Around Oakley: Library looking for Youth Squad members

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

What better way to develop programs for teens and younger kids then having a group of teenagers help decide what the younger crowd likes to do? That is the idea behind the Oakley Library Youth Squad. Now that classes are back in session at Freedom High School, where the Oakley Library is housed, the library staff is again looking for a group of teens to get involved in the Squad.

"We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic teens to help," said Andrea Freyler, the Oakley library assistant in charge of the program. "There is no limit to the amount of kids who can get involved."

Although the program has been around for seven years, this is the first year Freyler has worked with it. She's hoping that students will come up with some activities that will make going to the library more fun for kids.

The Squad is open to all kids from eighth grade and above. Freyler said the program is run by the students; she is only the adviser. Squad participants will be asked to put together programs that will encourage community involvement.

"There isn't a set amount of programs per month, but I'd like to see something every month or two," Freyler said.

With schoolwork and other after school activities, Freyler knows that young people lead busy lives. She has scheduled the Squad to meet just once a month. The first meeting is set for 3:30-5 p.m. Aug. 19."I'll let the students decide if they want to keep that day or change it and how often after that," she said.

Squad members will also have to set aside time to set up activities for the programs. Freyler said there is no requirement for how much the teen gets involved in the group, but for each activity the group sets she hopes that at least five teens will participate to make the program the best it can be. There is no adult involvement in the activities. The teens will be asked to run the program completely from start to finish.

Programs in the past have included "Hallow Boo Loo," a Halloween party last fall, and read-a-thons involving books teens love. That's what they did last year, Freyler said. The type of programs are completely up to the Squad participants.

Teens must be dependable and responsible. As a member of the Squad they will interact with readers of all ages and contribute to the Oakley community library.

"This is really a community service project," Freyler said.

All interested volunteers must fill out applications, which are available at the Oakley Library. For more information, contact Freyler at Oakley Library at 925-625-2400 or afreyler@ccclib.org.

The Oakley Library is at 1050 Neroly Road. The library is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, from 2-9 p.m. Thursday, 2-6 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday. The library is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

One other note about the Library: Percy Jackson fans are invited to the Camp Half-Blood Regional Meeting at the Oakley Library, from 2-3 p.m. Aug. 14. The event will include games, prizes, blue food and more. This program is open to fourth- through sixth-grade "demigods" only. Registration required. Please sign up at the Oakley Libraries front desk in advance.

Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.