Demetrius Means of Lancaster recently accepted the position of teen director at Lancaster Community Library in Kilmarnock.
“We are so excited to have Demetrius join us,” said library director Alice Cooper. “We look forward to having more teens come through the door.”
Means has spent the last five years as a case manager for the Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board serving clients throughout the region. Means has prior experiences as a community center director and adolescent activities director, providing activities and programs for children and teens in New York City before moving to the Northern Neck in 1994.
The library’s teen program serves ages 13-17, said Cooper. While the library has always welcomed all ages there is a renewed focus on teens as Means acclimates to his new role.
He has introduced the teens to a number of board games and he communicates effectively with them, she said.
“They are creating community in a positive way,” said Cooper.
“I’m looking to provide a safe environment for teens when they come in here,” said Means. “My goal is to empower the teens.”
Future activities will include pool, pingpong, summer programs, trips and mentoring opportunities, he said.
Means has over 25 years of working with children and adolescents and he believes that with his background in case management, he will serve as a liaison directing teens towards other agencies for support while providing activities and programs.
“I really looking forward to working with the teens,” said Means, who values the role he can play in helping to open doors for them.
While much of his time thus far has been meeting and getting to know the teens, he’s already made contacts with Job Corps. They have programs to help those who may need to get their GED, he said.
Means also is known for broadcasting local sports on 101.7 Bay FM radio for the past 22 years.
