Multnomah County Library’s Tween Council provides youth ages 9-12 the opportunity to advise the library on services for tweens. Youth can socialize with peers and earn volunteer credit at the same time!
Capitol Hill, Belmont, Kenton, Rockwood and Woodstock libraries all have Tween Councils. Meetings are either once or twice a month depending on the location, and there is no required time commitment. Tweens are welcome to stop by and attend anytime.
Tween Council offers leadership opportunities for tweens. Librarians facilitating the groups look to tweens themselves for ideas about future projects. Some of the projects completed include:
- Prepping craft kits for cultural events
- Making book displays
- Planning volunteer parties
- Giving feedback on which programs branches will offer
- Helping choose furniture and carpet for branches being remodeled
- Participating in the 90 second Newbery competition
Recent Tween Council participants have shared that some of their favorite things about the group are “book giveaways, crafts, meeting new people and a nice community.” One participant even mentioned it's a good “way to make their parents bring them to the library!”
Members were asked to choose one word that describes Tween Council. Here are some of their answers:
- Community
- Unique
- Creative
- Fun
- Dynamic
- Bookish
- Inspiring
- Family
- Awesome-sauce
If your tween is interested in joining a council, encourage them to come observe a Tween Council meeting. Drop in anytime! Not all locations have Tween Councils, but momentum is growing so it’s possible there will be a Tween Council at more locations in the future.