By Ashley McEntush
Librarian Mrs. Chelsea Almer recently announced the addition of the Teen Library Advisory Board (also referred to as TLAB) to provide a student voice to the library with new and creative ideas ranging from books to crafts.
TLAB is a program in the library that is making the library a “fun and better place for people from all grades to share a common interest,” Almer said. Student members will be involved with selecting new books and makerspace crafts.
Almer shared that she got the idea to start TLAB from attending a librarian conference in early spring. A presenter shared that he has a TLAB in his library and Almer thought that it would be an exciting idea to bring TLAB to the McNicholas Library.
Almer also shared that she brought TLAB to McNicholas because she “wants the library to be a community and a fun place.” She said that the library should be a “place for people from all ages and grades to hangout” and TLAB is just what the library needs. Almer also said she’d love to see kids from every grade join TLAB. “I have students that are kind of like ‘Library Kids.’ I thought it would be cool for us all to get together and that is one of the reasons I created TLAB,” she said.
Sophomore Parker Birt, a member of TLAB, said she joined TLAB “to be more involved with the school and open her social circle.” Birt shared that she loves TLAB because she loves how when she presents an idea to Mrs. Almer, she takes it in and thinks about it. Birt also stated that “she wants to make TLAB bigger because it is more than just talking about books.”
Junior Abby Brock, who is also a member in TLAB joined because, “I thought it would be fun to try something new.” Brock also stated that she likes to read in the library, and when Almer suggested she join TLAB, she thought it would be a good idea. Brock said that she also likes the involvement in TLAB from all grades because it is a “diverse group of people.”
Sophomore TLAB member Day’Mia Seay said she joined “to interact with more people.” Seay’s favorite things in TLAB have involved planning, hanging out, and spending time with Almer. Seay loved to see the involvement from all grades because “it is better to have all grades participate in one program.”
Anyone interested in joining TLAB should see Almer in the library or send her an email at calmer@mcnhs.org
The McNicholas Milestone 