Adults Just Wanna Have Fun: Programs for Emerging Adults. By Audrey Barbakoff. Chicago: ALA, 2016. 136 p. Paper $49 (ISBN: 978-0-8389-1391-8).

Geared toward an underrepresented population in public libraries, this book aims to describe programming for emerging adults—defined by the author as those who are in their twenties to early thirties. The focus is on providing information about emerging adults’ use of libraries, demonstrating the importance of programming targeted to this group, and justifying this type of programming to library stakeholders.

The book is divided into three main parts: an introduction that explains the research supporting programming specifically for emerging adults, a middle section detailing actual programming ideas, and a conclusion that discusses how and why to evaluate such programming. The highlighted research points to a need for programming to this age group: The author cites evidence showing that emerging adults rank libraries as less important than older adults do, even though 88 percent of emerging adults reported reading a book in the past year, compared to 79 percent of older adults. In other words, emerging adults are readers, but they aren’t visiting our libraries.

The programs that the author describes are all based on play, as research has shown that this is often integral to learning for people of all ages. Because play is such a strong element in learning, the programs proposed in this book are both educational and fun at the same time. The author also encourages programmers not to be afraid to take risks and to learn right alongside their patrons to make it less intimidating for attendees as well as more fun for all.

The programming section is separated into three types of programming: “Get Dirty,” which covers creating items both technological and non-technological; “Get Out,” which covers programming outside the branch; and “Get Together,” which covers programming that encourages participants to engage with one another. Programs are laid out with their length and time, staff and materials needed, cost, steps needed for implementation, and justification of community need.

This book is recommended for libraries interested in developing emerging adult programs, especially if they are seeking research to justify their choices. Purchasers should be aware that the book includes only about six programs per section, so this is by no means a comprehensive guide. In addition, not every program will be appropriate for every library or branch. Nonetheless, this book provides a solid start for those delving into emerging adult programming.—Teralee ElBasri, Librarian, Chesterfield County Public Library, North Courthouse Branch, Richmond, Virginia