Teens Shine at Arbutus Library

The Arbutus Branch Library hosted its first Open Mic Night for teens aged 11-17 on Monday, Sept. 26. 

“The Open Mic Nights have been successful at other branches like Catonsville,” said library staffer Rich Sigwald, who helped run the event. 

The Arbutus library hosts a large population of teens each day, partly because of its proximity to the Arbutus middle school. 

“We’d like for kids to see the library is more than a place to play on computers,” says Elizabeth Slack, another staffer who helped run the show last night.

Organizers encouraged the teens in attendance to create their own rules for the event based on what was important to them, which included items like “no interrupting,” and “no booing.”

The kids stuck to karaoke, but Slack and Sigwald hope to see the performers branch out into playing instruments, sharing poetry and showcasing other talents, eventually weeding out the karaoke machine.

Several teens performed, and many in the audience of close to 20 seemed to enjoy singing along from their seats.

“It was the first one, so they seemed a little nervous,” said Slack.

Sarah Floyd, one of last night’s performers, says she will definitely be back to perform again next month, but this time she will be more prepared and bring her iPod.

Others, like Caitlyn McElroy, hoped to find a way to fit the program in their after-school schedules.

The next Open Mic Night will be Oct. 24 at 7 p.m.  Teens interested in performing should come in early to register. Refreshments are available.