Teen Advisory Boards

A Teen Advisory Board is a group of teen volunteers who meet regularly with a librarian facilitator to offer input on library services and co-design library programs. Teen Advisory Boards help librarians create programs that meet the needs of youth in their community. These programs align with the library’s mission and goals. Contact your local library to learn more about recent events planned for and with teens.

Most Teen Advisory Boards are open to high school students. Some are open to middle school students as well. Contact your local library to learn what ages your Teen Advisory Board is open to.

By participating in a Teen Advisory Board, you will:

1. Learn 21st Century Skills, including creativity, collaboration, communication, leadership, and social skills

2. Understand the library’s mission and values and how the library works with the community

3. Become invested in your community to create positive change

Teen Advisory Board members practice group decision making while organizing and planning events.

Please see this list of upcoming Teen Advisory Board meetings. Each Teen Advisory Board determines its own meeting schedule. Contact the local librarian listed to find out more and to apply.

If your local library doesn’t have a Teen Advisory Board, you can contact your local Teen Services Librarian and ask them about setting one up.

Teen Advisory Board members who volunteer for at least 10 hours within 6 months may ask for a reference letter from their supervisor.

For job, college, or scholarship applications, your direct supervisor can:

1. verify the hours you worked,
2. list the tasks you performed,
3. and describe how you demonstrated specific volunteer competencies.

We cannot recommend volunteers for specific jobs, colleges, or scholarships.