Mary Elliott

TEENS UNITE!

Teen Advisory Board members read and do crafts with classes at Thrive Special Needs Ministries.

Library System Values the Voice of Area Youth

BY MARY ELLIOTT

The Sequoyah Regional Library System’s Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is an appointed group of teens that functions like a student government. TAB members help plan and implement young adult library programs, participate in volunteer service projects, earn volunteer hours, and help in the selection of new young adult materials for the library.

TAB is a great way to have fun, make friends and become an integral part of the library system. TAB members also develop leadership, public speaking and writing skills, which look great on any college or job application. Additionally, members may be eligible to earn the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from the White House for volunteer services completed during the TAB year.

The TAB term runs from August until July, unless there are openings on the board, in which case the term can start upon interview and acceptance of the applicant. The board is open to all students ages 12-18 who reside in Cherokee, Gilmer and Pickens counties. TAB meets four to five times during the 12-month period, and meeting attendance is mandatory. These meetings generally take place on weeknights, ending by 7:30 p.m. What Has TAB Done?

Teen Library Programs

•Festival of Trees

Fandom and Gaming Programs

• Mario Kart 8 Tournament • Harry Potter Yule Ball

Outreach Opportunities

• Thrive Special Needs Ministries: First Baptist Church

Woodstock • Art Appreciation Programs (Teen Art Appreciation Night) • Lego Robotics and STEAM, and so much more!

How to Get Involved

Interested teens can apply on the library’s website on the Teen Info Hub page, www.sequoyahregionallibrary. org/teenhub. After the application is received, the applicant will be contacted to start the interview process.

Mary Elliott is the Sequoyah Regional Library System’s teen services specialist. She oversees TAB and travels to all Cherokee County library branches to host teen programs and events.

Meet the

2021-22 TEEN ADVISORY BOARD

“My name is Lenata Tombari, but my friends and family call me Nata or Lena. I’m a senior at Georgia Cyber Academy, and I joined TAB to bond with my peers over literature and create various ways to uplift our local community.”

“My name is Anna Henderson. I’m a senior at Timothy Ministry. I wanted to join TAB so I could help people experience the joy of going to their local libraries like I do.”

“Hi! I’m Piper Duncan. I’m in 12th grade at Pickens High School. I wanted to join TAB in order to plan community events where teens can meet and have fun. As a kid, I loved the library’s programs, so I love giving back to the community!” “Hi, my name is Ila Prabhuram, and I’m the regional board chair for this year’s TAB. I’m a junior at Etowah High School. I’m part of TAB to not only get involved in various literacy opportunities, but to give back to the community that’s impacted and shaped me in so many ways. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment on the board, and I look forward to what’s to come!”

“Hi! My name is Rosemary Bragg, and I’m a homeschooled eighth grader. I wanted to be involved in TAB because I love reading, and I want to help people in my community find out about all the great things that the library has to offer!”

“My name is Emily Flair, and I go to River Ridge High School. I wanted to join TAB to be more involved with the library I grew up in, and to get more people wanting to spend time at the library!”

“Hi! I am Manik Durani, and I am in seventh grade at Mill Creek Middle School. I joined TAB because I want to interact with my community and compare likings with each other.”

“Hi! I am Maulik Durani, and I am a senior at River Ridge High School. I joined TAB because I want to share my passion for books with others and spread happiness in my community through literature.”

“Hello! My name is Morgan Gosdin, and I’m a senior at The King’s Academy. I wanted to join TAB to find a way to share my love of reading with other students in my community!”

“My name is Talyn Mesner, and I’m the regional board operations chairI am a sophomore at Gilmer High School and am on the varsity cross country team. My enthusiasm for reading and Dungeons & Dragons, along with my interest in getting experience on a committee and volunteering, is why I wanted to join TAB.” “My name is Victoria Marin, and I am in seventh grade at Mill Creek Middle School. I joined TAB just recently, and they have been so kind and welcoming to me! I joined to become more in touch with my community and library, and to get service hours.”

“My name is Unity Thornton. I’m a junior at Compass Prep Academy. This is my fourth year as a member of TAB. From a young age, I always loved going to library programs. I think TAB is great, and I have enjoyed how it has allowed me to be a part of the inner workings of the library, make friends with similar interests and learn how to plan events.”

“I’m Makena Dubois, the Cherokee County projects chair, and I’m in 11th gradeat Creekview High School. I wanted to get involved in TAB because I wanted to help teens get more involved in the library and the community, as well as myself. I’ve always loved the library and wanted others to love it as much as I do. I’ve been in TAB for three years, and I couldn’t imagine not being a part of this wonderful group!”

Not pictured:Regional Board Vice Chair Marlayna Macking, and board members Walker Stone, Sophie Salzar and Nicholas Brown.