Every
year the Young Adult Library Services Association celebrates Teen Read Week, its
purpose is to encourage teens to be regular readers and library users. In
Reach’s own Girls of Worth Afterschool Literacy Club visited the Largo-Kettering Public
Library, one of their neighborhood libraries, in celebration of Teen Read Week. The group included 19 sixth grade
girls, In Reach Executive Director, Toni A. Smith, Manger, College Access
Programs, Katrina Robinson, and Partner Engagement Specialist and trip organizer, Samantha Trotter.
Largo-Kettering branch director, Devon Holland, opened her doors to the Girls of
Worth. She gave an impromptu tour and provided the opportunity for each young
lady to sign up for the new Student Library Card. This new card allows students
to check out a limited number of items without a financial burden. The
girls were intrigued to learn of some of the overlooked resources Prince
George’s County Metropolitan Library Services offer. Some of which include online homework help, test prep sessions and access to online movie and music
streaming all with their library card.
After
the tour and discussion the girls had a chance to familiarize themselves with
the branch. This time was filled with chatter between the young ladies about
their favorite genres of literature as well as which books they would begin
next. The bus ride home was filled with excitement. The girls discussed how they
would be visiting the branch and checking out books, music and movies as soon
as they received their new card. This Teen Read Week event met its goal of encouraging teens, in this case preteens, to be more frequent readers and library
visitors!
