Teens will conduct a fundraiser April 16 to help raise funds to refurbish furniture in the Teen Loft at the Westfield Athenaeum.
WESTFIELD – A flourishing group of teens have ambitious plans to make the teen loft at the Westfield Athenaeum a go-to place for city youth.
Just one year old, the Teen Advisory Board (TAB) has “come a long way,” according to Heather Boettcher, teen services librarian.
“I have fond memories of the three teens that came to me and told me they wanted a committee formed so they could have a say in the library and the things that happen there,” said Boettcher. “At our first meeting last March 11, we had four members and the group has grown to 13 members.”
Boettcher noted since that initial meeting that TAB members have worked together on programming ideas and suggestions for items to order.
“We have come a long way already in just this first year,” said Boettcher, adding, “Learning as we go.”
For three current TAB members, the opportunity to provide input for the teen loft was “exciting.”
“I wanted to get involved with the board because I am a frequent visitor of the library,” said Alexis Ayala, 16, who attends Westfield Technical Academy. “I go there mostly every day after school. I want to make the library a more comfortable and convenient place for the new teens coming in the future.”
Ellie Trotto, 16, is the TAB president and echoed Ayala’s sentiments. She is a sophomore at Westfield High School.
“I spent a lot of time at the library and realized that they had a lot of really fun free activities geared towards teens,” said Trotto. “I was excited to be part of planning new events and creating new programs for teens my age at the library.”
Erin Drumm, 15, who attends Westfield High School, agreed with her friends.
“Our first order of business was and always has been to create a safe and convenient place where teens can come to study as well as have some leisurely fun with their friends,” said Drumm, who is currently serving as TAB’s secretary. “I joined this teen advisory board in order to help my friends with this goal as well as to be able to create some new bonding experiences for us and other teens.”
Since one of TAB’s top priorities is to improve the designated teen space at the Athenaeum, fundraising ideas are being crafted including Café under the Stairs on April 16 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the last day of the Friends of the Westfield Athenaeum’s popular annual book sale. A dinner theater fundraising event is also in the early planning stages.
“The teens have been wonderful at coming up with ideas and working together to help improve the library,” said Boettcher. “Among these ideas, the teens have come up with the goal of fundraising for teen events and to help replace some of the furniture up in the teen loft.”
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to attend TAB meetings or can call Boettcher for more details at (413) 562-6158, ext. 5.
“I believe that other teens should join our efforts of the teen advisory board because personally I believe we have a positive and fun environment,” said Ayala.
Drumm agreed.
“I believe more teens should join our efforts for a rewarding opportunity where they would always feel welcome and create new bonds,” said Drumm. “TAB is a great way to create a better place for others as well as yourself while making lasting memories.”
Trotto also noted that new ideas from teens are always welcome.
“Our plan now is to make a new teen loft that provides more space for homework and cool activities,” said Trotto, adding, “A space that appeals to all kids ages 11 to 18.”
Boettcher said she enjoys the interaction with TAB’s members since they “always manage to keep me on my toes.”
“It is always a fun adventure watching them learn and grow and get excited about making a difference, and I eagerly look forward to continuing this adventure in the future,” said Boettcher.
