School may be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean teens in Princeton are taking a break. Over 70 local students are participating in Princeton Public Library’s Teen Summer Volunteer (TSV) program this year, and their impact is being felt in the library and community.
Throughout the year, we receive countless inquiries about how teens can earn volunteer credit at the library. Sometimes they need to meet graduation requirements or bolster already impressive college applications, but most of them know that the library is the perfect place to make a difference in their community. While we offer several opportunities year-round, TSV is our largest teen volunteer program. Regardless of their reasons, teen volunteers are helping to build the Princeton community by supporting the library’s summer reading program.
From June 15 to August 15, participants are required to earn at least 10 hours of service and to complete the teen summer reading challenge. TSV kicked off in June with an orientation attended by more than 30 teens. They decorated the Teen Center and book drops, giving the library a colorful and welcoming summer makeover. Since then, volunteers made over 400 craft kits, promoted the library through engaging social media content designs, and ran some of our most popular children’s summer programs.
Maker assistants use their art skills to create Take & Make craft kits, which encourage creativity and fine motor skills. The kits are available monthly on the third floor and are a huge hit with families. Other projects include decorating the Teen Center and making interactive bulletin boards to make the library a more welcoming space.
To ensure access to the program for those who travel or may not be able to visit the library regularly over the summer, teens can volunteer virtually. Literacy advocates utilize digital skills to create social media content for our Instagram, TikTok, and Spotify. By sharing book recommendations, they help to promote the teen collections, encourage literacy, and provide a platform for teen voices and interests.
During weeklong camps, program interns develop project management skills by planning and hosting children’s events. In July, they hosted two popular events for young readers: Minecraft Mania on July 11 and Eric Carle Party on July 25, which drew between 85-100 attendees each. Following this year’s Color Our World summer reading theme, TSV members made colorful decorations by hand to match each event, as well as fun games and activities. TSV events are always a highlight of the summer for families, and volunteers appreciate the chance to meet new friends and get creative.
Whether they are working in the library or virtually, our teen summer volunteers play an important role at Princeton Public Library. Summer is the busiest time of year for our Youth Services department, and volunteers support the staff by providing entertaining events for families, promoting the new books added to the collection, and preparing passive programs for children to enjoy at home and at the library. Their efforts make all of these fun summer library offerings possible.
The next TSV-led program is Dragon Masters Quest on Friday, August 8 at 2:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Our teens are working hard to create a magical experience for kids ages 7 and up where they can explore the world of the fan-favorite book series. No registration is required.
For teens interested in getting involved at the library during the school year, applications for the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) are open now until September 12. Visit our website to learn more about TSV, TAB, and other ways to volunteer at the library.
Photos by Princeton Public Library’s Youth Services.