"The Free Library of Philadelphia has learned and acted upon the difference between serving teens as customers and working with teens as co-workers. We are thrilled to have the challenging and important work of our entire staff, our teens, and our community recognized through this award," said Elliot Shelkrot, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

The ULC/Highsmith Award of Excellence is given to programs or initiatives that exemplify the principles of positive youth development. At the Free Library of Philadelphia, more than 200 Teen Leadership Assistants (TLA’s) work with adult After School Leaders at more than 54 libraries to provide homework help and computer assistance to younger children and their peers. Teen Associate Leaders, college students who are graduates of the program, work with the TLA’s as mentors and trainers. The TLA program was developed in conjunction with the Free Library’s LEAP After School Program and participated in the ULC/Wallace-Reader’s Digest Funds Public Libraries as Partners in Youth Development initiative. "Being a TLA has helped me communicate with others better, to be more open and giving. Also, the fact that I get to help others makes me feel good about myself," noted one TLA.

"We were impressed by the depth of youth involvement in the program and by the strong personal growth elements of it," said Gail Rogers, Director of Cobb County Public Library and the Chair of the Awards Committee. "The TLA’s both help other youth and learn themselves. They develop leadership, technology and career skills, and participate in workshops and teen summits throughout the year. It’s a noteworthy program in part because it is youth-driven."

The award also recognizes that youth programs need the support of parents, teachers and the community to be relevant and viable. Applicants must demonstrate that their programs or initiatives maintain strong community partnerships.

"This program has incredible community connections and support in the City of Philadelphia," said Pamela Seigle, a ULC trustee and member of the Awards Committee. "It is part of a whole integrated youth program involving a number of agencies. The program was initially funded privately, but has become such a central part of the city’s menu of Afterschool Programs and receives such excellent evaluations that the City has agreed to fund the program at every library."