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Teen Advisory Board

Teen Advisory Board

The Ripon Public Library is looking for teens who are interested in an opportunity to share your ideas, meet new people, and earn volunteer hours!

What is a Teen Advisory Board (TAB)?

The Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an inclusive group of teens, ages 11-18, who collaborate with their local library to create a welcoming and engaging environment for their peers. TAB meets throughout the school year to discuss topics of interest and program ideas that appeal to teens, as well as volunteer to assist with library activities and event preparation.

TAB members work on various projects, including assisting in planning and hosting teen events, support social media campaigns to promote the library, and offer creative input. They also provide feedback on library services, spaces, and resources for teens, and act as ambassadors to encourage their peers to use the library.

Mission Statement

TAB’s mission is to give teens a place to express their opinions, make friends, build leadership skills, and connect with the community by developing and implementing library programs and services for their peers.

Benefits of Joining TAB:

  • Earn volunteer hours for school or community service requirements (i.e. honors society, scouts, 4-H, church, and more).
  • Add a great extracurricular group to your resume or college application.
  • Build leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.
  • Gain experience in project management and event planning.
  • Have a say in what books and events are available for teens and contribute to the library’s growth and impact in the community.
  • Make new friends and interact with like-minded peers.

Membership:

  • Eligibility: TAB membership is open to students ages 11-18 from the local area, including public, private, and homeschooled students.
  • Commitment: Members are expected to attend regular meetings during the school year (August through April), participate in planning and executing projects, and uphold the library’s values.
  • Number of Members: TAB typically includes a maximum of 10-15 members to ensure an inclusive and manageable group size.

Meetings:

  • Regular meetings are held monthly, with additional special meetings as needed for specific projects or events.
  • Meetings provide a space for brainstorming, planning, and collaboration on library initiatives.
  • We provide food! During meetings, we offer a variety of snacks to create a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, giving members time to socialize and as a token of appreciation for their commitment to the library.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  • Advisor: The TAB is guided by the Ripon Public Library’s Adult & Teen Services Librarian who provides support, ensures alignment with library goals, and facilitates TAB activities.
  • Members: Teen participants contribute ideas, assist in event planning, and engage in projects that benefit the library and community.

How to Join:

  • Interested teens can complete an application available at the library or online [application coming soon].
  • Applications are reviewed, and selected candidates are invited for a brief interview with the TAB advisor.