When I was assigned the task of starting a “Learning Circle” at my library, Prince William Public Libraries (PWPL), I was unsure what it entailed. In 2020 and 2021, envisioning new library programs was particularly challenging, especially for teenagers who are often difficult to engage. We received a Youth Literacy Grant in 2020, secured by Michaela Janotova, a Senior Communications Analyst and grant achiever extraordinaire at PWPL. We purchased Chromebooks for the program for in-person attendees. According to P2PU, a free hub for learning circle topics, a Learning Circle is a “free facilitated study group for people who want to learn with others.” Topics can vary widely, from crochet and language conversation groups to guitar lessons, with in-person and remote options available. If there is interest in a subject and a group willing to participate, you have the foundation for a Learning Circle.
As a Youth Services Librarian, I set out to create a Learning Circle specifically for teenagers. Our first Learning Circle focused on Makerspaces and open resources. Central Library, the location where I worked, had just opened the first Makerspace in Prince William Public Libraries, and we wanted to promote it. I also aimed to emphasize media literacy and demonstrate how to create media using accessible resources rather than expensive equipment exclusively (you can do both, so it is nice to learn both). Monthly, we’d meet in Central’s Makerspace and learn about sewing, filmmaking (with our Media Specialist, Emily Bickers), and any other subjects the teens were interested in (Sewing. They liked sewing.). Unfortunately, due to inclement weather and COVID, we had sessions canceled, but it was a start!
During the summer of 2022, I started a social media team for teens using the Learning Circle model. 2022 was our first summer to invite teen volunteers back into the branches, with virtual opportunities available. Over the summer, teens created video tutorials and service reviews, hosted virtual interviews, and made reading lists, photo collages, and infographics for the Prince William Public Libraries social media page. Their projects would go through rounds of edits from me and our Office of Communications and Marketing before posting, giving them a realistic editing experience. I presented this project at the 2022 Virginia Library Association conference.

A Graphic made by a Prince William Public Library Learning Circle Attendee
In 2023, I was promoted to Youth Services Supervisor, thereby passing the teen volunteer torch to our new librarian, Wendy Weldon. Currently, Wendy facilitates a Tween Tech program, which allows participants to learn STEAM principles are the library. According to Wendy:
We use the Learning Circle methodology to help young patrons not only learn new concepts but also share their knowledge and skills with others. Over the past year, Tween STEAM participants have explored basics like electricity and circuits, engaged in coding challenges through the Hour of Code program, completed a STEM escape room, and tested their construction skills by creating a dogsled for our Sphero Iditarod race. They have also used library Chromebooks to create 3D models in Tinkercad. We are currently developing a pop-up program to advance their 3D creations by teaching them how to slice and print their projects using our 3D printers in Studio 8601, our Makerspace.
We continue to uphold the mission of collaborative learning with teens and tweens at Central Library. Through these programs, we foster a collaborative environment where young people can explore, create, and share their knowledge. The Learning Circle initiative has successfully introduced tweens and teens to new ideas in inviting and low-stress settings. Watching our teen participation increase as they learn new technology skills, make friends, and enjoy a new creative outlet has been well worth the effort.
Amanda Thompson, Youth Services Supervisor – Central Library, Prince William Public Libraries
Header Image Citation
Graphic made by Prince William Public Library Learning Circle Attendee Maeve.