Standout Teen Volunteers Lend a Helping Hand

Having fun and making new friends are just two of the reasons Carlsbad teens served as volunteers for Carlsbad City Library’s annual .

“The kids are so cute,” said Volunteer Annaise Meyers-Goldsby, 15. “It’s nice to talk to each one and see them over and over. You form a bond with them and they’re so sweet.”

The annual Summer Reading Program ran from June 20 through Aug. 5 and served more than 5,000 people of all ages with activities, reading incentives and special events. Teens play an integral role in the program, serving as a volunteer team helping with everything from programs and special events to taking reports from the thousands of children who participated.  

“Early into the program, Annaise asked if she could help with anything special and became involved with our Preschool Storytime,” recalled Missy Shaw, a children’s librarian at Carlsbad’s Cole Library.  “It was love at first sight. Annaise fell in love with the children and they fell in love with her. From that time on, she came in every day before the library opened and stayed until 2:30 or 3 p.m. – many times later than that. She remained cheerful and enthusiastic throughout the summer and it was a pleasure having her as a volunteer.”

A love of books and reading is another common reason for volunteering.

“I chose the library to volunteer because when I was little, I always came to the library to check out books,” said Steven Yu, 15. “Then one time, my mom made me try the Summer Reading Program and she said that when I’m older, I should be just like those volunteers. Now that I am, I see that volunteering is a wonderful way to give back to the community.”

Volunteer Yazmin Robledo, 16, impressed the library staff with her kindness and professionalism while working with children in the program.

“She helped a brother and sister participate in the program by letting them pick out a book and reading the story with them word by word so they could improve their reading skills,” said Virginia Velati, a library technician at the Carlsbad City Library Learning Center. “Their grandmother, who serves as their caretaker, is blind and unable to read to them so this extra special attention really made a difference.”

All three teens attend Carlsbad High School. Annaise and Yazmin are entering their junior year and Steven will soon begin his sophomore year.

“We see bright futures ahead for these terrific teens,” said Children’s Librarian Barbara Chung. “The Summer Reading Program wouldn’t be a success without their help!”