The Auburn Library will celebrate Teen Read Week Oct. 17-23 with special events and programs aimed at encouraging area teens to read for the fun of it.
This year’s theme is “Books with Beat,” with programs centered around music and poetry.
The library wants to show teens, parents and other community members the many ways it serves teens by hosting the following special programs and events during the special week.
• 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 21: Teens can participate in Slam: A Poetry Event. Students in middle and high school are invited to bring in their original poetry or song lyrics to share. If teens don’t have original work, they can bring a favorite poem or song to recite.
• 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 22: Tens are invited to watch two films. The library will screen Nick and Norah’s “Infinite Playlist,” starring Michael Cera and Kat Dennings, and the classic John Hughes’ film, “Pretty in Pink.” Both movies are rated PG-13. Teens also can enjoy snacks and learn about other programs taking place at the library.
• 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 23: The library will host Librarypalooza: A Teen Band Showcase. Interested performers can sign up for a slot by calling the Auburn Library. Not in a band but want to show off your rock star moves? Show up and perform in the air guitar championships.
• 3 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 27: If your teen doesn’t play an instrument, but plays video games, consider the Rock Band 3 Tournament. Groups of up to six teens can compete to win Game Stop gift cards. Prizes also will be awarded for best rock costume and best band name.
Teen Read Week is a national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association, the fastest-growing division of the American Library Association.
“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,” said Teen Librarian Rachel McDonald. “It’s important that we show them that reading is something that’s fun and relaxing that they can do for free. And reading for fun can translate into better performance at school.
“Many families have learned to make do with less as a result of the economy and have flocked to the library,” McDonald said. “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.”
Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week at home, as well. Here are a few 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 the King County Library System’s teen page.
• Join a book discussion group. The Auburn Library’s Teen Book Club meets the third Tuesday of the month to talk about books. The October featured book is “Un Lun Dun” by China Meville, a fantasy about a pair of girls who stumble upon alternate funhouse version of modern-day London.
• Teens can participate in King County Library System’s reading incentive program – Read 3, Get 1 Free. Pick up a review form at any KCLS branch, fill it out and receive a free paperback book of your choice.
To learn more about Teen Read Week, please contact McDonald at rmmcdonald@kcls.org.
