Original article posted in Northern News on Jan 19, 2026

Kirkland Lake’s Teck Centennial Library has a new youth-led advisory program designed to ensure local teens have a genuine voice in shaping their library experience.

A media release from the library says that through the Group of Advising Teens (G.O.A.T.), young people help imagine and influence programs, select materials, and shape the look and feel of the Young Adult Department, transforming the library into a space that truly reflects who they are. Along the way, members build leadership, confidence, and decision-making skills, while earning volunteer hours in recognition of their time and contributions.

According to the release, the name G.O.A.T. was chosen and voted on by the teens themselves, underscoring the program’s emphasis on youth ownership and meaningful participation.

The group meets monthly to share ideas, discuss priorities, and collaborate with library staff to turn their visions into reality. These meetings have been energetic and inspiring, with teens actively shaping both programs and space design. Their engagement has already made a visible impact on the Young Adult Department, influencing its atmosphere, layout, and sense of belonging.

As Micah Fontana, a G.O.A.T. member and lead representative of the group in Grade 10 stated, “I like seeing teens come together to support their community. I also really appreciate how much effort the library makes to involve youth by having this group. I really like being part of it.”

To further support this work, Library program and communications coordinator Jordan Ayres recently applied for the Planet Youth Timiskaming Youth Activity Fund grant, which champions youth-led initiatives that foster creativity, connection, and community involvement with recipients receiving up to $3,000 for their projects.

“We are thrilled to announce that our application was selected, and we are receiving the maximum amount of $3,000,” said Ayres.

The funding will be guided by a structured, teen-led decision-making process. At each G.O.A.T. meeting, members will brainstorm ideas for programs, events, materials, and design elements, then engage in thoughtful discussion before voting on priorities. Library staff will offer support around safety, feasibility, and budgeting, while intentionally ensuring that final decisions remain in the hands of the teens. They will be tasked with arranging how the funds from the grant are spent.

Ayres went on to say “this approach ensures the funding directly reflects the interests, needs, and voices of the youth it serves. Through this grant, G.O.A.T. aims to deepen teen engagement, strengthen a sense of ownership within the Young Adult Department, and create meaningful leadership opportunities. The funds will support teen-selected programs, materials, and events that encourage creativity, collaboration, and connection, resulting in spaces and experiences that feel relevant, welcoming, and fun!

At its core, the G.O.A.T. is more than programming. It is about cultivating a space where teens feel valued, respected, and heard. By centering youth voices, the library becomes not just a place to visit, but a place to belong. The structured, teen-led use of grant funding ensures that every dollar invested directly supports young people, empowering them to shape both their library and their community with confidence and care.

Library staff encourage the public to get involved, even if they themselves are too old to become a G.O.A.T. member. Donations towards the department are accepted by cash, cheque (Teck Centennial Public Library with Memo: Young Adult Department) or e-transfer (donatetcpl@gmail.com). Every dollar raised ensures we can continue to invest in the bright future of our community: our teenagers! Staff will continue to make a priority of cultivating and supporting this space as well.

The next G.O.A.T. meeting will take place on February 5, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. upstairs at Teck Centennial Public Library. Teens in grades 7 through 12 from Kirkland Lake and the surrounding areas are warmly invited to join, share their ideas, and continue making a meaningful impact. They can register their attendance by calling the library at 705-567-7966, or by sending me an email at jordan.ayres@tkl.ca.