Say Y.E.S to the Public Library!

This summer, Y.E.S interns worked on a variety of opportunities including job and programming shadows, event planning, a Prompt for the Planet project, and much more. This gives youth a very unique insight into the work we do here in the library. It is also an incredible opportunity for library staff to listen to our middle and high school patrons to be better prepared to meet them where they are at. Towards the end of their time, we workshopped an article of what they will take away with them and why they think the public library is still an important place today. Here's what they had to say-

Say Y.E.S. to the Public Library!
By Christelle, Y.E.S. Intern
Edited by Inaiyah Smith, Teen Services Volunteer

This summer, the Iowa City Public Library (ICPL) partnered with the Neighborhood Centers of Johnson County to host four teen interns through the Youth Empowered to Serve (Y.E.S.) program. Through this program, the interns engaged with various departments, participated in community activities, and learned how the library plays a vital role in serving the diverse needs of its patrons. Their experiences highlighted the library as a dynamic hub of learning, support, and community engagement.

Many people think of libraries as places filled solely with books, but there's so much more happening at the Iowa City Public Library. When I began my internship, I expected to spend most of my time organizing shelves or cataloging books. However, I quickly realized that the library offers a variety of services far beyond just books.

At ICPL, there are several departments dedicated to enhancing the community experience. For example, the Reference and Information department helps visitors navigate the library and answers any questions they might have. This is just one of the many ways the library serves its patrons.

Mariline, another YES intern, highlighted her favorite experiences at the Library:
"Three of my favorite parts were the job shadows with Children's programs, [being in] the teen room, and watching broken machines get fixed."

Sydney, another intern, found joy in various activities:
"Shadowing the pagers, running around getting books for people that are on hold, working in the garden—watering it, trimming plants, pulling them. That was wonderful. And of course, dropping lasagna," she said with a smile.

Louis, reflecting on the Library’s broader impact, noted,
"It's a safe place for homeless people, and a place where random kids can watch movies."

Our experiences helped us see that the Iowa City Public Library is much more than a place to borrow books—it's a dynamic community space where everyone can find something valuable.

In conclusion, the Library is a perfect place for ambitious people. The library accepts and supports everyone, so there are no outsiders in the library. And the experience is free—a free opportunity for learning and community. The staff are constantly adapting to their patrons' wants and needs to be inclusive and make everyone feel safe and welcome. The value of the library for giving other people opportunities is priceless; the library is a place where cultures, thoughts, and other identities blend to create the population that frequents the building.