In honor of TeenTober, we’re highlighting one of Wickson’s special group of teens, the Teen Advisory Board (TAB).
According to the American Library Association (ALA), TeenTober is “a nationwide celebration hosted by libraries every October and aims to celebrate teens, promote year-round teen services and the innovative ways teen services helps teens learn new skills, and fuel their passions in and outside the library.”
The Teen Advisory Board is a group of teens (grades 7-12) who work under the direction of Youth Services Librarian Barb Barger. TAB members are responsible for the planning and implementation of library youth and teen programming, providing input on material selection for books, and serving the library population while earning community service hours and valuable leadership experience.
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of sitting down with four of Wickson’s TAB members: Sophia Grossi, Emma Maki, Patrick Burris, and Gabby Cleveland. I asked them to spill the tea on TAB and talk about their favorite TAB experiences.
For Sofia, volunteering for TAB was not only a way to channel her love for the library and help with events, but also a way to stand out for college applications. For Patrick and Gabby, volunteering for TAB was an extension of their childhood library involvement. “When I was younger,” says Patrick, “I spent a lot of time at the library, and I was happy to help out with TAB.” Gabby echoed this sentiment, adding, “I grew up at this library, and I went to all the events they hosted as a kid. I thought it would be a great resume opportunity, and I like hanging out with kids.”
The Teen Advisory Board is notorious for creating fun, engaging events such as the infamous Wickson Library Nerf Wars where participants are equipped with Nerf Blasters and are given free reign of the library turf. TAB has also hosted themed events such as Hogwarts Halloween and Percy Jackson Jeopardy, among others.
These events are rewarding for the participants, but they are also gratifying for TAB members who have the unique opportunity to form relationships with the students they’re working with as well as with each other. Gabby says, “It’s fun meeting new people on the Teen Advisory Board and getting together outside of TAB events.”
Of course, TAB members wouldn’t volunteer unless they enjoyed interacting with the kids as well. For all four of the TAB members that I spoke with, hanging out with the kids at various TAB events was their favorite part of the gig.
While TAB’s impact plays a huge role in creating and sustaining a positive atmosphere for teens and tweens at the Wickson Library, it has also become a supportive presence in the greater community of Frankenmuth. Emma reflects on how the community encounters TAB, “I think if these programs were run by adults, it would be a different experience for the kids.” Gabby agreed with Emma, adding that “these events create a more cheerful environment for the kids as they’re growing up. It’s a magical feeling.”
Another perk of TAB events is that they bring youth and their friends to the library, which is especially important if they aren’t regular library goers. Creating fun and engaging opportunities for kids in a place where they are surrounded by books undoubtedly increases their chances of returning and beginning a lifelong relationship with books.
When asked if other students should apply to volunteer with TAB, all four members answered with a resounding yes. “It’s a great atmosphere,” says Patrick. “And Mrs. Barger is a saint,” adds Sofia. “She’s always so happy to see us, and to be there for the kids. She makes everyone feel welcome.”
We are deeply grateful for our Teen Advisory Board. Wickson is a better place because of their creativity, contributions, and care. If you’re interested in joining our fabulous team and becoming a TAB member, stop by the library and ask for an application today.
One final piece of news, the Library Friends will be meeting on October 16 at 1pm. During this meeting, the Friends will be electing a new slate of officers and voting on a revised Constitution & By-Laws document. They are also looking for memorabilia from the last 50 years to add to the Library Friends scrapbook.
Happy reading!
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