Youth Initiative

Mission

At Kimball Library, we value the members of our community for their individual interests and passions. We seek to empower youth through youth-adult partnership to develop opportunities for themselves, their peers, and the greater community. 

Methods

Using Asset-Based Community Development principles to inform our practice, we start with the positives of our community, from individuals to businesses. Using the feedback and input of the community, we encourage passionate people to pursue their ideas, uncovering resources and support. 

Outcomes

Our data is a combination of visual input, anecdotes, and written comments. We seek input from all youth community members by participating in classes through the schools and homeschool groups, engaging individuals in 1-1 conversations, attending community events to speak with community members, and using anonymous & written feedback opportunities.

Thanks to the American Libraries Association grant for Accessible Small and Rural Communities, we were able to host more conversations with a variety of community youth. We hired a Youth Community Connector, Eames, who helped to lead conversations and host programs and activities. 

What many of our Randolph Elementary students love about our community: 

If you have not had the opportunity to provide your input, please feel free to do so by completing this survey or emailing [email protected].

Projects & Events

Food Pantry and Fridge - Upcoming

We are excited to introduce an upcoming project as a result of the conversations hosted through the Accessible Small and Rural Communities! Kimball Library will host a food pantry and fridge that will be open 24/7 to the community! The goal of the pantry project is to reduce food waste in our community by redistributing food from community members, local organizations, and businesses. Food accessibility will positively impact people with mental health challenges and other disabilities. Thanks to the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Act, food donations are protected when donated in good faith. 

Youth Advisory Board - Ongoing

The Youth Advisory Board is comprised of teens ages 12+ who support collection development through recommendations, engage in library sustainability initiatives, and help brainstorm and plan library and community programs. 

Teen Art Night - 2/8/24, 3/14/24, 4/25/24, 5/23/24

Partnering with the White River Craft Center to employ artists in providing a free art night for teens at the library, this event is hosted monthly when artists are available. Projects so far have included a weaving workshop, Victorian Puzzle Purses, and beading and jewelry making. 

Teen Financial Literacy Workshops - 10/28/24 and 5/21/24

Kimball Library partnered with UVM professor John Lens who offered his expertise on financial literacy. A small group of teens were able to ask questions to demystify personal finances, answering questions about taxes, starting your own business, investing, and more. We hope to continue to offer these when John is available to do so. 

View more past events here. 

Get Involved

We welcome your feedback! Please respond to this survey or send an email to [email protected].

Attend Youth Advisory Board or Community Conversations!