My Brother’s Keeper Library Peer Advocate Program

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2020

LA County Library’s My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Peer Advocate program brings young people of color into libraries as advisors. Advocates are recent high school or college graduates, or pursuing a college or technical degree, and are from or mirror the communities in which they are serving. MBK Peer Advocates (PAs) serve as liaisons between Library staff and the young men and women of color in these areas, while simultaneously gain valuable life skills connecting them to opportunities relative to their career goals. Because PAs are also youth of color with lived experiences, they build deep relationships with the community, engaging with them to develop programming that responds to their needs and interests, and advocate on their behalf to the Library. In turn, they show communities the resources and programming available, becoming a steward of the Library to LA County residents. MBK PAs also develop programming that speaks to their own interests, and receive training and networking opportunities to further their own careers. PAs are paid employees of LA County Library, receiving an hourly wage, along with benefits. They are an integral part of the Library staff and are involved in the development, increased attendance, and success of other MBK programs.