The Hagaman Teen Advisory Group continues after 10 years to help bring more teen interest into reading and the library.

In the advisory group, students from EHHS come together and talk about what they would like to see in the library when they visit. They all help Emily Kalotai, the group advisor, go through the shelves and organize the books. The first thing students do is go through Emily’s checklist. Sometimes they will rate books, create new displays, and decorate. Overall, the purpose of the group is to improve the library and bring more interest.

The Hagaman Teen Advisory group started 10 years ago by Sarah Mallory and was started to get students together and give their inputs on new books for the Hagaman Memorial Library. The main goal is to get interest from all different age groups. The group was then passed over to Emily. Emily runs multiple programs, she replaces old books with new ones, and puts up displays. Emily says she continued this group because she wants to see more teen perspectives and have students voices’ heard.

Emily wants teens’ input to make sure she can offer them what they need anytime they visit the library. Senior Diya Patel who participates in this activity enjoys her time there with her friends. She says he has a good time and “it is fun and hands on. I also like helping others.” She also enjoys it because of the bonus community service hours she receives.

Make sure to stop by the Hagaman Memorial Library and check the group out and see if it interest you. If it does, you can spread the word and tell your friends about it.