When was the last time YOU went to the library? Libraries are fountains of knowledge, the proverbial treasure room, where you find information and community. Part of their treasure trove is their abundance of youth programs, both for the youth, and run by youth volunteers.
The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a group made up entirely of teen volunteers. The group allows teens to earn volunteer hours as they organize events for younger children to participate in. The club survived through COVID, and it provides an inclusive and fun environment for all interested middle schoolers or high schoolers.
When entering the Scotch Plains Library, you are faced with two choices: the adult section to the left or the children’s section to the right. Teen programs at the library bridge the divide between adults and children.
“I remember how important it was to be recognized and given attention. [At the library], it often feels like children and adults are the focus more than teens,” the teen librarian at the SPF library Rachael Guerrero, told The Fanscotian.
As a teenager, you’re growing, and expanding your mind, and everything is changing, and it can be very difficult. Teen programs provide a spot in the community and a safe place at a time when many teens desperately need that.
“It’s important to develop into an adult who knows that they’re a valuable part of the community. When you know that you’re a valuable part of the community, then you feel like you have something to contribute,” Guerrero said.
Leadership positions are even more important to provide for teenagers. They’re a chance to push yourself and see what you can do.
“The most important thing for me was creating an atmosphere that was flexible and fun; coming back from COVID allowed me and my Co-president’s flexibility to curate a place where teens could come together, eat some cookies, and then plan activities,” former Co-President of the Teen Advisory Board, Abbie Sapira, told The Fanscotian.
There’s no such thing as a library community that’s “too big”. TAB welcomes and encourages all interested members.
One of the most important things about TAB is you don’t need any library experience.. You don’t need to be an avid reader or have experience volunteering at a library.There are people in TAB who read books like they drink water, sure, but there are also others who only read for school or when time allows.
“Teenagers should be involved in the community and the library holds a lot of information. It’s a place where you can get good books to read, and talk to people as you study, so I think it’s important to have younger people involved in the library,” TAB Secretary Christian DeGennaro said.
Libraries are one of the most important aspects of our society, especially for teenagers. Teen programs like TAB take that effect, and quadruple it, by creating a safe space for any teenagers who want and need it. A space where they can gain leadership, a space where they can collaborate with others, and a space that is truly for teens. Start a new chapter in your life at the Scotch Plains Library.
