Teens Can Earn Service-Learning Hours at the Library This Summer
Teens, we saw how much you love having different service-learning options throughout the school year. So, we’re continuing it into the summer—offering Be Involved programs, Teen Advisory Boards and Reading Buddies. Each branch has selected their own specialty based upon their community’s interests and needs.
Be Involved: Short-Term Commitment, Long-Term Impact
Be Involved is a drop-in style program designed with teens and their busy schedules in mind. There are no applications or long-term commitments, and any teen is welcome to participate at any branch. Be Involved programs are pre-approved by BCPS as part of our ongoing partnership.
To participate, check out our events calendar, pick a program that works for your schedule and stop by! Each Be Involved program will feature a hands-on project that benefits the local community.
Summer Teen Advisory Boards (TAB): Foster Growth and Change at Your Library
This summer, our Hereford, Loch Raven, Pikesville, Randallstown and Reisterstown branches will host our popular Teen Advisory Board (TAB) program. TAB members help shape teen services at the library, plan events and contribute to library decision-making. This is a great way to build leadership skills and earn service-learning hours throughout the summer.
Expectations
TAB is a summer-long commitment from June through August 2026 for middle and high school students. Selected teens are expected to:
- Attend a weekly meeting from June through August at the selected branch. Times vary by branch.
- Actively participate in the creation of a community service project. Past projects include community cleanup, making toys for local animal shelters and hosting family game nights.
- Work well in a team, as well as independently.
- Have excellent communication skills.
Applications for TAB are open from Monday, April 13, through Thursday, April 30. The application process is competitive, and acceptance is contingent upon timely and thorough completion of the application and the number of applicants. Teens may apply to any branch hosting TAB, even if it is not their home branch.
Complete an application:
Reading Buddies: Connect Through Reading
Our Catonsville and Perry Hall branches are hosting Reading Buddies, an application-based program that connects teens with younger students. Teens and their buddies will have dedicated time to read together, fostering confidence and teamwork. Call or visit the service desk to ask how you can apply.
Collecting Hours
It is the responsibility of teens to bring their own service-learning forms to document the hours. Forms are signed by branch staff at the end of each Be Involved program and the completion of TAB and Reading Buddies in fall 2026.
For questions about service learning, please contact our Youth and Family Engagement department.
More for Teens
Our teen offerings go beyond service-learning hours. Teens can also enjoy the library by attending programs, like Teen After Hours, using computers and gaming equipment, or simply 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.
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