Belmont Library Makes Strong Turn Toward Support for Teens

Earlier this summer, the Belmont Library envisioned providing more services for local teens.

And in less than two months, with the school year set to begin across the city, the Library has transformed those visions into a reality.

Beginning this week, a new agreement with Belmont Parks and Recreation will allow the Belmont Library to welcome local teens into the newly organized Teen Zone and Teen Center, as well as provide the VOICES community service program.

The Teen Zone and Teen Center are designed specifically for teenage students, and will provide teens with computer access, homework help, magazines, contests, games, and special events.

Teen Center services and the VOICES program were formerly offered at the Parks and Rec Teen Center. However, Dolly Goyal, the Library’s Teen Services Librarian, revealed that the city has instead decided to offer the same services at the Library, a more common hangout spot for teens.

“We asked if we could have their staff here because the teens weren’t going there,” Goyal said Wednesday. “So why not have them here, where we need help.”

The Parks and Rec Teen Center staff will now be working at the Library Teen Center on Thursdays and Fridays, and the Teen Center homework tutor will work with teens Monday through Wednesday.

Goyal will also be overseeing the VOICES program, a community service program offered to local high school students.

Students involved in the VOICES program will meet once a week and plan for weekend activities once a month. Those activities are based on community service, such as street cleanup, beach cleanup, or visiting the senior center.

“It’s a community service program where we actually go out into the community and help with projects,” Goyal said. “I think it’s about understanding their role in the community and how they can give back and advocate for community services.”

Also during meetings, students will discuss leadership, current events and issues within the community, in addition to planning events.

The VOICES program runs throughout the school year and students are required to make a commitment throughout their high school tenure once they join the program during their freshman, sophomore, or junior years.

Goyal believes that for students to sign up for such a program, which does require a lengthy but not so strenuous commitment, shows character in local teens.

“They’re not required to do community service at Carlmont, so it’s kind of nice that they take the initiative,” Goyal said.