Teen Advisory Boards Announce Final Projects

Throughout the school year, our regional Teen Advisory Boards (TAB) have been meeting and weighing in on the needs and interests of their peers to help branches create programs, services and resources tailored to them. These groups also created a teen-led community service project in each region after discussing the needs of their communities and their personal passions. We are excited to share each region’s events and invite the community to come out and support the programs. 

Programs 

Central Region Teen Advisory Board Presents: Party Planters 
Saturday, March 2, 10 a.m. (Cockeysville Branch) 
Central TAB walks you through the basics of taking care of native plants and helps you plant a seed to take home.  

West Region Teen Advisory Board Presents: Strengthening Skills
Wednesday, March 6, 6 p.m. (Randallstown Branch) 
Saturday, March 16, 1 p.m. (Arbutus Branch)
Looking for homework help or some extra practice in certain school subjects? The members of Baltimore County Public Library's West Region Teen Advisory Board are here to help students by providing extra aid in first through fifth grade language arts and math. One-on-one tutoring is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. 

East Region Teen Advisory Board Presents: Art Club and Art Supplies Swap 
Saturday, March 23, 2 p.m. (Perry Hall Branch)  
You are invited to an afternoon of painting with an opportunity to swap arts and crafts supplies with other attendees. Completed paintings will be collected and donated to local senior living facilities. Attendees are not required to bring donations to take part in the supply swap. Limited seating available; first come, first served. Tickets are available 30 minutes before the program.  

Hear From the Teens 

This is the second year hosting the TAB program. We asked the teens to give feedback on what they like about participating in the program.  

“I love helping others because I know that I am making a difference in the world. By being part of the Teen Advisory Board and leading a community service project, I am able to lead the way in doing community work and make the world a better place.”—Central Region TAB member 

“I love books and the library. I want to continue to make the library a fun place and help encourage more kids to go to the library.”—East Region TAB member 

“It was really exciting to see the behind-the-scenes workings of how library programming happens and to get to help out. I got to meet a lot of great people my age and get hands-on experience working with younger kids, which I really enjoyed.”—West Region TAB member 

“Being a part of the Teen Advisory Board helped me gain leadership skills but also gave me the chance to work with students from other schools, locations and backgrounds in order to diversify my own skills and successfully execute the program's goal of improving community outreach.”—Central Region TAB member 

“Getting to work with other teens, in a library, and earn service-learning hours was fantastic. Something I’d love to do again.”—Western Region TAB member 

“This was a great opportunity for me to be involved in something that will help me meet friends and to have my opinion heard.”—Central Region TAB member 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Teen Advisory Board? 

Teen Advisory Boards are groups of middle and high school students that meet regularly at their local branch to advise library staff with ideas for programs, services and initiatives for them and their peers. Hanging out, making new friends and eating snacks are obviously a priority at each meeting, but they also gain leadership and teamwork skills, by working together to create a teen-led community service project of their choice.

How many service-learning hours will I earn?  

By attending all meetings, participants earn 10 service-learning hours. Students can earn more by working on the final project and additional planning meetings. The extra hours are determined by the branch coordinator based on the project needs.  

Why are they important? 

For some, participating in TAB is a way to earn their required service-learning hours for graduation. Others love helping in their community, taking on leadership roles or creating programs. Some just love the library and find it to be a safe space.  

Teen voices are essential in the creation of programs and services at the library. We want to make sure that Baltimore County teens know the library is a safe space where they can explore, learn, create and connect.  

How do I apply? 

Online applications for the summer TAB will be available on or around April 1. If you have any questions, contact yfe@bcpl.net. Online applications for the school year will be available on or around September 1 of each year.  

More than TAB 

Our teen offerings don't end with TAB. Check out other ways to enjoy the library, like attending programs, using our computers and gaming equipment or just hanging out in the teen areas to study, read or meet up with friends. Visit the teen page or head to your branch to learn more.