Teen Council, Teens Leading Change (TLC), and Teen Volunteer

The Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL) Teen Council, Teens Leading Change (TLC), and Teen Volunteer programs let teens in Los Angeles get involved at their neighborhood library. Through their branch's Teen Council, Teens Leading Change participants design and carry out a civic action project meant to improve their community. TLC projects form in September, but teens can join at any time. Teen Council members work with their Young Adult Librarian and peers to suggest library purchases, plan programs, carry out a TLC project, and write for the Teen Blog. Teen Volunteers help organize the teen area, build displays, work on special projects, serve as homework helpers, and assist at Friends of the Library book sales. Seasonal roles include summer reading signups and, at select branches, serving summer lunch. All of these roles are unpaid and earn community service hours. LAPL hosts more than 2,600 teen volunteers each year across its 73 locations, and openings vary by branch.

Teens Leading Change and the Teen Volunteer program are open to ages 14 to 19, and the Teen Council is open to ages 11 to 19. Teen Council members must complete at least 20 community service hours. To apply, contact the Young Adult Librarian or Senior Librarian at your nearest branch. Selected teens fill out a Teen Volunteer Intake Form, and a parent or guardian signs a Teen Volunteer Waiver Form.