Teen Read Month is a national celebration for teens to read for the fun of it. A chance to break away from the textbooks and enjoy programs designed for them.
The 2015 theme is “Get Away @ Your Library.” Free events and author visits are planned throughout Tulsa City-County libraries to showcase library resources for young adults. Programs are designed to offer entertainment as well as a dose of education.
Teens get an extra bonus during the month by receiving free replacement library cards as well as having late fees waived.
“Every October, the American Library Association presents Teen Read Week as an initiative to encourage teens to read for fun. At TCCL, we like that idea so much that we celebrate for the entire month,” said Leah Weyand, Tulsa City-County Library’s teen services coordinator. “Teens have so many options for entertainment, so it’s important to remind them to spend time reading for pleasure. Research shows that teens who read for fun have better test scores and are more likely to succeed in the workforce. There are so many possibilities that exist within the doors of the library and within the covers of books.”
Enjoy these free Teen Read Month programs in October:
Art Contest: Get Away @ Your Library” Collinsville Library, 1223 W. Main, Oct. 1-31 Design your dream getaway spot using whatever art form you desire. Artwork will be displayed and voted on by library customers. We’ll have prizes for winners! Registration is required. Call 918-549-7528 to register. For ages 10-18.
“Book Brag” Librarium, 11th & Denver, Oct. 1-17. Stop by and tell us about your favorite book or author in celebration of Teen Read Month. You'll get a chance to win a copy of Sonia Gensler's newest book, "Ghostlight," and then go meet the author at Helmerich Library on Oct. 20! For ages 10-18.
“Minecraft Gaming” Hardesty Regional Library, 8316 E. 93rd St., Thursday, Oct. 1, 6-8 p.m., Location: Computer Lab. Put your imagination to the test building your own world in the popular game Minecraft. For ages 12-18.
“Thrills and Chills, Worlds Dark and Mysterious: Meet Authors Rachel Vincent and Jennifer Barnes” Hardesty Regional Library, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2-3:30 p.m. Location: Connor's Cove. Discover the mysteries of alternate reality full of danger, mystery and the occasional werewolf. Hear Oklahoma authors Rachel Vincent and Jennifer Barnes discuss their joy for writing young adult novels and stay for a book signing. Books will be available for purchasing courtesy of Barnes & Noble. For ages 10-18 and adults.
“Star Wars Reads Day” Zarrow Regional Library, 2224 W. 51st St. Saturday, Oct. 10, 1-3 p.m. Feel the Force! Make a light saber and other cool crafts, play games, win prizes and celebrate all things "Star Wars." Costumes welcome! For ages 5-18.
“Hardesty Teen Anime/Manga Club” Hardesty Regional Library, Saturday, Oct. 10, 1-2:30 p.m. Location: Digital Lounge. Discuss your favorite manga characters and books while making a craft. For ages 12-18.
"Get Away: Minecraft Edition” Owasso Library, 103 W. Broadway, Thursday, Oct. 15, 4-5 p.m. Build your ideal "getaway" @ the Owasso Library by participating in a guided Minecraft building event. For ages 10-15. Registration is required. Class size is limited. Call 918-549-7624 to register.
“Battle of the Books” Martin Regional Library, 2601 S. Garnett Road, Saturday, Oct. 17, 1:30-3 p.m. Location: Auditorium. Watch as your librarians face off in an epic battle of the books. Vote for your favorite book to advance it to the next round and see which one wins the battle! Enter to win door prizes, enjoy refreshments and check out the featured books from YALSA's 2015 Teens' Top Ten Nominees! For teens. Sponsored by Tulsa Library Trust.
“Get Away @ Your Library: Dream Vacation” Collinsville Library, Monday, Oct. 19, 3-4 p.m. What is your dream vacation? Explore your destination by accessing cool Internet websites. For ages 10-18.
“Meet Author Sonia Gensler” Helmerich Library, 5131 E. 91st St. Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6-8 p.m. Meet Oklahoma author Sonia Gensler and celebrate Teen Read Month with historical/paranormal fiction. A writing workshop will conclude the author's presentation. For ages 13-19. Sponsored by the Friends of the Helmerich Library.
“h-tag# Tuesday” Helmerich Library, Tuesday, Oct. 27, 4:45-6:45 p.m. Join us for our monthly Teen Advisory Group meeting, book discussion and celebration of Teen Read Month.
“Learn to Make Beaded Jewelry” Brookside Library, 1207 E. 45th Place, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3:30-5 p.m. We'll create beaded bracelets and necklaces; supplies and ideas will be on hand. For ages 10-17. Seating is limited. Registration is required. Call 918-549-7507 to register.
“Halloween Mini Maker Fair” Librarium, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Join us for Halloween-themed crafts and maker activities. We'll have different activities for every age range including 3-D printing! For ages 10-18.
For more information on “Teen Read Month” or other library programs, call the AskUs Hotline, 918-549-7323 or visit www.tulsalibrary.org/teens.
# # #