Column: Reflections as a Library of Congress teen intern
From June 22 to July 17, I had the incredible opportunity of interning at the Library alongside 13 other teens from across the country. For four weeks, we immersed ourselves in the Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement, providing feedback on program models, contributing ideas for engagement initiatives, and gaining a first-row seat in observing how divisions across the Library work together, striving to make their resources more accessible and engaging to the public.
As teen interns, our main deliverable was providing feedback for the development of The Source , an upcoming, interactive Library exhibition designed for children ages 8-13. Together, we advised Library staff on both existing and potential engagement initiatives and program models, such as pop-up cart activities targeted towards kids and their families.
In one project, we were asked to co-write a blog on Minerva's Kaleidoscope, the Library's family engagement blog. The guiding prompt seemed simple: find an object in The Source that reflects an aspect of yourself. But considering the breadth of the upcoming exhibition's holdings, pinning down a piece of my personal narrative to a single collection item felt daunting.
After scouring The Source collection for days, I landed on a photo of a child standing by his parents on Ellis Island while pointing towards the Statue of Liberty. With both my parents immigrating from China to America in search of new opportunities, I saw my family's own immigration story mirrored in that gesture of hope. Through multiple rounds of editing, I learned how to ground personal narratives and inherited, familial stories into historical narratives, as well as how to write in a voice that is accessible and engaging to a broad audience.
Each day of the internship, we had the opportunity to have conversations with guest speakers from branches across the Library. Jason Broughton, the National Library Services Director, offered a perspective on accessibility in public institutions. Christina Finch, a Senior Research Librarian for the Congressional Research Service, introduced us to the world of legislative research and evidence-based policymaking. And as a fan of The Terrible Two, Triangle , and Circle , getting to speak to one of my favorite children's book authors, Mac Barnett, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, was surreal. Being a writer myself, learning his path to becoming a successful full-time author and his commitment to advocating for children's literature was motivating. These conversations showed me how varied, meaningful, and human the work of the Library truly is.
Four weeks of the internship culminated with a final project: a proposal for an activity that could be incorporated into the Library to increase its engagement with the public. For my final proposal, I suggested implementing a Family Day centered around the theme of journalism, designed to promote media literacy and storytelling. Activities would include headline-writing stations, 'Fake or Real News?' games, mini-zine making crafts, analyzing Chronicling America archives, and more.
Between researching Library collection items and touring the magnificent Main Reading Room, I gained a deeper appreciation for why preserving information matters. The Library of Congress doesn't just hold a record of the past, it holds a mirror that people can find themselves reflected in. Over these weeks of diving deep into the Library's collections, being able to find parts of myself mirrored in archival photographs, manuscripts, and stories was a grounding, beautiful experience. I am incredibly grateful to all of the supportive facilitators, staff, guest speakers, and fellow interns who made this internship a truly transformative experience.
Five months ago, I was on the fence about applying. There were hundreds of talented applicants who would all be competing for a few spots available. But feeling like the odds were against me was somehow simultaneously discouraging and liberating. Who cares if I get rejected? This application can be an opportunity for me to refine my résumé and writing skills. Starting the application a bit later than I should have, I ultimately submitted my materials two minutes before the deadline.
It ended up being one of the most rewarding leaps of faith I've ever made.
So whether you're thinking about applying for that internship, college, job, or anything , really — just go for it! It will never be for nothing. Related
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Column: Reflections as a Library of Congress teen intern
Housing 162 million books, periodicals, manuscripts, maps, music, recordings, and images distributed across 838 miles of shelving, the Library of Congress is a treasure trove of knowledge akin to a candy store for history lovers like me. From June 22 to July 17, I had the incredible opportunity of interning at the Library alongside 13 other teens from across the country. For four weeks, we immersed ourselves in the Center for Learning, Literacy, and Engagement, providing feedback on program models, contributing ideas for engagement initiatives, and gaining a first-row seat in observing how divisions across the Library work together, striving to make their resources more accessible and engaging to the public. As teen interns, our main deliverable was providing feedback for the development of The Source , an upcoming, interactive Library exhibition designed for children ages 8-13. Together, we advised Library staff on both existing and potential engagement initiatives and program models, such as pop-up cart activities targeted towards kids and their families. In one project, we were asked to co-write a blog on Minerva's Kaleidoscope, the Library's family engagement blog. The guiding prompt seemed simple: find an object in The Source that reflects an aspect of yourself. But considering the breadth of the upcoming exhibition's holdings, pinning down a piece of my personal narrative to a single collection item felt daunting. After scouring The Source collection for days, I landed on a photo of a child standing by his parents on Ellis Island while pointing towards the Statue of Liberty. With both my parents immigrating from China to America in search of new opportunities, I saw my family's own immigration story mirrored in that gesture of hope. Through multiple rounds of editing, I learned how to ground personal narratives and inherited, familial stories into historical narratives, as well as how to write in a voice that is accessible and engaging to a broad audience. Each day of the internship, we had the opportunity to have conversations with guest speakers from branches across the Library. Jason Broughton, the National Library Services Director, offered a perspective on accessibility in public institutions. Christina Finch, a Senior Research Librarian for the Congressional Research Service, introduced us to the world of legislative research and evidence-based policymaking. And as a fan of The Terrible Two, Triangle , and Circle , getting to speak to one of my favorite children's book authors, Mac Barnett, the National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, was surreal. Being a writer myself, learning his path to becoming a successful full-time author and his commitment to advocating for children's literature was motivating. These conversations showed me how varied, meaningful, and human the work of the Library truly is. Four weeks of the internship culminated with a final project: a proposal for an activity that could be incorporated into the Library to increase its engagement with the public. For my final proposal, I suggested implementing a Family Day centered around the theme of journalism, designed to promote media literacy and storytelling. Activities would include headline-writing stations, 'Fake or Real News?' games, mini-zine making crafts, analyzing Chronicling America archives, and more. Between researching Library collection items and touring the magnificent Main Reading Room, I gained a deeper appreciation for why preserving information matters. The Library of Congress doesn't just hold a record of the past, it holds a mirror that people can find themselves reflected in. Over these weeks of diving deep into the Library's collections, being able to find parts of myself mirrored in archival photographs, manuscripts, and stories was a grounding, beautiful experience. I am incredibly grateful to all of the supportive facilitators, staff, guest speakers, and fellow interns who made this internship a truly transformative experience. Five months ago, I was on the fence about applying. There were hundreds of talented applicants who would all be competing for a few spots available. But feeling like the odds were against me was somehow simultaneously discouraging and liberating. Who cares if I get rejected? This application can be an opportunity for me to refine my résumé and writing skills. Starting the application a bit later than I should have, I ultimately submitted my materials two minutes before the deadline. It ended up being one of the most rewarding leaps of faith I've ever made. So whether you're thinking about applying for that internship, college, job, or anything , really — just go for it! It will never be for nothing. Related
