I used to work full time in a library, and continue to volunteer for the library because I enjoy it so much. The library has an annual lock-in event for loyal teen advisory board (TAB, if you want to speak library lingo) members.
The evening begins at 9 p.m. (a little bit earlier for us chaperones) and ends at 8 the next morning. We spend the night in the library playing a bunch of fun games, eating, making up skits, eating and having a great time. It’s a night of complete sleep deprivation that is always a blast for the teens as well as the chaperones.
The days of stodgy old librarians shushing everyone are long gone. Libraries are bright and inviting places for folks of all ages, and the librarian profession attracts some of the most talented, creative and hard-working men and women out there. If you haven’t been to a library lately, I urge to get out there and see what you’ve been missing.
Libraries need your help more than ever, and that’s why I put together this list of 6 things you can do to help your library. If you are a teen and are looking for a great way to meet new people and have a great time join your local TAB group. If one doesn’t exist, see what you can do about starting one. The teens “graduating” this year from our TAB group all had the same story about being shy and reluctant about getting involved with TAB, but have since gone on to become loyal members and have enjoyed years of fun with the group.
If you don’t mind, I think I am going to go and get caught up on some of that lost sleep.
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