draft recommendation 20190923-6b: Addition of a Youth Member to the Library Commission — original pdf

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Subject: Addition of a Youth Member to the City of Austin Library Commission Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Add a [voting] position on the Library Commission to be filled by a member of the Austin Public Library Teen Library Council. Description of Recommendation to Council In an effort to increase positive youth engagement, the APL Youth Advisory Task Force has recommended that the Library Commission include a youth member (someone between 13-18 years of age) from the APL Teen Library Council as a [voting?] member of the Commission. This addition will allow the Commission to more effectively include youth perspectives as they make recommendations regarding library policies and procedures. Rationale: The Austin Public Library serves all ages, but a significant percentage of library patrons are children and youth. For teens, the public library provides a safe place to be when school is not in session as well as a place to learn and develop important life skills. Recently, a Youth Advisory Task Force undertook a review of its policies and procedures surrounding children and youth in the library. One of the Youth Task Force recommendations is to have a member of the Library Commission who is between the ages of 13 and 18 years old. Having a youth member would assist the Commission in making recommendations regarding the health and safety of youth patrons as well as the best ways to foster their development into engaged and productive citizens. Adding a youth member to the Library Commission would support the Austin Public Libraries Strategic Priorities of Lifelong Learning; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; and Civic and Community Engagement. It would also support the City’s strategic priorities in the following areas: • Safety: Being safe in our home, at work, and in our community. • Health and Environment: Enjoying a sustainable environment and a healthy life, physically and mentally.  • Culture and Lifelong Learning: Being enriched by Austin's unique civic, cultural, ethnic, and learning opportunities. __________________ Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sig