Teens discover what’s possible with your support.
Thanks to your support, teens like Trinity have access to academic and career assistance at the Library all year long, so they’re ready to seize new opportunities and follow their dreams.
From a young age, you’ve probably been asked, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’ A doctor? Teacher? Fireman? Astronaut? It’s a tremendously hard question to answer, and Trinity Owens was able to get some clarity thanks to Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh’s Teen Internship Program. With help and guidance from Library staff, peers and a connection with her home branch at CLP – Hill District, Trinity took her first steps as a career woman this past summer.
With support from the Eden Hall Foundation and Partner4Work, the Teen Internship Program at Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh wrapped up its second year this past October.
During the program, running June to October, Trinity and her fellow interns gained a broader understanding of how a nonprofit operates. Teens learned about the many aspects of work in a public library, from accounting to archives. They practiced work-readiness skills including resume writing and mock interviews, built a network of professionals and peers, and learned more about themselves and their career goals.
Because of your generosity, the Library is an incredible resource for every teen: resume support, access to applications, test guides, not to mention books, video games, artmaking and social spaces—because being able to unwind in a welcoming atmosphere is key to success, too!
Trinity’s most memorable experience during her time at CLP – Hill District was helping to research and create displays in the branch.
“During the summer in the children’s section, we decorated every month to honor different countries and their cultures. We bought cultural games and put up a scavenger hunt to correlate to the country.”
Last year, the Library hosted more than 900 programs for teens at our branch locations across the system with almost 4,000 teens in attendance. Library staff also visit schools and community centers, to meet teens where they are and to assure them the Library is there for them.
You help teens learn important career and life skills, connect with peers and mentors and explore their identity.
Since the 2025 program’s conclusion in October, Trinity is still a frequent Library user and considers CLP – Hill District a second home. With what she learned during her time interning, Trinity has a better idea of how to achieve her dream of becoming an entrepreneur and working in her community.
“The internship taught me so much about myself, my community and the resources available to me. Since finishing the program, my family and I have visited the Library almost every week, talking with librarians, using resources and donating to our community. I will never forget my first job as a librarian and that I have a home there.”
Mandy Reardon leads many aspects of the Teen Intern program. She says, “If you have an interest in a career in libraries or are interested in a CLP Internship, please contact me ([email protected]). I can help you apply for the program or if you don’t meet the Learn & Earn income requirements, I can help you find opportunities that do meet your needs/circumstances. Alternatively, talk to your local librarian.”
Thanks to your generous support, teen programs and collections inspire young adults, shaping who they will become and how they will change the world.