of involving young people in the decision-making processes that affect them, ensuring that library services evolve in ways that are meaningful and relevant to their lives.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Aberdeen City Library for their support in organizing this workshop and for their ongoing commitment to creating spaces that are inclusive, engaging, and reflective of the needs of young people in Aberdeen. Together, we are making strides toward ensuring that the library remains a place where young people can learn, grow, and thrive. We look forward to future joint initiatives between Touch of Love Outreach and Aberdeen City Library that will continue to empower and inspire our youth.
