When you think of a library, you may picture children attending a storytime, an adult checking out the latest bestseller, or a librarian quietly shelving books. But did you know that EVPL hosts activities and spaces just for teens? Teens are an important part of our community that EVPL serves. If you are a local teen, we need YOU! You are welcome to join our Teen Advisory Group, where you can provide input to EVPL and help make EVPL a teen-friendly place.
Teen Advisory Group
Our Teen Advisory Program is a group of local teen volunteers and leaders who want to be involved in EVPL and provide input into teen services and programs. The group works with teen librarians to provide insight into teen interests and to involve themselves in meaningful conversations and work in the library. Teen Advisory members may participate in volunteer work, assist with programming, create digital content, promote library services outside of the library, and share ideas for library improvement.
Teen Advisory is open to any teen in grades 7-12 (ages 12-17). Teen Advisory members and volunteers must complete an EVPL volunteer application with a parent/guardian signature.
Teen Advisory Responsibilities
Teen Advisory members will have a say in the types of teen programs and events the library provides. Teens will get the opportunity to work closely with library staff, gaining valuable volunteer and community experience that can be used on resumes or college applications. Participants will build a history of reliability, work ethic, and other unique skills through service that could be articulated for college, scholarship, and job applications. Some of our current staff members started as teen volunteers doing this type of work!
Meeting Schedule
Starting January 2022, EVPL’s Teen Advisory will (usually) meet the fourth Thursday of each month from 4:00 – 5:00 PM at EVPL Central. In addition to this, Teen Advisory members may meet throughout the month for volunteer opportunities or to participate in special library programs or events. Always check the EVPL events calendar for the most up-to-date information about scheduled meetings.
Future Teen Advisory Meetings
- Thursday, February 24 • 4:00 – 5:00 pm at EVPL Central
- Thursday, March 31 • 4:00 – 5:00 pm at EVPL Central
- Thursday, April 28 • 4:00 – 5:00 pm at EVPL Central
Teen Advisory will take a break over the summer and pick back up in September.
HOWEVER, be on the lookout for more information coming soon about our Summer VolunTeens Program. There are opportunities for teens to volunteer with EVPL throughout the summer to earn community service hours and work experience.
More Teen Opportunities
In addition to our Teen Advisory group and volunteer opportunities, EVPL has a plethora of programs and events just for teens! Everything from video gaming to crafting to poetry open-mic nights. Check out evpl.org/teens for upcoming teen programs.
For more questions about our teen advisory and volunteer opportunities, please contact Kelli McDaniel: kellim@evpl.org, 812.428.8200 ext. 1545.
