Library to launch Teen Advisory Group

Attention all teenagers: the Seaford Public Library will be holding its first ever Teen Advisory Group meeting on Jan. 22 for all those interested. The meeting will start at 4 p.m. and will help jump start ideas for community service projects. All who attend will receive one community service hour.

“Since I had been involved with a few other volunteer projects in October and November, I feel that if I focus it on community service, then teens will be more apt to come,” young adult librarian Jillian Pelliccia said. “I would love them to take ownership of the department, whether it’s a club they want to start up or books they want me to purchase.”

After speaking with three young adult librarians from various towns in Nassau County, Pelliccia said she feels that the new club will draw in more middle school children who are looking for hours for the National Junior Honor Society.

“I would like them to think outside the box and make it more of how they can give back,” Pelliccia said. “Although I’m running it, I really want them to take it over.”

With 14 teens already signed up for the program, Pelliccia has hope that the group will flourish. If she can recruit enough teens she will establish positions such as president, vice president and treasurer.

“This department is one of the hardest departments to run because this is when children start losing interest,” Pelliccia said. “Word of mouth is one of the most powerful advertisers, so if they tell their friends to get involved, then they will want to be more of a part of the young adult program which will then help it grow.” 

Abby Brown, 13, is just one Seaford teen who is excited to take part in the new group in hopes that it will build programs for all young adults.

“We as a group are going to come up with ideas for events for young adults and children,” Brown said. “I’m hoping we can think of something fun with fashion and makeup or maybe even drama and music."

“I think it’s a good idea to have kids who will actually be participating come up with ideas,” Brown added. “We know what people actually want to do and it gets all the young adults together. We can make new friends and go to all of the programs together.”

For more information on the Teen Advisory Group, stop by the young adult department or visit www.seafordlibrary.org.

“I’m going to take it one step at a time and stay positive,” Pelliccia said. “Whether it’s helping our town or helping the town over, this group does only good things.”