Earn Service-Learning Hours at the Library This School Year

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

Teens, you spoke and we listened! This year, we’re offering a variety of service-learning opportunities including Be Involved programs, Teen Advisory Boards, Reading Buddies and Building Buddies. All now taking place and continuing throughout the school year, with each branch choosing their own specialties. 

Be Involved: Short-Term Commitment, Long-Term Impact

Be Involved is a drop-in style program designed with teens and their busy schedules in mind. There are no applications or long-term commitments, and any teen is welcome to participate at any branch. To participate, check out our events calendar, pick a program that works for your schedule and stop by! Each Be Involved program will feature a hands-on project that benefits the local community. 

Teen Advisory Boards: Foster Growth and Change at Your Library

This school year, three branches will continue to host our popular Teen Advisory Board (TAB) program. TAB members help shape teen services at the library, plan events and contribute to library decision-making. This is a great way to build leadership skills and earn service-learning hours throughout the school year.  

Expectations  

TAB is a five-month commitment from November 2025 through March 2026 for middle and high school students. Selected teens are expected to:    

  • Attend a monthly meeting from November through March at their selected branch.
  • Actively participate in the creation of a community service project.
  • Work well in a team, as well as independently.
  • Have excellent communication skills.

Applications for TAB are open from Friday, September 19, through Friday, October 17. The application process is competitive, and acceptance will be contingent upon timely and thorough completion of the application and the number of applicants. Teens may apply to any branch hosting TAB, even if it is not their home branch.

Complete an application: 

Reading Buddies and Building Buddies: Read, Create and Connect 

Reading Buddies and Building Buddies are application-based programs that connect teens with younger students to help their literacy and problem-solving skills. Teens and their buddies will have dedicated time to read/create LEGO designs together, fostering confidence and teamwork. 

Reach out to the following branches for more information: 

Collecting Hours 

It is the responsibility of teens to bring their own service-learning forms to document the hours. Our staff will sign the form at the end of each Be Involved program and will sign the form  at the completion of TAB, Reading Buddies or Building Buddies in spring 2026.  

For questions about service learning, email our Youth and Family Engagement department at yfe@bcpl.net.

More for Teens

Our teen offerings go beyond service-learning hours. Teens can also enjoy the library by attending programs like Teen After Hours, using computers and gaming equipment or simply hanging out in the teen areas to study, read or meet up with friends. Visit the teen page or head to your branch to learn more. 

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