Teen Advisory Group
The Teen Advisory Group (TAG) is a volunteer program that empowers teens to actively contribute to Milton Public Library’s services, programs, and collections for teen audiences. TAG members advise library staff on the interests and needs, that support teen-focused programming, and serve as ambassadors for the library within the community. The program aligns with MPL’s mission to Read. Learn. Innovate. Connect, its Strategic Master Plan, and reflects the library’s values of inclusivity, accessibility, lifelong learning, and exceptional public service.
What is the Teen Advisory Group (aka TAG)?
The Teen Advisory Group at the Milton Public Library is the perfect opportunity for teens looking to complete their high school community service hours. Teen Advisory Group Members support staff with the delivery of programs for children, teens, and adults at the Milton Public Library.
- Volunteers meet monthly with the Teen Services Librarian, acting as representatives of the larger teen community.
- Members advise on the current needs of youth as well as how MPL can work towards fulfilling these needs, assist with program development by advising on current trends and interests, and advocate on behalf of MPL within their teen communities.
- To earn volunteer hours for the term, members must attend a minimum of six out of eight (or more) scheduled TAG meetings. Members are expected to arrive on time, participate actively, and remain for the full duration of meetings whenever possible. Members must notify the Teen Services Librarian in advance if they are unable to attend. Repeated unexcused absences or failure to communicate may result in a check-in with staff and possible removal from the program. Attendance and participation are tracked for volunteer hours and reference purposes.
- Meeting dates will be from 4:00-5:00 PM. Meeting will be held at the Main Library on Thursdays, September 17, October 15, November 19, and December 15. Meetings will be held at the Beaty branch on Thursdays, February 18, March 11, April 15, and May 20.
- Volunteers assist staff in the delivery of programs on an as-needed basis. The Teen Services Librarian will post shifts on Better Impact as opportunities become available for various programs. Days, times, the program name, and duties for that program will be communicated.
- Volunteers are expected to communicate regularly and promptly with the Teen Services Librarian and/or library staff, particularly if they are no longer able to attend a program they had previously agreed to help with.
- Volunteers assist staff in the delivery of a reading practice program, working one on one with school age children in order to develop their reading skills. The volunteers will also deliver fun, learning based games that help reinforce the joy of reading.
- Volunteers can earn community service hours by submitting reviews to Teen Buzz. Members may select any item the library loans out – book, movie, graphic novel, video game, etc – and write a review of the item. Members will earn 1 hour per accepted review, and may submit up to 2 reviews per month.
What Are My Responsibilities?
All volunteers are expected to act in accordance with MPL policies; follow staff direction; maintain confidentiality; and contribute to a respectful, inclusive, and accessible environment.
Minimum Qualifications
The minimum age for volunteering is 14, or completion of Grade 8 for students fulfilling community service requirements. Volunteers under 18 must provide parental acknowledgement. Family members of staff may volunteer but will not be placed under the direct supervision of a relative. All volunteers must be suitable for their role and must not create conflicts with library services or staff responsibilities.
How Do I Apply?
Applications for the 2026-2027 school year are now open. Applications must be returned to one of the 3 library branches or emailed to volunteers@beinspired.ca no later than August 7, 2026. Please note that late and incomplete applications will not be accepted. Only the first 35 complete applications will be accepted.
Applications can be picked up at any library branch, or downloaded from below.
