Team Read is a rewarding summer employment opportunity for teens ages 16-19.  Team Readers visit local parks, community centers and library branches to connect elementary students to the joy of reading. They lead fun games and activities, act as mentors, and of course, read with the children. 

Teens who work for the library see the impact they can make in their community. It is also a great way to build career skills, add to your resume, and meet new people.

Approximately 30 teens are hired to serve as reading role models in parks, community centers, camps and library locations across the city. Team Read travels by bus, connecting with the same children week after week. 

Teens receive trainings on college and career opportunities, positive youth development, and employment skill building. 

Team Read is generously funded by the Foellinger Foundation as part of the SPARK Summer Learning Program.

Watch the video to hear from past Team Read participants about the impact of this program.

“It made me realize you don’t need to do something big to change someone’s life.”

“I chose to apply for Team Read because I love watching children learn and love helping them to learn. The most amazing part of this job was seeing a child grasp something they may have previously struggled with – especially if I helped to make that moment possible.”

“You will make friends and get to work at one of the coolest places ever. This is the first place I've really felt accepted and comfortable as a queer person; the environment that the library strives to create has been really important to me.”