As part of Knight Foundation’s weekend gathering of library leaders, the group toured a new project at Miami’s North Dade Regional Library aimed at teaching teens how to use technology to tell stories and engage with the world around them.

YOUMedia Miami builds on the role libraries play as places of innovation and exploration. The space is designed for high-school students to learn how to explore technology, mix music, design video games, create podcasts and produce films.

Workshops are available for high school students in digital photography, digital storytelling, animation and learning basic MAC skills. Adult mentors are available to help guide students as they work on new projects.

It’s already helping kids unleash their creativity and discover new ways to communicate and explore their community.

Joshua, 16, comes to the library because it’s the only place he has access to the Internet.  Although he has to take a 45-minute bus ride to visit the library, he says it’s worth it:

“I love the space because it’s designed just for teens. Every day I come in, there’s a different type of workshop. Some days we learn how to make and mix music, some days I’m learning how to use Photoshop. I have a lot of fun no matter what we do.”

The space is open six days a week to any high school student between the ages of 14 and 19 who is a resident of Miami-Dade County and has a library card.