A group of enthusiastic teens from Delaware County made waves in Harrisburg recently, advocating for the importance of libraries in their community. Their trip, which coincided with National Library Week, was made possible through the generosity of local representatives who covered the $2,100 bus cost after the library lacked funds.

The teens, part of the Teen Advisory Board, engaged in a series of impactful activities leading up to their visit. They created brochures highlighting the significance of libraries for youth and practiced their elevator pitches to effectively communicate their message to legislators. During their time in Harrisburg, they witnessed the legislative process firsthand, observing a House session and engaging in meaningful discussions with state representatives.

Representative Mary Kay Scanlon, who previously funded their trip to Washington, D.C., was among the leaders they connected with. The teens shared their experiences and challenges, emphasizing the need for sustained funding for local libraries. Their efforts culminated in distributing brochures and pins to legislators, reinforcing the message that libraries are vital resources for youth.

The trip not only provided insights into government operations but also inspired the teens to become more active in advocacy. They expressed a desire to continue collaborating with their representatives, with plans for future meetings already in the works. The experience highlighted the power of youth voices in shaping community resources and the importance of libraries in fostering education and engagement.