Libraries Celebrate Teen Read Week

The hopes to show parents and other concerned community members what the library can offer by hosting special programs and events during Teen Read Week™.

“Many families have learned to make do with less as a result of the economy and have flocked to the library,” said Jennifer Wells, Youth and Media Services Coordinator at the Central Library. “Teen Read Week™ is a great time to make sure teens and their families know about all the free services the library can offer them and to reach out to teens who aren’t regular users and encourage them to come see what they can find here.

“Teens have more activities to fill their free time than ever—web videos, social networking sites, video games, afterschool activities, athletics—and increasingly high expectations in the classroom,” she said. “It’s important that we show them that reading is something that’s fun and relaxing that they can do for free. And that reading for fun can translate into better performance at school.”

Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week™ at home, as well. Wells offers these ideas:

• Visit the public or school library with your teen to attend a program or to check out books.
• Set aside time each night for the family to read.
• Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward.
• Share your favorite book with your teen.
• Go online with your teen to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is YALSA's Booklists and Book Awards page, www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists.
• Join a book discussion group at the school or public library.

Northeast Cobb Teen Read Week™ library events:

The movie “Twilight” will show at on Monday at 5 p.m.

Teens can enjoy a Halloween-themed Improv workshop at the on Oct. 22 at 1 p.m.

More information about these events, visit The Cobb County Public Library System website.