Staff Writer
Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as the Caribou Public Library celebrates the 11th annual Teen Read Week, Oct. 12 — 18. These teens will be joining thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year’s these, “Books with Bite at Your Library.” Teen Read Week, is the national adolescent literary initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association, the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association. This year’s theme encourages teens to read a wide variety of books and graphic novels, from animals to vampires to cooking, just for the fun of it.
Aroostook Republican photo/
Barb Scott
Area teens join Mona Martin, young adult librarian at the Caribou Public Library, in front of the ever-expanding young adult titles offered at the library. From left are Jinsun Thomas, Katrina McPherson, Taylor Dwyer, Emily Staples, Sierra Dwyer and Dana McLeod.
Mona Martin, young adult librarian at the Caribou Public Library noted that, “Today’s teens seem to have less and less free time, that’s why it’s important to encourage them to set aside some time to read..”
“Literacy is a topic of both local and national concern and falling test scores and lower graduation rates among teens today are a serious issue, stated Martin,” Here in Caribou, standardized reading test scores for teens averaged a score of 426 in 2006, according to the Maine High School Assessment High School Report, with the state average being 443.”
Studies show a regular reading habit increases reading proficiency and Martin agrees,” One of the most important ways teens acquire the habit is by watching adults they respect. “Being around adults who are avid readers can counteract the latest statistics from the Nation’s Report Card, which indicates that in homes across America the number of different types of reading materials has decreased and a smaller percentage of 17-year-olds saw adults reading in their homes.”
Martin hopes to increase teen literacy locally by offering a series of programs for teens or youth in grades 6 —12, during Teen Read Week. Kicking off the week of reading “for the fun of it”, is an afternoon of book and world-related games held at the Caribou library on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 3 to 5 p.m. all participants will have an opportunity to sign up for book give-a-ways and snacks will be provided.
On Saturday, Oct.18, from 2to 3 p.m., teens will share their love of reading with children three to five -years-of-age at the library. This “read for the fun it,” hour will be filled with various children’s stories, displays and hands-on activities sponsored by the Caribou Public Library Teen Advisory Group.
For the entire week, all library visitors can see the display of teen book reviews, featuring “Books with Bite.”
Also during Teen Read Week, youths in grades 6— 12 are invited to participate in the library’s online survey, “What book would you save from a fire?”
Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week at home. Martin offers the following suggestions: Visit the Caribou Public Library or your local library with your teen to attend a program or to check out books. Set aside time each day for reading and encourage your teen to do the same. Give books or magazine subscriptions to your teen as a gift or reward. Share your favorite book with your teen. Search the internet to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is www.ala.org/yalsa/booklists. Share this information with your teen. Join a book discussion group.
Teen Read Week is held annually during the third week of October, an updated sponsors and supporting organizations list can be found at www.ala.org/teenread.
For more information contact Mona Martin at the Caribou Public Library,493-4214 or momartin@caribou-public.lib.me.us.
Aroostook Republican photo/
Barb Scott
Mona Martin, assistant librarian/young adult services, stands witness to Caribou Mayor Miles Williams as he signs into proclamation, “Oct. 12 — 18, Teen Read Week,” at the Caribou Public Library.
