By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
The Hays Public Library is empowering local teens to take charge and give back through its dynamic Teen Advisory Board (TABs) program. Meeting twice a month—on the first and third Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. in the Trish Davies Room—TABs offers teens a chance to be heard, get involved, and make a real difference in their community.
“The Teen Advisory Board functions much like a school club,” said HPL Young Adult Coordinator Cheyenne Rowe. “Its mission is to assist with a variety of library programs—not just those geared toward teens. Members contribute to children’s events, adult programs, and help organize library-wide activities like Frost Fest and Community Threads.”
But TABs do more than plan events. They’re also committed to community service, creating hygiene and winter survival kits for those in need.
“Their main goal is to increase awareness of the library’s role in the community and to volunteer their time and talents,” Rowe said. “First-time attendees can expect a warm, welcoming environment full of laughs, creativity, and meaningful planning. We start each meeting with fun icebreakers to help everyone feel at home.”
The Teen Advisory Board has a long-standing tradition at Hays Public Library and continues to evolve to meet the interests of today’s teens. In addition to regular meetings, TABs also gather every Friday at 1:00 p.m. for ‘TAB Time’ in the Children’s Department. This relaxed hangout includes games, coloring, kindness rock painting, and more.
Much of the teen programming takes place in the Trish Davies Room, a versatile space outfitted with couches, high-top tables, rolling chairs, and even a functional arcade machine. Board and card games are always available, making it a favorite spot for teens to connect and collaborate.
One highlight of the year is the group’s participation in Frost Fest, where TAB members design and build a float that captures the parade’s annual theme with creativity and flair. This year, a TAB volunteer is even illustrating the “Chilly Books”—a project that originated with the library director’s wife.
From crafting community projects to inspiring peer involvement, the TABs program continues to be a cornerstone of teen engagement at Hays Public Library—proving that when given the opportunity, teens don’t just show up, they lead.