The Crestline branch of the San Bernardino County Library (SBCL) is helping local teens turn volunteer service into valuable experience for the future through its Library Teen Leadership Program (LTLP), a countywide initiative that provides teens with opportunities to develop practical skills, gain leadership experience and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Open to teens ages 14 to 17 throughout San Bernardino County, the program combines meaningful volunteer service with structured leadership development, giving participants an opportunity to gain experience they can carry into college, the workforce and adulthood.
“The Library Teen Leadership Program is about giving young people an opportunity to discover what they are capable of while developing skills that will serve them well beyond the library,” said County Librarian Melanie Orosco. “By investing in teens today, we are helping prepare confident, capable and engaged young adults who are ready to make a positive impact in their communities.”
Through the program, teens receive training in topics such as job interviewing, leadership and integrity, conflict management and professional presentation. The experience is designed to help participants strengthen skills that can translate into future academic and employment opportunities while providing leadership experience they can highlight on college and job applications.
The program also recognizes that developing strong leaders is about more than training. Monthly meetings incorporate social and team-building activities, including crafts, games, social time and group challenges, creating an environment where teens can meet their peers, develop new friendships and strengthen their ability to work as part of a team.
Participation in LTLP is required for teens who volunteer at any of the 32 branch libraries. As part of the program, participants attend one LTLP meeting each month and complete a minimum of two volunteer service hours per week at their local branch. By combining leadership development with hands-on experience, the program allows teens to apply what they learn while making a meaningful contribution to their library and community.
Teens interested in participating may complete an application (bit.ly/3U9ih2R) and submit it to their local San Bernardino County Library branch for consideration. Applicants are typically notified of their application status within one week.
Monthly LTLP meetings are offered at select San Bernardino County Library branches, giving participants the flexibility to attend a meeting on either the second Tuesday or third Saturday of each month at the participating location that works best for them. Current meeting locations include the Apple Valley, Chino Hills, Crestline, Fontana, Hesperia, Highland, Phelan and Yucca Valley branch libraries. Meeting locations are subject to change based on participation.
By connecting volunteer service with leadership development, SBCL provides teens with opportunities to gain valuable experience, strengthen interpersonal and professional skills, and become active contributors to their communities.
Teens and families interested in learning more about the Library Teen Leadership Program, upcoming meeting dates or applying to become a teen volunteer can visit the San Bernardino County Library’s Teen Volunteers webpage at library.sbcounty.gov/volunteer.
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