BookMatch Teen was launched in 2017 to help teens take the lead on a core library service: readers advisory. The program works to address the lack of diversity in librarianship and publishing by giving participants insights into their own futures as potential librarians, publishers, editors, and authors, as well as guidance in writing and self-expression. In 2022, as book challenges continued increasing across the U.S., BookMatch Teen became a crucial resource for peer-to-peer support, exploration, and self-discovery.

• Participants must be in grades 9-12 and earn a stipend, volunteer hours, and work experience.
• Teens receive training in readers’ advisory strategies and meet library and publishing professionals.
• Interns offer bookmatching at BPL events and online, and select titles for the library’s collection and to highlight in booklists and displays.
• The BookMatch Teen online form asks teens about the books and other media they enjoy, which allows young people to express--with no apologies--their interests and preferences.

In 2022, BPL promoted BookMatch Teen along with its national teen eCard in defense of the freedom to read. After receiving over 300 online RA requests, the library had to temporarily close the form. In fall 2022, 90 teens applied for 10 internship spots. To date, interns have answered over 400 RA requests.

The program continues to serve a crucial need to amplify the wants and needs of teen readers in the library, build confidence in their own tastes and knowledge, and practice learning about and supporting the interest.