Two Princeton High School students to provide the youth perspective.
By: Rachel Silverman
The Princeton Public Library Board of Trustees welcomed its two newest and youngest members Princeton High School sophomore Alex White and freshman Alexandra Floyd at its Tuesday meeting.
"We decided to invite them on, because we want the youth perspective," Johnson Park School Principal and board of trustees member Bob Ginsberg said, explaining the motivation behind extending board membership to high school students.
"Kids have a lot to tell us," he said. "They bring a perspective we can’t possibly bring. It’s a way to empower the youth in town."
Board President Nancy Russell agreed. "We’re really happy to have more input from teens," she said. "We really look forward to growing together as a board."
The two students, who have both been actively involved in the library’s Teen Advisory Board, will serve 15-month terms. Although the pair will take part in board discussions, they will not be allowed to vote on matters concerning the library.
"The composition of the board is set by the state," Ms. Russell explained. "We’re at our maximum at nine. The students will be more like advisory members."
Although they will not enjoy voting rights, the students still will play an active role on the board.
"What’s really important is to speak up, to not be shy, to raise issues," board member Ryan Stark Lilienthal urged the new inductees Tuesday night.
Princeton Township Mayor and board member Phyllis Marchand added, "I look forward to hearing your comments about this library, but also how we can work with your school libraries."
According to board members, the idea of bringing students on board grew out of another local community model.
"Part of the idea came from the fact that the Board of Education has teen representatives," Ms. Russell said.
The call for student representation also is, in part, an outgrowth of the library’s unique relationship with area youth.
"The kids do like to hang there, and that’s great," Mr. Ginsberg said. "Most teenage kids wouldn’t be caught dead in a library.
"We don’t want to tell them they can come with their parents when they’re younger, and then when they’re adults, but those adolescent years they aren’t allowed to come," Mr. Ginsberg added. "We try to meet their needs."
Alex, the sophomore student representative, can testify to this trend firsthand.
"The youth community represents a huge percent of the library population," he said. "I feel that to have a voice for them is very important.
"While being on the board, I hope to bridge the ideas of the adult community with ideas of the youth community," said Alex, a borough resident.

