While some teenagers spend their afternoons or evenings with friends at the movies, playing sports or out on the town with friends, the Orem Public Library is looking for those interested in dedicating their time and energy to the library system.

These literature-focused teens and others who care about the library are invited to apply for a seat on the Orem Teen Library Council.

The Orem Teen Library Council was created to help get local teens to engage with their community through the library. The council is made up of about 20 members currently — the biggest it has ever been, according to Pete Wolfley, city communications manager.

The Teen Library Council organizes programs for teens to meet friends, learn, volunteer and help run the annual Summer Reading program. According to staff librarian Nathan Robison, the council’s goal is to “get teens in the community to come to the library and interact with each other.”

Library director Bryce Merrill says he loves the variety of programs and engagement the council has for the Library and the public.

“What I love most about the Orem teen library council is the variety of programs and offerings we have for these young readers. Book clubs, movies, after hour events, participating in our new ‘meet your neighbor’ displays, gaming and more,” Merrill said. “The library outreach team have done an amazing job creating spaces for each of these teens to learn about the variety of opportunities and social events that the Orem Library offers.”

Robison said he recognizes the importance of having the group’s input when it comes to planning events and programs for the younger demographic, adding that actual teens may know what teens want “better than an old guy like me.”

“We’ve had way more participation in the last year, which is really exciting,” Robison said. “In addition to giving back to their community, council members also receive perks such as waived late fees and free movie rentals.”

Applications to join the Orem Teen Library Council are always open and can be submitted online at https://oremlibrary.org/teens/volunteer/. The council meets the second Tuesday of each month.

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