For St. Louis kids, a trip to JA BizTown already comes with the chance to run a business, write a check, work at a bank, or even become mayor for a day. Now, there’s another job to add to the list: librarian.
St. Louis County Library has opened a new space inside JA BizTown, the simulated town in Chesterfield where elementary students get a hands-on introduction to jobs, money, businesses, and civic life.
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The St. Louis County Library space began welcoming BizTown participants in late September. An official ribbon-cutting will be held October 8 at the JA Dennis & Judy Jones Free Enterprise Center (17339 N. Outer 40) in Chesterfield. Great Southern Bank is underwriting the project, with additional support from St. Louis County Library Foundation donors J.R. and Mia Walters.
Kids assigned to work in the library can take on roles including library assistant, bookmobile librarian, CEO, and fundraising manager.
“JA BizTown has a strong tradition of using hands-on experiences to teach students what it is like to manage a business,” St. Louis County Library director and CEO Kristen Sorth said in a statement. “We are so thrilled to partner with JA BizTown on a truly unique experience by introducing students to the many careers available at the library.”
There’s more than books inside
Even kids who aren’t clocking in at the library will find plenty to explore. Students can browse books, check out items from St. Louis County Library’s Library of Things, or see what’s available on a mobile library cart. BizTown participants can also join an art or LEGO program.
The space also includes sensory bags with items such as headphones and fidget toys to help lessen sensory overload.
The addition reflects some of the ways today’s public libraries extend beyond books, while introducing students to careers centered on public service. Sorth says the experience will help students “learn about the value of a public library and a career focused on public service and giving back to the community.”
New to JA BizTown? Here’s how it works
JA BizTown isn’t a typical indoor attraction where families can drop in for an afternoon. The program combines classroom lessons with a day-long visit to the simulated town, giving elementary students the chance to put what they’ve learned into practice.
Once there, students take on jobs and responsibilities throughout the town. They might operate a bank, manage a restaurant, write checks, or vote for mayor. Now, some will get to see what it takes to keep a library running, too.
Parents interested in the experience should look for participation opportunities through their child’s school or educational program.
