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Building Buddies:

Summer service learning hour program

Service Learning Hours​

  • 208 teens
  • 1560 Service Learning Hours​

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Building Buddy Programs​

  • 54 Building Buddy programs 
  • 1093 participants (teens + elementary aged customers)

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"I thought it was hard at Times to not take over the project, when the kids didn’t get it after some time but after awhile, I got more accepting that the kids would not just know how to make everything and that it was my job to help them learn how to do it. So overall from the program, I think I have become a leader, and more patient."​

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"I really enjoyed being a building buddy! I think it gave me valuable experience helping the community and I hope I made a positive impact on the kids lives."​

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Teen Feedback from Survey​

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  • When it worked, it worked beautifully!

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  • Great feedback from teens on the and parents/guardians​

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  • Aligned with BCPS Service Learning Hour requirement​

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  • Easy, engaging, clear.

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  • 3 Program Format didn’t work at all branches

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  • No shows were a problem (both teens and customers)​
  1. Teens want to engage with their library and community

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  • Advocating for civic engagement programs, funding and visibility

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  • Providing a simple “program in a box” for branch staff to easily implement

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Brainstormed, developed and coordinated the program with Matt Barinholtz of FutureMakers. BCPL purchased SNACKS.

Brainstorming and Training

Staff Feedback

What Worked

What I Learned from Teen Connect

The Programs (June – August)

Tia Jennings, Baltimore County Public Library, tjennings@bcpl.net

Teens are paired with elementary aged youth to work together to build a craft.

Our Pilot Year Program