Service Learning @ Your Library

About the Program

Category: Libraries (Best in Category)

Year: 2010

Service Learning @ Your Library is a San Diego County Library program that engages teens in providing direct service within their own communities, helping them to develop interests and work skills while establishing meaningful relationships with adult mentors. The program fosters a sense of purpose and belonging, critical factors in helping to develop successful and productive citizens. Service Learners must be 12 to 17 years old and able to give at least six hours of service. Staff sponsors solicit participation within the library and community. They orient and mentor Service learners, helping track projects, hours and progress, Service Learners provide a wide variety of functions in the branch library setting, including routine straightening and sorting of materials, as well as unique projects like music appreciation classes for preschoolers, puppet show script writing, blog content and scrapbooking. A unique feature of the program is that all Service Learners spend the last hour of service producing a service assessment document to reflect on what they have learned and how they have benefitted from the program. With this, library officials reach beyond statistical documentation to demonstrate anecdotally how critical Service Learning @ Your Library is to the development of successful, productive young adults.