By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

The event was recently held at J. Crozer Library where tons of Youth from the community had the chance to attend and participate in safe activities and interactive games.

Chester residents and youth gathered at J. Lewis Crozer Library Friday for a community summer carnival celebrating the end of a summer work experience through Youth Advocate Programs (YAP) and the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation’s (OVR) MY Work program. The event brought together young people, families and community members for an afternoon of games, activities and fun while highlighting the skills participants developed while working with the library throughout the summer.

I spoke with Jaydyn, Assistant to Executive Director at Crozer Library, who excitedly described the event as “the last day of the program.” What other way to spend the last day of a program than to have a festival?

For the youth participating in the MY Work program, the summer was about more than simply showing up to a job. Participants worked alongside the library and gained hands-on experience with event planning while helping enhance activities taking place at the library.

That work came together during Friday’s carnival, where youth and community members took part in games, creative activities and other activities throughout the afternoon.

The carnival also gave participants an opportunity to put some of the skills they developed during their summer placement into action while creating an enjoyable experience for other young people in the community.

The MY Work program provides young people with opportunities to gain meaningful work experience while developing skills they can carry into future employment and everyday life. For the participants at Crozer Library, that experience included working within their own community and helping create programming for others.

The celebration was also a reminder that work experience can look different for every young person. Through activities, planning and community engagement, participants had an opportunity to learn while having fun and building confidence in what they can do for themselves.

After speaking with Lauren Sands, executive director of the library, I learned that another community event is already on the calendar. The library is planning a book bag giveaway for Thursday, August 20. Times and additional information have not been provided at this time, but the library is expected to share more details as the event approaches.

Residents can find updates about upcoming events through the J. Lewis Crozer Library’s Facebook page and website.

J. Lewis Crozer Library continues to serve as a community resource for Chester residents, offering programs and activities for people of different ages throughout the year. Residents interested in upcoming programs should check the library’s online pages for the latest dates and information.