A relatively new source of employees for the library is Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.). A Northeast Ohio-based workforce development nonprofit, Y.O.U. seeks to help young residents, including teens, become economically self-sufficient through paid internships in workplaces throughout the region.

The library began its relationship with Y.O.U. in 2020 with an employee at its administration office.

“I was so impressed by the support Y.O.U. gave to her as a student, and to me as a mentor, that I knew the library could benefit from hosting other students in a variety of capacities,” said Nancy Levin, Heights Libraries director. “We welcomed another student at the Coventry branch in 2021, and this year we have two students: one at Noble and one in adult services at Lee Road.”

Y.O.U. participant Dylan Roche, a 16-year-old student at Shaker Heights High School, worked in the Lee Road Adult Services Department, helping to shelve books, and learning about the duties of reference staff by shadowing employees. Daisha Spicer, the Y.O.U. participant at the Noble Neighborhood branch, is 17 years old and attends Cleveland High School for Digital Arts. She worked with the library’s youth services staff to prep craft projects, make displays, and engage children in pop-up programming.

“Our opportunities are a great way to introduce young people to the world of work, and specifically library work, to encourage them to consider a library career,” said Heather Howiler, the continuing education manager. “You don’t have to have an MLIS degree to work at a library, and our programs show kids that libraries offer plenty of opportunities for people with all kinds of skills and interests.”

Written by Sheryl Banks

August 2, 2022