Lovell branch library ramps up teen programs

Whether it’s for the pure joy of reading a good book, making new friends or just for something to do, the Lovell Library’s teen/tween programs offer it all.
The library introduced new programs last year to attract young people ages 12 to 18, in response to a recent decline in library attendance by this specific demographic group.
“We started this last year because, honestly, it’s hard to get teens into the library,” explained Linda Mangus, assistant library manager. “The little kids still think the library is fun, and they like to come for different activities and many are readers, but with the teens it’s a lot harder to get them in.”
The library is currently offering two programs, geared specifically to teenagers and pre-teens. The first program is a book club patterned after the library’s longtime, very successful adult reading program. The teen book club began last August and is funded by the Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) and the Lovell Recreation District.
“They (BOCES) kind of approached us about doing this,” explained Mangus. “We do an adult book club, and they fund that for us, so they asked us if we were willing to do a teenaged one that they could fund.”
The library tried to offer a teen book club in the past, but it unfortunately only attracted one reader. So far, the new club is off to a better start with about six regular attendees.
“This one, we’ve had pretty good luck with,” said Mangus. “I think part of it is because BOCES is paying for the books and the kids can keep their books, which is a perk for them. BOCES is also funding refreshments and with teenagers that’s an important thing.”
The book club is a year-round program with breaks in December and May. Its grant will most likely be up for renewal at the one-year mark.
“This program is just for fun,” explained Mangus. “It’s not like they have to worry about a grade. We do ask questions during discussions about the book, but they don’t need to answer them. If you don’t read the book or don’t come every month, it’s perfectly OK. I think that relieves a lot of stress.
Mangus said the club explores a variety of age-appropriate topics and teaches the young readers how to identify different genres.
“We do that because book clubs are meant for you to stretch yourself and not read the same thing all of the time,” said Mangus. “So, there have been some books that some of the kids hated while other kids loved the same book. It’s like the adult book club, and it’s been very successful, so far.”
Mangus noted that the program has an element of socialization that is beneficial for kids who are shy or homeschooled or just looking to make some new friends. She added that it is also an excellent opportunity for kids who are looking for something new to read or to explore different genres.
The group recently finished a book and will be starting a new book on April 8 at 5 p.m. at the library. The new book is called “The Wishing Spell” by award-winning author and actor Chris Colfer. It is the first in Colfer’s No. 1 New York Times bestselling series, “The Land of Stories.” Mangus said that, by selecting this book, she hopes to introduce book club members to the series.
“We are hoping they’ll like it so much that they will read the rest of the series on their own,” she said.
The books are currently available in the library for those who want to get started with their reading. Participants can also pick up a book at the first meeting of the book club.
 

Teen Extreme  program
Another exciting program called “Teen Extreme” is also being offered for the teen/tween age group. The program is funded by a grant from Rocky Mountain Power. All materials will be supplied through the grant, along with refreshments. Participants must be 12 years of age or older to attend. The activities related program combines educational games and projects that are pure fun.
 So far, the program has been such a hit with this age group that the next activity scheduled, a creative journaling class, had to be broken into two sessions, to be held at the library on April 9 and 10 from 6-7:30 p.m. With limited seating available and more than 20 young people already signed up, Mangus recommends calling the library to reserve a spot for one of the sessions. Participants will learn basic art journaling techniques. An ongoing monthly journaling class will be held if enough participants wish to continue honing their journaling skills.
The library has already held some activities, including a teen “Family Feud” game and another activity called “Make Your Dream Come True,” all with good attendance. The dream-come-true activity brought in local business owners to talk to the teens about subjects related to entering the workforce, like interviewing techniques. Mangus added that another “big game” activity will most likely follow the journaling workshops, the details of which are yet to be determined.
“The idea is to get teenagers back into the library doing something fun,” said Mangus. “We’ve always done a teen activity at the library every summer, but this grant will allow us to do four activities for the year. Some of the teens have attended more than one activity but there are always new kids joining in the fun.”
Mangus added that the library has always seen an increase in young people participating in special programs and checking out books in the summer months. She said she hopes these new programs will spark more interest from teenagers throughout the year.