Teens
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries are a resource for entertainment and education for Teens age 13-18. Teens can access books, music, movies, and study resources at their library branch or online. Teens in seventh grade and over are invited to take part in our library teen volunteer program or other teen focused activities.
Teen Volunteers
Teen Advisory Board (TAB) is a dedicated group of teen volunteers aged 13-17. TAB meets once a month on the third Friday at 3:30 at the San Luis Obispo Library. This is a group for teens who give feedback on the teen areas of the library, materials, programs, and events for teens. This group also has opportunities to volunteer at programs run by the library. If interested, teens should drop by for a meeting or call Leslie Weaver at the San Luis Obispo Library at 805-781-5775.
Student Success Initiative (SSI)
The County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries is partnering with local schools to improve access to educational and recreational materials through a project called the Student Success Initiative. Between 2017 and 2019, we issued more than 1000 library cards through this program. Our goal is for every high school freshman in the County of San Luis Obispo to obtain and use a library card.
Education Research supports:
• Children who have library cards and use the library perform better in school;
• Public library staff help students learn how to perform age-appropriate Internet searches, use online resources for homework help using free, public-access computers;
• A library card is the most important school supply of all.
We have included some Frequently Asked Questions below. If you would like more information, please contact Margaret Kensinger-Klopfer at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
What is SSI?
In early 2017, the County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries was selected to participate in a program created by the Pacific Library Partnership (PLP) to address the issue of access for students in using free resources provided by their local Library. The goal of the program is to give the ability for students to obtain a library card through their school.
What can my child do with this new Student ID/Library card?
With a Student ID Library card your child can:
● Check out books, movies, music, magazines, and other Library resources
● Use Library computers or check-out in-house Chromebooks
● Access electronic resources such as research databases, eBooks/eAudiobooks, foreign language learning tutoring, streaming music and movies.
●Access free online tutoring in all subjects, in English and Spanish
Is my child’s school participating?
As of the 19/20 school year, the following schools are participating:
Morro Bay High School
Nipomo High School
San Luis Obispo High School
Shandon Elementary School and High School
What information will be collected? Will it be shared?
In order to successfully convert the Student ID card as a Library card, the Library will be collecting the student’s name, phone number address, date of birth, student ID number and email address. This information will only be exchanged between school and County of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries. The Library protects all patron privacy, which can be explained in the Library’s Privacy Policy.
What if my child already has a Library card?
If your child already has a Library card then they will keep their card, unless it hasn't been used in the last year. Then we will replace the card with the new student card.
Do I need to sign up every year?
No. Students will receive the card as a freshman and they will then be able to use it as a Library card through graduation.
When will my child's school be getting Library cards?
We are excited to work with every school in the County of San Luis Obispo. We hope to get to your school soon. Please feel free to come in and get your child or teen an account at any time, while you are waiting.
Award Winners