The cover of the Winter 2025 fourth edition of Creative Youth Magazine, featuring student-created art and writing from across Sutter County. Photo courtesy of Harkirat Batth

SUTTER COUNTY, CA (MPG) - The Sutter County Library recently released the fourth edition of its Creative Youth Magazine, a publication born from a teen’s idea and sustained by young creators across Sutter County.

The magazine, established in 2023, provides local students with a platform to share their art, writing and creative expression. Chalese Eggleston, the library’s children’s services coordinator, credited the publication’s origins to Harkirat Batth, a former Teen Advisory Board member.

“She was really passionate about this project,” Eggleston said. “When she brought the idea to the board, the group immediately embraced it, and it’s been inspiring to help them turn that vision into something tangible.”

Batth began volunteering at the library in middle school prior to the COVID-19 shutdowns. She returned in high school as part of the library’s inaugural Teen Advisory Board, which initially included three local youths.

“I really missed the library during the pandemic. It was always a very special place for me growing up,” Batth said. “I felt like our area was lacking opportunities that could motivate younger children to express themselves creatively without feeling like they have to be perfect, and I think that helps with so many things in life.”

Batth took the lead on designing the magazine’s first edition, primarily using Canva, while also helping spread the word throughout the county to encourage student submissions. Other board members assisted with outreach and distribution, while Eggleston supported the teens through grant writing and technical guidance.

While the magazine began as a small youth-led project, Eggleston said its longevity has become one of its greatest successes.

“Funding was the biggest initial obstacle and navigating that process taught the teens valuable lessons about perseverance, grant writing and advocacy,” Eggleston said. “Another discovery was how sustainable the project could be. The original Teen Advisory Board members who launched the magazine have since graduated and moved on to college, but current members have stepped up to keep the project alive. That continuity has been one of the most exciting outcomes. It shows the magazine is not a one-time project but a lasting platform for young creatives in our community.”

Batth is in her second year studying molecular and cell biology at the University of California, Berkeley. While her academic focus has shifted toward science, she continues to pursue creative projects through volunteer work, including time spent with the university’s student newspaper. Though no longer a Teen Advisory Board member, Batth still follows the program closely and collects copies of each new edition.

“I have multiple copies because I was so thrilled that it came together,” Batth said. “I had my mom pick up the fourth edition for me because I love seeing it and keeping up with what they’re doing.”

Current funding for Creative Youth Magazine comes from private donors with additional support from the Friends of the Library. Copies are free and available at the Sutter County Library during regular business hours.

As the magazine continues under new teen leadership, Batth said she hopes other young people take advantage of similar opportunities.

“It was an amazing opportunity for me to be a part of it,” Batth said. “The biggest takeaway was realizing how small things like this can bring out enthusiasm and make an impact in people’s lives. I learned how important outlets like this are, especially for young people who are still trying to find their place and how valued it can make them feel.”