Bingo and Taylor Swift are enticing young readers at the Manchester Public Library.
Junior Sophia Hegland recently joined the teen advisory board to make sure the library is fun and filled with activities.
“The teen advisory board is an organization where we make decisions to make the library a better place for the teens,” Hegland said.
The teen advisory board has monthly meetings, where twelve teens go over an agenda and goals.
“Our goal is to help give teens something to do other than just sitting on the computers,” Hegland said.
The teen advisory board has already made progress by making a teen room in the library for teens to study, play games, and connect.
“The room is filled with magazines, games, and other activities to help the teens have fun,” Hegland said.
One activity Hegland and a group of girls led was a Taylor Swift party for kindergarteners through third graders.
“We made friendship bracelets, voted on the best album, and played music bingo,” Hegland said. “It was the first event that the teens held for the younger kids.”
Getting everyone involved is important for the board; however, there are challenges that the teen board faces.
“Everyone has different ideas on the way they want to spend their time,” Hegland said. “Finding a balance for everyone’s ideas and making everyone happy is difficult.”
The teen board allows the teens to develop and strengthen new skills.
“I got involved because my mom started it out, and I was interested,” Hegland said. “I’ve taken more of a leadership position, with hosting programs. It has helped me to stay organized and plan better.”
Through the teen advisory board, Hegland can help teens find opportunities.
“The library is a resource for everyone,” Hegland said. “It’s a special experience that I am proud to be a part of.”
