When people think of the local library, many still picture a quiet place with rows of dusty books and a strict silence policy. It’s an old-school image — one that’s stuck around thanks to tradition and pop culture, but that picture is changing.

Across Butler County, libraries are redefining what they offer and how they connect with the community. The Butler Area Public Library, South Butler Community Library and the Slippery Rock Community Library are among those leading the charge, becoming lively, welcoming spaces with programs that go beyond books and educates the community.

More than ever, local library staff are focused on giving young people, especially teens, a safe and supportive space to hang out, learn and grow.

“There aren’t a lot of spaces for tweens and teens to just exist, people automatically assume they’re up to no good,” said Tiffany Harkleroad, youth services manager at the Butler Area Public Library.

At the Butler library, teens have their own area, a space where adults aren’t allowed, unless they’re helping a child or working in an official capacity. Starting in fifth grade, children can come to the library on their own, something that gives them both independence and a bit of responsibility.

“At the heart of everything we do, we want to provide a safe place for teens to exist, learn social skills and receive other support that will help them with their school curriculum,” Harkleroad said.

She adds that Butler is a family-oriented community, and that many parents are looking for meaningful, low-cost ways to keep their children engaged.

“[Kids] are transfixed on their devices and they are having fewer opportunities to interact socially, especially if they aren’t participating in sports, or don’t have the funds to take part in traditional activities for kids their age,” Harkleroad said.

The sentiment is shared in South Butler Community Library, where director Michelle Lesniak said giving teens a space to just be themselves is a big part of the library’s mission.

Through programs and events, Lesniak hopes teens will find new hobbies and interests in things that might help shape who they become.

This summer, the South Butler Community Library is gearing up for its SummerQuest program, with events running from June 12 to 14. Themed “Color Your World,” the weekend is open to both youth and adults.

Local artist Joe Wos, known from WQED’s Cartoon Academy, will be stopping by in person, and the library will host watch parties where attendees can draw along with his work.

Lesniak says there will also be a weekly teen program every Monday night at 6:30 p.m. for students in grades eight through 12.

“Each night highlights a different art theme, with teens adding their own personal touch to their projects,” Lesniak said.

For Lesniak, offering programs like this to teens throughout the summer will hopefully curb any boredom.

“Studies show that boredom can negatively impact mental health, academic performance and increase risky behaviors like substance abuse,” Lesniak said.

Her hope is that the South Butler Community Library becomes a place where teens can look toward their futures with confidence and start building a positive path forward.

Over at the Slippery Rock Community Library, similar efforts are underway.

“A lot of the teens that come for the programming are also here for the socialization,” said Melissa Schulz, library director. “It is the only time they interact with people their age.”

While the summer event schedule is still in progress, Schulz said the library runs teen programs all year long. That includes Anime Club on the first Wednesday of each month from 6 to 8 p.m., and the Nontraditional Book Club on the second Monday of the month from 4 to 5 p.m.

Instead of assigning specific titles, teens read what they want and share their thoughts with the group.

“Our programs offer an outlet for safe socialization and having fun, and all of our programs are free, so families don’t find a barrier when it comes to cost,” Schulz said.