The Ford City Public Library is excited to offer new teen programs and volunteer opportunities in the new year. The library has also extended its regular business hours to 3-8 on Monday, 10-8 on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 10-3 on Friday, and 8-3 on Saturday.

One of the library's most exciting opportunities for young adults is the Young Adult Entrepreneurs Club. The purpose of the program is to help kids realize their potential and to give them a place to grow confident in their ability to produce and display a product, interact with potential customers, sell their creations, and learn about running their own small business.

Local kids between twelve and eighteen have the opportunity to learn skills that will give them an opportunity to turn their ideas for a profitable small business into reality. An application form can be found at tinyurl.com/fcplYAE.

In addition to the Young Adult Entrepreneur Club, the library also hosts a Banned Book Club for kids ages fourteen through eighteen. The club focuses on Young Adult books that have been challenged or banned throughout time and place. 

On the fourth Tuesday of each month, young adults will read a different book, explore the reasons why it has been banned or challenged, and discuss the book. Registration and a library membership are required to reserve a copy of the book. Registration can be done online at www.armstronglibraries.org/ford-ciy, in person, or by calling the library at 724-763-3591.

Volunteer opportunities for students over the age of twelve are also available at the library. Students that need volunteer hours for National Honor Society, Leo Club, or college applications are welcome to inquire within. 

Volunteer duties include book shelving, book covering, light cleaning, prep and set up for programs, craft prep, and other clerical or organizational duties as assigned. 

As part of the 2024 Summer Reading Program, Adventure Begins At Your Library, the library staff would also like to begin a Book Buddies Club where junior and senior high school students can meet once a week to read stories and books to elementary students. 

Volunteering for the 2024 Summer Reading Program or in the library would look great on a resume and can provide valuable work experience, according to Wolfe. 

For students in search of tutoring services, Homework Help Wednesdays is a free tutoring service available on Wednesday evenings from 4:30-7:00 p.m. Tutoring is available for all subjects and grade levels. 

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are also welcome depending on availability. To book an appointment, visit the FCPL website at www.armstronglibraries.org/ford-city or call the library at 724-763-3591.