The Wylie Library Advisory Board meeting on September 22, 2025, highlighted the significant contributions of Kelsey Sidwell, the teen services librarian, who has been with the library since 2011. Sidwell shared her journey from starting as a shopper to becoming the teen services librarian after earning her master's degree in youth services from the University of North Texas.

In her role, Sidwell oversees the teen collection, which includes graphic novels, fiction, and nonfiction, and she is responsible for organizing various programs throughout the year. During the summer, she typically runs two programs a week, while the school year sees about three programs each month. Sidwell also conducts infant storytime sessions, showcasing her commitment to serving both ends of the age spectrum.

A key focus of Sidwell's presentation was the upcoming October book club featuring author Roshani Chokshi, who will discuss her series "The Gilded Wolves." This event is expected to engage teens with the author and encourage them to ask questions about her work. Additionally, Sidwell announced a rebranding of the library's Japanimation club to "Asia Pop," aiming to broaden the cultural scope of the program and attract more participants. This change has already shown positive results, with increased attendance at the new Asia Pop events compared to previous Japanimation programs.

During the meeting, board members praised Sidwell for her dedication and innovative programming, which has successfully drawn teens into the library. She emphasized the importance of empathy in working with adolescents, noting the unique challenges of engaging this age group. Sidwell expressed a desire for additional support, specifically the creation of an assistant teen librarian position, to help manage the growing demands of her role.

Overall, the meeting underscored the library's commitment to enhancing teen services and fostering a welcoming environment for young patrons. The board's support for Sidwell's initiatives reflects a broader goal of strengthening community ties and promoting literacy among teens in Wylie.