Reading for fun at your library

by Jenn Beckstead, Teen Librarian
Tuesday, October 16, 2007 2:14 PM MDT

Teens read at school. They read for homework. They read novels, but they usually culminate in a book report.

Teens might sometimes forget that reading can also be just for fun! Reading for pleasure hones both literacy and comprehension skills without feeling like work. It’s a great way to augment the learning occurring every day in school, as well as a hobby to enjoy for life.

The national “Teen Read Week” initiative was developed 10 years ago to provide fun and exciting programs that promote reading not only for academic success, but also for personal satisfaction.

This week, Natrona County Public Library joins more than 4,800 other public and school libraries in encouraging teens to laugh out loud as they celebrate this year’s Teen Read Week theme, “LOL@your library.”

The NCPL Teen Zone is a great place to celebrate Teen Read Week. We have loads of teen-specific books, as well as activities to tickle their funny bones.

Last night’s Teen Poetry Slam at Metro Coffee Company provided plenty of laughter and applause, as teens showcased their literary and performance talents.

Those inspired by the comic genius of Jack Black, Jim Carrey or Adam Sandler will have a chance to showcase their skills too. A little bit of sarcasm and spunk are all you need to show your comic flare in our first ever Teen Comedy Slam.

The laughter will resound from the library’s Crawford Room on Thursday, Oct. 17, beginning at 7 p.m. Call 577-READ, or stop by the Teen Zone to sign up. And, of course, parents and friends are welcome to join in the fun!

To wrap up the week, teens in grades 7-12 can spend the afternoon of Friday, Oct. 19, laughing with each other as they join in the DDR & Guitar Hero craze. The game is on from 2-4 p.m. in your library’s Crawford Room.

In the midst of all the laughter, teens can fit in some funny reading by checking out these titles in the Teen Zone: Gordon Korman’s “No More Dead Dogs” is guaranteed to make teens “LOL.”

Check out the funnier side of the animal kingdom with Mario Garza’s “Stuff on My Cat” and Jill Greenberg’s “Monkey Portraits.” Scott McCloud’s “Making Comics” is a great choice for aspiring artists.

Adults and teens alike can satisfy their funny bones with a movie from our comedy section. Current teen favorites include “Blades of Glory,” starring Will Farrell and Jon Heder, and “Legally Blonde” with Reese Witherspoon.

We also carry popular TV series, such as “The Office” and “The Simpsons.” For even more fun, learn the art of musical lampooning with a CD by “Weird Al” Yankovic.

If you are looking for something to make you laugh out loud, don’t forget to include a trip to your library. And remember, whether you are a teenager or still a teen at heart, it’s never too late to pick up a book and read for the fun of it.

For more information, call 577-READ, ext. 101.

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