Parent to Parent: You Media

WSVN -- This may not look like a library, and it definitely doesn't sound like one. It's a brand new concept called You Media Miami.

Marlon Moore: "It's a model based on You Media Chicago, which is the first You Media sight that was opened in the US."

It's a place for teens, inside the North-Dade Regional Library to hang out and really express themselves.

Marlon Moore: "You Media is loud, and a bit obnoxious, but at the same time that's the atmosphere you want to create for teenagers."

Teens ages 14 through 19 can come here after school and relax and play music, or video games on X-box or choose to work on media projects on brand new Apple computers with access to high-end software.

Marlon Moore: "We have graphic design software such as the Adobe CS-5 Suite, we have film production software like Final Cut."

Jonathan is working on a screenplay.

Jonathan Hernandez: "My true love, true passion, true talent is directing."

The 17-year-old is in trade school and says coming here has changed his life.

Jonathan Hernandez: "If it wasn't for You Media, today I wouldn't really be planning to go to these wide variety of colleges for filmmaking."

19-year-old Xavier is also working on a project close to his heart. He never had a computer growing up so when he checked out You Media, he was blown away.

Xavier Baez: "This is pretty cool. I've never used computers much, so I might as well try something."

Ariel is studying music at the University of Miami. She decided to become a mentor to these teens.

Ariel Pottinger: "So I work with them on garage band, helping them create simple tracks they can sing along to."

She says the best thing about You Media is that it really encourages young people to speak up and be themselves.

Ariel Pottinger: "We're actually saying show us what you have, give us what you got, because the world needs to hear it and the community needs to hear it too."

Lynn Martinez: "All you need is a library card to take part. You Media was funded by a grant from the Knight Foundation."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

YouMedia Miami:
North Dade Regional Library
2455 NW 183rd Street
Miami Gardens, FL 33056
Tel: (305) 625-6424
www.mdpls.org