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Teens plan programs

Teens have fun, learn new skills in library group

Grissom Library's Teen Advisory Committee is planning more programs by and for teens at the Library.

Jessica Hartley, family and youth services librarian, helps Maya Williams create handles for the purse she made from “fake fur” on Aug. 9 at the Teen “Green” Accessory Party at Newport News’ Virgil I. Grissom Library.

Let’s make fashion accessories from reused and recycled materials and model them at a fashion show. This was one of the ideas for programs that a group of teens at Newport News’ Virgil I. Grissom Library recently suggested and are now implementing.

The group, the Teen Advisory Committee, is a way for teens ages 12-18 to become more active in the Library and to provide their input on programming and collections, said Jessica Hartley, the Library’s new family and youth services librarian. She explained that the Library has had a Teen Advisory Committee before, but it has now become more active.

“It’s a way to give them a voice and to encourage participation,” Hartley said. “They also learn responsibility, and it gives them a way to become active outside of their schools.”

About 15 teens are part of the group that meets monthly, and others are encouraged to participate. Teens get community service credit and may attend the meetings as visitors to get an idea of what the group is like before making any commitments, Hartley said.

“It’s all about them and their collaboration,” Hartley said. “It’s up to them, not the staff, to make decisions.”

The Teen “Green” Accessory Party was one of the first programs planned by the new teen committee.

“It sounded like a lot of fun,” said Maya Williams, age 10, explaining why she came to the program on Aug. 9 with her 12-year-old brother. “I made a purse. I will use it every day.” Her brother, TyCameron, used leftover materials to decorate a hat, socks and other accessories as gifts for his family and friends.

The Teen Advisory Committee’s next meeting is 7-9 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 25, at Grissom Library. Upcoming programs include The Knit Wits: Junior Knitting and Crafting Group, 2-4 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 27, and the Grissom Back 2 School Fashion Show, 2-4 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 30.

For more information about the Teen Advisory Committee and upcoming programs, please call Grissom Library at 757-369-3190.

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