From filmmaking and coding to sewing and art, White House Public Library’s Youth Services Librarian is creating a welcoming space where local teens can discover new skills, build friendships and find a place to belong.

Megan Anderson’s warm smile lends a confident assurance that invites you in and gives you space to be yourself. She oozes creativity and confidence with a touch of girl-next-door, making it easy to see why the library’s teen engagement is experiencing a growth spurt. 

One SPN reader shared, “As a parent, to see someone invest in a very delicate age of children, the way that she does, makes my heart so happy. She comes up with engaging, unique, and desirable programs that kids want to attend, and on top of all of that, she knows these kids by name, and they get excited to see her. ”

You stepped into your role as Youth Services Librarian in February 2025 after working as a preschool teacher and even a baker. What inspired that career change?

Megan: I was trying to transition out of Panera Bread when I saw the library had an opening. At first, I was only interested in the front desk position, but I noticed the Youth Services opening and thought my preschool background might give me some of the soft skills they were looking for.

It ended up being such a perfect match. I had experience in coding from college, I love cooking, I sew, and all of those different skills have found a place here. During my interview, they realized how well my background fit what they were looking for.

I’m so glad I took that chance because I truly feel like this is the career I’m meant to be in. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Community Development, and afterward I plan to earn my Master’s in Library Science.

Had becoming a librarian always been part of your plan?

Megan: I’ve always loved libraries. I volunteered in my middle school library and grew up participating in summer reading programs, but I never really considered it as a career until this opportunity came along.

Honestly, it felt like all the stars aligned.

Many people find the tween and teen years intimidating, but you seem to thrive working with that age group. What brings you so much joy in serving them?

Megan: I’ve worked with children of all ages, both as a preschool teacher and as a Sunday School teacher, and I also come from a big family. My youngest siblings are still growing up, so I’ve always been around kids.

I’m really not intimidated by teenagers. It wasn’t that long ago that I was one myself.

When I’m planning programs, I always think about what I would have loved when I was that age. What opportunities would have made me excited to come to the library? What would have helped me build friendships or discover new interests?

One of my favorite moments is watching teenagers leave a program with a new friend. Since students come from different schools, the library becomes a place where they can build connections they might never have made otherwise.

I really believe teenagers aren’t intimidating—they’re just adults who don’t have everything figured out yet.

One of your newest programs is a Teen Film Camp. Tell me about it.

Megan: It was a four-day program where the teens learned every part of making a short film.

The first day focused on pre-production, where everyone pitched ideas. Three girls collaborated on the script for a film called The Steps We Take, which follows a teenager overwhelmed by school and life who pauses to simply breathe and enjoy being a kid again.

The teens handled everything—from writing and directing to acting, filming and editing. At the end of the week, they premiered their film for their families.

It was such a blast.

I have some film experience myself from college, including production assistant work and film classes, so it was really fun to share those skills. It reminded me that nothing we learn ever really goes to waste.

Beyond filmmaking, what are some of your favorite programs you’ve been able to offer?

Megan: Teen Nights are always fun because they’re relaxed. We watch movies, make crafts and enjoy snacks together. It’s an affordable place for teens to spend time since movie theaters aren’t always close or inexpensive.

I also love our Teen Sewing Club, where students learn both hand sewing and machine sewing.

Code Club has been another favorite. Thanks to a technology grant, we’re using Makey Makey boards so students can build their own video game controllers while learning coding skills.

We recently started an Art Club, and our Bob Ross Painting Night was such a huge success. The teens loved it—and honestly, the parents immediately wanted one for adults!

Throughout all these programs, what do you hope teens walk away with besides learning a new skill?

Megan: I hope they leave knowing they belong somewhere.

Whether they’re making a film, learning to sew, painting or coding, they’re building confidence. They’re discovering talents they may not have known they had, and they’re making friendships with people they probably wouldn’t have met otherwise.

That’s what makes me happiest.

When you first started, attendance at some of the teen programs was small. How did you stay encouraged?

Megan: I just kept believing in what we were building.

I knew our community was growing, and I believed that if I continued creating quality programs and sharing them, people would come.

Slowly, one teen would tell another. Friends invited friends. Siblings came. Volunteers started showing up.

Now we have an amazing group of teen and young adult volunteers who serve regularly, and it’s been incredible to watch that ripple effect happen.

As long as I know I’m doing my best and creating meaningful opportunities, everything else tends to fall into place.

We always end our interviews by asking this: How do you stay positive?

Megan: I’m naturally optimistic, but I think one of the biggest things is learning to look at situations from someone else’s perspective.

Even when a teenager is having a difficult day, I remind myself that we were all teenagers once. Thinking about where someone else is coming from helps me respond with more patience and compassion.

The other thing that keeps me positive is remembering the impact we can have on our community. I love thinking about that ripple effect—how one positive experience can influence someone’s day, their friendships and even their future.

That’s something worth investing in.

Yep, we couldn’t have said it better, Megan. 

See a full Tween/Teen Program schedule here. Be sure to share this article with parents of teens in your life.