DeKalb County teen trustee brings fresh perspective
GPLS News, August 2009
Allison Bailey is the first teen member of the DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL) board of trustees.
Since this past December, Allison Bailey, a rising senior at Druid Hills High School in Decatur, has held the unique volunteer job of being the first teen member of the DeKalb County Public Library (DCPL) board of trustees.
"With library use and readership of teens on the decline nationally, the DeKalb County Public Library has made improved service to teens a strategic goal," said Library Director Darro Willey. "We've added special teen spaces in our facilities, adapted our marketing efforts to use social networking as a communication tool, and we've developed a teen advisory board.
"It seemed only natural to extend this focus on teens to the policy level by including a teen on the library board of trustees, and we think Allison brings a fresh perspective to the board."
As teen adviser, Bailey offers input to the board about library programs and services that will impact teenagers. When other board members need a teen's perspective, they seek her input, and they encourage her to take part in discussions.
Although the process was a little intimidating at first, Bailey said the other board members have made her feel welcome. "Now, after a few meetings," she said, "I feel comfortable providing input and asking lots of questions."
"The process has been a win-win situation for everyone involved," said Willey.
Bailey was originally appointed while she was a high school junior, but she has agreed to serve another term on the board. Under the board's bylaws, DCPL's Teen Board member serves a one-year term with the option of a second year renewal.
Prior to her appointment, Bailey served on the library's Teen Advisory Board, a group of teens that meets monthly to advise library staff on how to better serve teens.
"I've always been a part of the library, so this opportunity to serve on the library board seemed like a good way to communicate what teens want," she said.
"When library administration considered her commitment to the library, academic excellence, and history of volunteerism, she was the obvious choice," Willey said.