Celebrate books with bite during Teen Read Week

Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as the Lopez Island Library celebrates the 11th annual Teen Read Week™, October 12–18.

Area teens will be reading for the fun of it as the Lopez Island Library celebrates the 11th annual Teen Read Week™, October 12–18.

They join thousands of other libraries, schools and bookstores across the country who are encouraging teens to celebrate this year’s theme, “Books with Bite @ your library.” Teen Read Week is the national adolescent literacy initiative of the Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). 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.”

Library Director Lou Pray feels that “today’s teens seem to have less and less free time, and there are increasingly more activities for them to take part in during what little leisure time they have. That is why it’s important to encourage teens 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. Here in Washington State WASL reading test scores show that 65.9 percent of 8th graders meet standards and 81.3 percent of 10th graders meet reading standards.

Studies show a regular reading habit increases reading proficiency and Pray agrees. “One of the most important ways teens acquire the habit is by watching adults they respect.”

Parents of teens are encouraged to celebrate Teen Read Week at home. Assistant Librarian Karen Rogers offers these ideas:

• Visit the local public or school library with your teen 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.

• Surf the Internet with your teen to learn about new books or authors. A good place to start is YALSA’s Booklist page, www.ala.org/ala/mgrps/divs/yalsa/booklistsawards/.

• Join a book discussion group at the school or public library.

Lopez Library wants the teen perspective in planning for the library’s future. If you are interested, please contact Lou Pray at 468-2265. The commitment is four meetings in January and February. Community service credit can be applied towards this activity.