League of Teen Advisors help drive successful teen program at Puyallup Library

As the Young Adult librarian at the Puyallup Public Library, Bonnie Svitavsky tapped into her creative side to help grow the library’s teen program.

In 2012, Svitavsky launched the library’s League of Teen Advisors, a group that meets monthly to help plan and offer insights into teen programs.

“I found that I have more success if I have the teens pick the events,” Svitavsky said. “We help plan Puli-Con (a mini comic book convention), the summer reading program and our teen events.”

The League of Teen Advisors is made up of college, high school and some junior high students. The group helps decorate the Teen Zone area inside the library, provide feedback to staff on what teens desire from their library, and volunteer at library events and programs. During their monthly meetings, the group also helps Svitavsky plan the weekly teen program.

Sarah Timme, 19, has been a member of the League of Teen Advisors since she was in junior high.

“It allows me to be a part of the community,” she said. “A lot of my friends come here to hang out, so I like that I get to spend time with them and get to know the community. And the projects that Bonnie has me do are really fun.”

As a self-proclaimed Puyallup Public Library Teen Group veteran, Caitlin Corbett, 25, is also a longstanding member of the League of Teen Advisors.

“I love the people and the programs,” she said. “It’s fun, and a great way to get involved.”

Now that Corbett is no longer a member of the teen group, she says she’s transitioned more into a semi-volunteer of the program.

“I come early, help set up, and help the staff,” she added.

To join the League of Teen Advisors, contact Svitavsky at 253-841-5562 or BSvitavsky@ci.puyallup.wa.us.

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 2:43 PM with the headline "League of Teen Advisors help drive successful teen program at Puyallup Library."