There's a computer bar with video games and Internet access for the MySpace generation.

There's also a collection of 500 paperbacks, 150 graphic novels and 25 different magazines such as Teen Vogue, Surfer and GamePro, and plenty of comfy black couches and beanbag chairs to sprawl in while watching a movie and munching popcorn (yes, there's a popcorn machine).

The Annex, a hangout for kids in grades six through 12 in a strip mall across from The Avenue of the Peninsula mall in Rolling Hills Estates, is taking shape ahead of its Friday scheduled opening.

"It's really great because after school when kids go to the (Peninsula Center) Library, they can't be loud, they can't eat, they don't have a lot of freedom," said Peninsula High School student Emmelyn Hsieh, 14.

"It's a really good place for socializing. You can hang out at the mall, but there's not many places where you can actually read or go on the Internet if you don't have access at home."

Hsieh, a member of the Peninsula Teen Activity Council, helped design and stock what's hoped will become a teen hangout.

The Annex is co-sponsored by the Palos Verdes Peninsula Library District and nonprofit group Freedom4U, which are underwriting its $300,000 cost for the first 16 months.

Greg Allen, 52, a marriage and family therapist who heads up the 4-year-old nonprofit group, grew up on The Hill, raised four children there and understands firsthand why a youth center is needed.

The relatively isolated and car-oriented Peninsula offers little in the way of diversions for adolescents, he said.

"Kids need a place to go that's safe, supervised and structured so they can stay out of trouble, so they can help develop some of their creative talents and abilities, and a place they can go to socialize and interact," Allen said. "This has been an idea that people have talked about for decades, so we're happy we're finally moving forward and providing a space for kids."

The library district will staff The Annex and organize programs there on weekdays, while Freedom4U will do so on weekends.

Allen sees The Annex as an interim step toward a larger youth and family center.

CONTINUED
pg1 | pg2
single page view