Teen Volunteers!

Although it is the end of March, the Youth Services department is already preparing for its Summer Reading Club program. With over 1,000 participants every summer, our program continues to be successful due to the wonderful assistance we get from our teen volunteers. While preparing the materials to do our next Teen Volunteer Call Out we met up Lauren Arena, a summer reading teen volunteer for the past six years and asked to talk about her past volunteering experience.

CPCL: Why did you decide to be a summer reading teen volunteer?

LA: I was going into middle school when I got my first application towards the end of summer. One of the reasons I had decided to take the job was that I felt I needed to gain a sense of responsibility for myself. After all, I was getting older and I would eventually have a job after middle school. I also enjoy visiting to the library. It is a very good place to check out books and offers great resources for projects. It’s a quiet and laid back place but with plenty of activities offered.

CPCL: What value or benefit do you feel you received from the program?

LA: Throughout my experiences volunteering at the library, I have gained knowledge about the work world. You have to know when to act professional versus when to loosen up in order to effectively communicate with co-workers and leaders. Sometimes you may want to talk with a friend, family member, or neighbor but you have to know when the appropriate time for such is. Patrons always come first. Make sure you help the patron in anyway you can and never attempt to give direction is you are unsure. There are also rules that you are expected to follow and enforce. Library property should be treated with respect. Prizes should be distributed honestly and equally.

CPCL: What was your favorite part of volunteering?

LA: My favorite part of volunteering was handing out prizes to patrons. I enjoyed checking their reading progress and documenting it for them to see. Children, especially, are always happy to see how far they have come along and enjoy the privileges they get with each next step. Several participants aim for the big finale at the end of the summer.

CPCL: What was your least favorite part of volunteering?

LA: My least favorite part of volunteering comes near the last three or four weeks of the program. The lines get longer and the card box gets fuller. Patrons are trying to get their progress checked so they can verify their prices and privileges early. Sometimes it is hard to organize new members with those who are already in the program. I am not good with mental math, so I sometimes feel pressure to move faster when there is a line of people.

CPCL: What do you like to do for fun?

LA: One of my favorite hobbies is reading. Whenever I have spare time, I like to relax with a good book for a couple of hours. Volunteering is a hobby for me as well. I have volunteered at the Courthouse for holiday events such as Breakfast with Santa or Breakfast with the Easter Bunny. I am a member of the Teen Advisory Board at the Crown Point Library, and I have also been involved in book clubs. I listen to music all the time.

CPCL: Do you have a favorite book or author?

LA: I don’t really have a favorite type of book; I will read anything pretty much. It’s just a matter of obtaining a book that looks interesting. I do like novels about main characters that change significantly throughout the story. I have read several books by Barbara Parks, Andrew Clemens, and Jerry Spinelli. These authors write series or write books that all have similar themes.

CPCL: In ten words or less, tell me how your friends would describe you?

LA: I have rocky beginnings, but I take them with humor.

CPCL: Would you recommend the teen volunteer program to other students?

LA: I would definitely recommend other students getting involved in this program. For those who aren’t so sure about manual labor or moving around a lot, the Summer Reading Program is for you. Working conditions are comfortable, and breaks may be taken. Volunteers usually work side-by-side. Volunteers are on top of the program and are able to explain things to patrons. Volunteers are given the option of working days and times. The hours worked would be helpful to those who are looking for community service.

CPCL: What are your plans after graduating high school?

LA: I wish to attend a school that is close to home for four years. I want to get a degree in education and be involved in clubs and volunteer opportunities. Getting a job on campus would be nice, too.

Teens going into the 7th grade or above are encouraged to apply for a teen volunteer position for the 2011 Summer Reading Club program. Applications will be available, at both libraries, on May 2. For more information please contact Paula Newcom at 219-663-0270.