Grand County residents asked, and Grand County Library District delivered. In a community library survey from 2020, respondents commented on the fact that teen library services were slim to non-existent in our community. Staff members knew it was time to focus our energy on teen and tween programs and services for students in grades 6-12.

The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) was conceived, and meetings began in the fall of 2021 in both East and West Grand, with one group meeting at Granby Library and the other at Kremmling Library. Lucas, one of the original founding members of the group in Granby, has been instrumental in helping us evolve and grow over the past couple of years. His ideas and input about needs, school and community contacts, and teen interests have been the impetus for much of our new teen library programming.

Our first two groups were small, but mighty. Over the course of a few months, TAG members communicated ideas for activities that teens would attend at the library – virtual reality, laser tag tournaments, competitions like Minute-to-Win-It, arts and crafts and food (of course). Thanks to creative idea sharing, the library district’s first after-hours program was created – Teen Takeover.

Programs were hosted in both Granby and Kremmling in 2022. There was food, fun, games, crafts and door prizes at both locations. Laser tag was a huge hit with everyone! Special thanks to the Friends of Grand County Library for recognizing the importance of this program and for providing funding that will allow the library district to continue offering this event each year in two locations.

Being involved in TAG has its perks for teens as well. Community service hours are encouraged and honored, and kids have enjoyed meeting new people and seeing their ideas come to life.

According to Emily Pedersen, branch manager at Kremmling Library and TAG West facilitator, “Our teens have been instrumental in the building of the Kremmling Days float for the past several years. They have really taken ownership of the project! Also, they loved coming up with ideas for the Summer Reading Program Bingo.”

Here is what TAG members around the county are saying:

• “This group provides me with the ability to be involved in decisions that have an impact on one of my favorite places. I also get to be involved in sharing ideas for books for the Young Adult/Teen collection,” Sean.
• “I get to meet people and learn how to work together. I like when we get to pitch everyone’s ideas and see everyone’s point of view,” Sahyera.
• “I think it’s important to support our community. I love to help and do projects. I also love helping others,” Quinn.
• “It really expands your mind and gets your creative juices flowing. I enjoy creating and problem solving with others. “A diversity of minds will make a collective change,” Iliayah.
• “I like being with people my age. It’s fun doing all the crafty stuff!” Tea.
• “I have gained a lot from volunteering with the Granby Library TAG Team. Working together with other teens has helped me build leadership skills, including better communication, organization and planning. It has been a great way to learn how to problem solve, mentor & inspire others,” Lucas.

Grand County Library District is not just about books anymore. We have programs, services and resources for people of all ages. Stop in and explore the boundless opportunities available at your library.