Support Your Public Library: A Guide for Teens

Public libraries are a treasure trove of knowledge, resources, and community support, especially for students learning English as a Second Language (ESL). As a teen, you have the power to make a difference by supporting your local library.

This page will guide you through ways to get involved, helpful resources, and how libraries can make a lasting impact on ESL students.

How You Can Support Your Library

Volunteer Your Time
- Book Shelving: Help librarians organize books and ensure shelves are neat and orderly.
- Tutoring: If you’re skilled in English, consider tutoring ESL students or helping with homework.
- Event Support: Assist with library events such as story time, book clubs, or language exchange programs.
- Tech Help: Many ESL students and library patrons may need assistance with computers and technology—offer to help them learn digital skills.

My pro tip: My library has a reading buddy program that is really fun, check out if yours does something similar!

Donate Books and Materials
- Organize a book drive to gather new or gently used books, particularly those that help ESL learners.
- Consider donating bilingual or language learning materials that can benefit both ESL students and the broader community.

My pro tip: every summer I sort all my books and decide what I want to donate to the library, from fiction to AP classes flashcards and textbook

Advocate for Your Library
- Social Media: Use your platforms to share library events and resources.
- Write to Local Officials: Advocate for library funding, programs, and resources, especially those that benefit ESL students.
- Join the Teen Advisory Board: Many libraries have boards that allow teens to provide input on library activities. This is a great way to ensure your library meets the needs of ESL learners.

My pro tip: look for funding programs and help spread the word. I participated to the events preparing a full renovation of my local library during Covid

Start a Book Club or Language Exchange
- Create a welcoming space for ESL students to practice English in a fun, low-pressure environment. You can read simple books together or have discussions about topics of interest.
- A language exchange program, where English-speaking teens and ESL students teach each other their native languages, can also be a fun, interactive way to learn.

My pro tip: well… I haven’t done that one just yet but it could be really nice!

Create a Library Support Group
- Start a group of teens who are passionate about libraries and community service. Organize activities such as fundraising events, library clean-up days, or ESL tutoring sessions.

My pro tip: the group might already exist and your librarian might be able to add you to their email alerts for volunteer opportunities

Helpful Resources for Teens Supporting Libraries

YALSA Teens Volunteer Resources
The American Library Association offers resources and ideas for teens looking to volunteer at their local library.
United for Libraries
A division of the ALA that helps promote public library support and advocacy.
Project Literacy
This global campaign works to address literacy issues worldwide and offers great insights into how libraries support literacy, including for ESL students.
Libby App
A fantastic digital platform to borrow eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines from your public library. Great for sharing with ESL students who may prefer digital content.
National Literacy Trust – Young People
This UK-based site has great resources on the importance of literacy and ideas for supporting reading initiatives in your community.

How Libraries Help ESL Students

Public libraries are essential resources for ESL learners in several ways:

Access to Language Learning Materials: Libraries provide free access to books, audiobooks, and eBooks in various languages, as well as English learning tools such as dictionaries, language apps, and flashcards.
Community Programs: Many libraries offer ESL classes, conversation clubs, and storytimes in both English and other languages, fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Technology Access: ESL students often rely on library computers and Wi-Fi for schoolwork, job applications, or learning English online.
Cultural Integration: Libraries provide a safe, welcoming space where ESL students can immerse themselves in the language and culture of their new country.
Inclusive Events: Library-hosted cultural events, movie nights, and language exchange programs help ESL students build confidence in their English-speaking abilities while connecting with peers and the community.

Take Action Today!

Your local library needs your support, and the impact you make as a teen volunteer can be significant—especially for ESL students seeking a welcoming space to learn and grow. Whether you’re organizing book drives, helping at events, or advocating for library programs, every little bit helps!

Join the movement to support libraries and empower ESL students by taking action today. Visit your public library to learn how you can get involved!

Book Exchange of Marin

There are probably many other non-profits around you helping with book donations. I my county I came across Book Exchange of Marin many years ago.

The Book Exchange of Marin promotes child literacy, encourages a love of reading, and works to ensure that all children have access to books.

They re-home lightly used books in support of a sustainable environment and the next generation of readers and educators.
They collect, sort, organize, shelve, and make available lightly-used, quality K-12 books of all kinds, both fiction and nonfiction.
They make these books and materials available for free or minimal cost to students, teachers, families, and various non-profit community organizations through

French Polynesia Schools Donations with TAMARII DE POLYNESIE

“Every time I went to Rangiroa, I was shocked by the state of school infrastructure, as much for kindergarten as for primary or middle school. Walls, basketball hoops or sports fields are in very poor condition. After discussing with the inhabitants of Tiputa and Avatoru, I made the decision to create the ”Tamarii de Polynésie” association in September 2022.” – Tehani

Meet Tehani Emeline! She’s a Vahine I met in San Francisco who loves making kids in Rangiroa happy 🙂

Tehani Emeline loves spending her holidays with family in Rangiroa. On one of these trips, she got the idea to start “Tamarii de Polynesie” to help out the kids on the island.

Tehani got her friends from all over involved, including our family. With the funds, she bought computer gear, sports equipment, and games for the schools in Tiputa and Avatoru. We also donated a lot of items, including books!!!

Now, the children of Rangiroa have more resources and opportunities for success, thanks to Tehani’s hard work and dedication.

By donating to the “Tamarii de Polynésie” association, you’ll be supporting Tehani’s efforts to help the children of Rangiroa have a brighter future. Every donation, big or small, will make a significant impact in the lives of these kids. Imagine the smiles on their faces when they receive new computer equipment, sports gear, and games! Let’s come together and show our support for this incredible cause.