Teens Taking Action: Library Edition

While libraries may often be seen as spaces for little kids and adults, Wickson is a library where teens and young adults thrive. I was fortunate enough to experience these extraordinary young people recently, so read on to find out more!

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB), run by Barb Barger, Youth Services Librarian, is more than 20 members strong, with teens in grades 9 – 12 meeting monthly to plan events for young library patrons. I attended their meeting on October 9th at Wickson, and I was nothing short of amazed by this enthusiastic group of young adults. Barb, known to almost all youth in the library and the Frankenmuth School District, is beloved by the TAB members. She brings so much energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to this group and its endeavors. When I asked the board members why they joined, each person who answered touted Mrs. Barger as one of the main reasons. Others said that older siblings had been members, that they enjoy spending time with younger kids and that they like the opportunity to do something positive for the community.

The atmosphere at the meeting was one of free-spirited brainstorming, idea-swapping, and general camaraderie in which everyone seemed eager, willing, and comfortable offering suggestions, supporting each other, and planning the details for upcoming events. They offered to dress up, make food, and design games and crafts. The board members take on leadership roles, including leading small teams who manage the food, crafts, games, and music during various events. Those who are not designated leaders enthusiastically participate in the activities with the kids and keep things fun.

The recent meeting had lots of snacks (always a priority) and focused on finalizing plans for Ghoulish Glow Night, which is for 4th – 8th grade youth and will take place at Wickson on Saturday, October 18th from 6:00 – 7:30 pm. This Halloween event is already full, and TAB is ready to make it an exciting evening. The group discussed how to best accomplish black light painting and making neon slime given limited time (15 minutes per station) and the ins and outs of slime-making ingredients. There will also be games like a mummy wrap, Ghosts in the Graveyard, a Halloween toss, and food crafts. In the teen room kids will be playing Halloween Jeopardy, and at the end of the evening the costume contest winners will be announced.

At the upcoming Bluey Family Program on November 15th, TAB members will also volunteer in various capacities! Families can drop in for activities inspired by the Bluey TV show including a Bluey Meet-and-Greet, stories, 'Dance Mode' and more. Then, on Friday December 5th from 6:00 – 7:30pm the TAB will host a Christmas in a Galaxy Far, Far Away event. Based on the Star Wars franchise, TAB members will be dressing up and

once again hosting games and crafts and food. Think pool noodle light sabers and Bantha milk. Who knew teens in 2025 knew so much about something that was first brought to the screen in 1977?!

The TAB members are already busy people – they play sports, have jobs, and are members of other organizations, yet they make the time to attend meetings, come early to decorate for events, prepare crafts, food, and costumes on their own time, and come to the library on weekends to ensure the kids in our community can truly enjoy the library. What an impressive group of young people!