The Salem Public Library Teen Advisory Board (TAB) was honored Monday with a Mayor’s Youth Achievement Award, recognizing youth volunteer contributions to the City of Salem. The award was given as part of the annual City of Salem Volunteer Recognition event.
The award was accepted on behalf of the Teen Advisory Board by the two current co-chairs, six current members, and one recently graduated member.
TAB is a group of 21 middle and high school students who work year-round with the library’s Teen Librarian to enhance library services by providing advice and guidance regarding service to teen patrons, complete projects that serve patrons of all ages at the library, and assist with special events at the library throughout the year.
Some projects taken on by the Teen Advisory Board have included:
- Organizing the library’s “Take What You Need” program. Located in the Floor 1 restrooms and one Floor 2 family restroom, these holders give free access to needed personal items, including toothbrushes, pads and tampons, hats, socks, lip balm, brushes and combs, hair elastics, and more.
- Designing and building a “medium-scary” haunted house for elementary-aged youth and families in the fall.
- Piloting a Seed Sharing Spot, funded by the Library Advisory Board, on the library’s main floor.
- Planning and hosting one special event for teens each year, which has included a Fashion Show, Murder Mystery Party, Clue Live, Fandom Faceoff Trivia Contests, and more.
- Brightening the Teen Scene Room with seasonal decorations.
- Creating staff appreciation gift packs for National Library Workers Day.
- Publishing an annual book recommendation list for other teens.
- Planning and filming an annual promotional video for the library’s Summer Reading Challenge.
TAB members are selected through an application and interview process each summer, with interviews conducted by current members of the board. Members serve for one to seven years, starting as early as sixth grade. Members are then eligible to remain on the board through high school graduation. In addition to monthly meetings, members volunteer at periodic work nights and special events.
