From: Kathi Lund <KLund@santaclaritalibrary.com>
Date: Wed, Aug 12, 2015 at 7:18 PM
Subject: Student volunteers at the Public Library
To: "choffman@hartdistrict.org" <choffman@hartdistrict.org>
Dear Ms. Hoffman,
As the Volunteer Coordinator at the Canyon Country public library, I love the energy of the first weeks of a new school year, that bring a surge of enthusiastic, prospective teen volunteers.
I have had the pleasure of working with many of your Sierra Vista Honor Society candidates. I enjoy getting to know them and coaching them through possibly their first "real", independent work experience. Since they work directly in conjunction with the Canyon Country library staff—sorting & shelving, helping with programs or events—the students are held to the same standard for completing these tasks. It's very inspiring to see teens go from uncertain and a bit nervous about being in a predominately adult environment, to becoming more self-directed and self-assured while in the process of mastering new skills. I have to say, many of your Sierra Vista students have already had solid training in library procedures by Mrs. Fulleman, your school librarian. As a result, they have been outstanding volunteers at the public library!
Unfortunately, I've also had to turn away numerous junior high students because they do not meet the City Library's minimum age of 14 years old to volunteer independently--without supervision of a parent or group leader. It puts me in the difficult position of contradicting a teacher, in addition to frustrating both students and parents when they show me the school forms clearly stating that community service hours may be completed at the library. (We also do not accept used book donations for credit towards service hours.) I know that there are not many community volunteer opportunities for 7th and 8th graders so I especially hate to get their hopes up only to disappoint them.
So that future eager, diligent students won't be turned away and discouraged, please let your teachers and club advisors (Honor Society, Journalism, History, etc.) know about the minimum age requirement of 14 years old for public library volunteers.
However, we do have an exciting, new volunteer opportunity for 7th to 12th grade students (no designated age restriction).
In September, Dave Rosenberg, our Teen Services Librarian, will be starting a Teen Advisory Board (TAB) to give input and assist with Teen programming at the Canyon Country Library. Dave is easy to work with, has great ideas, is both tech and book savvy, plus best of all, he hasn't forgotten what it's like to be a teen! This is an excellent way for the students to volunteer while gaining leadership experience. The TAB members won't just talk about programming or materials they would like at the public library--they will strategize and work together to make it happen!
Please share the attached TAB volunteer application with anyone on your faculty requiring students to complete community service hours. Teen Advisory Board meetings will be once a month on Fridays from 4:30 to 5:30 PM at the Canyon Country Library. Students will be asked to make a minimum time commitment for each semester. For more details about participation in TAB, please contact Dave Rosenberg, Teen Services Librarian at drosenberg@santaclaritalibrary.com.
Thanks for promoting teen volunteerism at the Santa Clarita Public Library as well as in our community. You make a difference!
Have a great 2015-2016 school year!
Sincerely,
Kathi Lund
Volunteer Coordinator
City of Santa Clarita Public Library
Canyon Country Jo Anne Darcy Library
(661) 799-6161
A volunteer is like a rare gem. When placed in the right setting and cared for, they will shine and give pleasure to all who see them.
--Unknown
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