A Piece of the Puzzle - Library’s Art Project Fosters Community in Teens

Since 2020, the walls of the Teen Department at the Kokomo-Howard County Public Library have felt empty. What began as an effort to welcome teens back in the space post COVID-19, is actually something that resonates much deeper with everyone involved. 

A simple idea – pass out more than 100 blank 12-inch-by-12-inch cardstock puzzle pieces to teens in the community to decorate in representation of who they are as a person.

Get them back, hang them up. Voila, it’s done. 

But what might seem like an easy way to fill the walls of the teen department has been so much deeper than that.

Teen Librarian Brittany Vanzo is passionate about two things: giving teens a free and safe place to exist, and being a supportive adult in the lives of our youth. 

“We want to be a resource for them, that’s the kind of relationship I want to foster with the teens that come through here,” said Vanzo. 

Co-leader of the project and information services assistant at the library Bethann Donovan shares the same passion. 

“I think that teens today struggle a lot,” said Donovan. “If we can offer them a safe place to be and express themselves and to have access to all of that, then that's what we should be doing.”

Not only do the two have hopes of growing the community the library offers, especially for teenagers, but they have hopes of providing a creative outlet and a sense of belonging to those they serve.  

“It’s a great way to express themselves and to feel seen and heard without finding the words for it. I think that's something even adults struggle with, art is a great way to express it without having to explain it.” 

“What we want is to showcase ‘You’re awesome, you’re important, you’re an individual, but you’re also part of a bigger picture,’” said Vanzo. 

Puzzle Pieces Ready for Display

The blank puzzle pieces have been distributed to more than 100 teens in our community so far, including throughout the local schools and teen-focused nonprofit organizations including Discovery Cafe and The Up Program at Kokomo Urban Outreach. There will also be guest artist collaborations from local tattoo artists at New Breed and more.

The pieces are currently on display in the teen department at the Main location of the KHCPL. The pieces will then be displayed on the walls after May’s First Friday event themed “Art Walk.”