The Studio at Arlington's Central Public Library has an ongoing series of workshops teaching teens how to podcast. The goal with this podcasting series is to empower teens with their own creativity. Participants can gain confidence in their own abilities, build a technological knowledge base, and spark an interest in creating their own media.

Podcasting is an audio performance that can be uploaded online after recording. The podcast is then available for listeners to either stream online or download as an mp3. The exciting thing about podcasts is that they are, for the most part, inexpensive to produce. Once trained, teens would be able to continue creating podcasts with very little equipment. The most recent session of the podcasting workshop demonstrated to teens that the skills that they can learn at the library can extend to other areas in their own lives.

Two of our frequent library Studio users eagerly participated in the program. Previously, these teens have shown little interest in library programs. These teens, along with several other Studio visitors, often are interested in playing computer games and forgo other activities and interaction. However, once they found out that they could record podcasts about gaming, game reviews, and gaming culture, their faces lit up and they were eager to create some podcasts of their own. With this podcasting series, these teens can tap into their enthusiasm for games and gaming culture and translate that into something they can use for the future.