Arlington Heights Memorial Library Youth Services staff recently accepted an award recognizing the Hub and the Arlington Heights Memorial Library (AHML) as a Safe Space for Youth. Awarded by Kenneth Young Center and Communities for Positive Youth Development's Youth Advocates for Change (YAC) group, the recognition is especially meaningful since the nomination and award come directly from the teen customers the library serves every day.
Last month, area high school students and members of YAC were asked to nominate an organization, club or business that they see as exceptionally affirming, encouraging and safe. Out of the ten safe spaces for youth selected after the nomination process, AHML was one of two area libraries honored along with the Schaumburg Township District Library. AHML Youth Services Supervisor Lynne Priest and Teen Librarian Alejandria Galarza attended the Communities for Positive Youth Development Coalition Town Hall on May 10 at the Trickster Cultural Center in Schaumburg to accept the award on behalf of the library.
Kenneth Young Center is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit based in Elk Grove Village which among its many services provides counseling for adults, children and families; substance use prevention and recovery and operates the LGBTQ+ Center at Kenneth Young in Schaumburg which offers youth programming, advocacy opportunities, professional trainings and community events throughout the year.
The Youth Advisory Councils (YAC) are subcommittees of the Communities for Positive Youth Development (CPYD) coalition. YAC membership is made up of high school students that live or attend school in the community and are interested in taking a leadership role in creating positive youth development in their community.